Minister: National Day is a day of hope and a day to move away from sadness

Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim has described National Day as a day of hope and a day to move away from sadness and sorrows.

Speaking at the official National Day reception held at HA. Utheemu on Sunday, Minister Naseer said the nation endured many days of extreme hardship while preparing for the fight against the Portuguese and defending the country, which ultimately led to a national victory.

“The National Day tells us that it is a day of hope and a day to move away from sorrows. We endured many days of extreme hardship fighting against a major world power with just the most basic preparations,” he said.

Minister Naseer also described the National Day as a day of unity, taking example from the fact Utheemu dynasty received assistance from people across the Maldives in their fight against the Portuguese, including direct participation in the fight.

The Minister emphasized that the stories surrounding National Day have been passed down through generations, as the country approaches its 500th National Day.

Minister Naseer further described National Day as a day of religion.

“At a time our religion, the holy religion of Islam, was extremely weakened among Maldivians, the victory attained by the tireless efforts of Utheemu dynasty and the school run through Vaadhoo Dhannakaleyfaanu helped restore Islam among the Maldives and spread the religion across the country,” he added.

Speaking further, Minister Naseer said praised President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, citing the National Day’s reception as evidence of the priority regarded by the President to Maldives’ nationality, culture and traditions and the importance of the President’s policy on safeguarding the nation’s independence.

Maldives celebrates National Day on the 1^st of Rabee ul-Awwal each Islamic year to commemorate the victory of al-Sultan al-Ghaazee Mohamed Thakurufaanu al-Auzam over the Portuguese occupation in the year 1573.