First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed has highlighted the importance of broadcasting as a national trust, and emphasised the need to educate upcoming generations about the sector. She made these remarks while speaking at the "Visions of the Future" art competition awards ceremony at the National Art Gallery.
Addressing at the ceremony, the First Lady noted that broadcasting service has been a fulfilling service in the Maldives history. She emphasised its crucial role in entertaining the public by relieving boredom and sadness, and fostering joy. She acknowledged the sector’s contribution in dissipating religious knowledge, instilling moral values, and sharing information on various fields.
The First Lady emphasised that the nation's broadcasting service has been instrumental in connecting the scattered islands of Maldives across vast oceanic distances. While there are multiple other media platforms, they cannot compete with the unique role fulfilled by television and radio, she noted. Therefore, the two services are both of the past and of the present, and it is important to educate the future generation on its significance, she said.
“It is important to ensure that our children once again re-engage with television and radio. It is equally important that the later generations are aware and understand the role of TV and radio on a national scale. The values, ideology and knowledge behind these services must be passed down to our children to build youth who foster interest in this sector— this is our hope. Broadcasting is a trust, a significant national trust. To defend the country’s interests and encourage religion, morality, and hard work — this is what television and radio promotes,” she stated.
Madam Sajidha said initiatives like the Broadcasting Commission's art competition would help shape students' career paths. She expressed hope that the sector would expand in the future.
The First Lady presented the ceremony's most prestigious awards, followed by a commemorative photo session. She then viewed the "Visions of the Future" artwork exhibition.