The official logo for the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day has been unveiled. The logo was first revealed during the 8:00 pm news bulletin by PSM News.
The Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage earlier this month opened submissions for a commemorative logo to be used for state’s official documents and other purposes throughout the year. The requirements for the logo included the logo design symbolising Islam, the Maldivian language, culture, heritage, identity and the country’s independence. In addition, the requirements includes the use of colors that symbolises the Maldives.
Speaking to PSM News, the Director of the Ministry of Dhivehi Language,Culture, and Heritage, Aishath Hamla said about 30 submissions were received by the Ministry. A special committee was formed to judge the entries, she said.
"The judging process was conducted over two stages. During the first stage, we determined if the logos were submitted according to the requirements. In the second stage, we determined how much the requirements were fulfilled in each submission,” Hamla explained.
The Ministry appointed a committee of judges to assess the submissions. The panel included Kashima Ahmed Shakir, Mohamed Abdul Gadir, Mohamed Shahruzziyad, and Fares Mohamed Amir. The winning logo was designed Faruhad Ibrahim.
Judges' Committee Member Mohamed Abdul Gadir said many factors were considered in judging the logos. The judges assessed numbered logos to ensure fairness, and upon comparing the marks awarded by each judge, the individual scores were found to be consistent across the panel.
"We are very pleased with the logo we selected as number one. It has all the elements - Maldivian features, the national identity, etc. We also checked whether there are similar logos anywhere else in the world," Abdul Gadir said.
The Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage said it took three days to complete the judging process of the logos.
The countdown to this year's Independence Day will be launched by PSM at 12:00 am on 27 June.