Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim has urged the Maldivian people to prioritise the Dhivehi language, culture and heritage as a new year resolution.
The Minister made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the literary competition.
The Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim said that every year, each child resolves a list of achievements as a new year resolution, which he said is important for every child to do so for next year.
However, the Minister urged each student to include something in the field of Dhivehi language, literature and Dhivehi identity next year. He said it is important to use these areas in the school environment and communication among friends.
"New Year’s resolution could be to switch note-taking to Dhivehi. That I will take notes in Dhivehi from now on. Secondly, have a friend who will speak only in Dhivehi. If you want, you can talk to all your friends in Dhivehi. Thirdly, talk to an elderly person from your respective island to learn about your history," Adam Naseer suggested.
He also made an important suggestion as a tool students can utilise in essay writing, saying that students could write about the rich experiences and stories their grandmothers or grandfathers have to share.
“It is important that our family tells us about the skills that the grandmother has. It could be about what she cooks well. Or the skills the grandfather knows. How he used to travel and the places he has visited,” he said.
The Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim also stressed on the importance of new ideas and thinking to boost productivity and innovation.
During the ceremony, winners of the essay writing, poetry writing and short story writing competitions were announced.
The winners of the 39th National Literary Competition are:
Essay Writing - School Category
- Lower Secondary Category: 1st - Aishath Zakau Waseef/ Sharafuddin School
- Secondary Category: 1st - Aishath Malak Qusayyu/ Ghazi School
- Higher Secondary Category: 1st - Shuau Ismail Shan/ Ahmadiyya International School
Essay Writing - Public Category
- 1st in the Under 18 category - Hawaa Zain Zameel
- 1st in the Over 18 category - Shimla Adam
Story Writing Competition for the Sheikh Malim Moosa MaaiyKaleyfaanu Memorial Trophy
- Lower Secondary Category: 1st - Fatimath Azka - Abdullah / Jamaluddin School
- Secondary Category: 1st - Fathimath Yasmi Faiz/Fonadhoo School
- Upper Secondary Category: 1st - Saib Mohamed Zaheen / Villa International High School
Story Writing Competition - Public Category
- 1st in the Under 18 category - Shaayan Abdulla Amir
- 1st in the Over 18 category - Ramzeena Mohamed
The 27th Huiyy Ali Didi Memorial Cup Poetry Competition
- Lower Secondary: 1st - Fatimath Mishka Abdul Majid / Jamaluddin School
- Secondary Class: 1st - Fatimath Sarah Nazeer / Jamaluddin School
- Higher Secondary: 1st - Jumana Hameed Ali / Ihavandhoo School
No participant scored enough marks to be selected 1st in the Under 18 age group.
Over 18 age group: 1st - Ali Naufal