Public Service Media (PSM)’s PSM News has launched a special documentary titled ‘Minivan Dhivehi Raajje’ on the occasion of this year’s Independence Day. The documentary was officially launched at a special ceremony held at PSM's Television Building on Thursday, by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel and Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim.
PSM News regularly airs special programmes and documentaries on significant occasions and days celebrated at the national level. However, this year's Independence Day documentary is unique, and stands out for its historical depth and perspectives.
The documentary highlights the reasons why the Maldives fell under British protection in 1887, the living conditions of the Maldivian people at that time and other key historical facts. While the Maldives was under the British protection for over 70 years, the documentary discusses in detail the rise of the independence movement and the important role played by the then Prime Minister, Ibrahim Nasir in leading the country towards full independence and sovereignty.
One of the most distinctive features about the documentary is its coverage of some events that took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the historic location where the Maldivian independence treaty was signed. Notably, Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to establish official diplomatic relations with the Maldives after it gained independence. While this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence, it also celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Sri Lanka. Therefore, this documentary also looks at the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
The documentary features footage captured and information collected by the PSM team on location in Sri Lanka, as well as exclusive interviews with prominent historians on the Maldives’ path to independence.
PSM News produced the Independence Day documentary with significant support and cooperation of the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the High Commission of the Maldives in Sri Lanka. The purpose of the documentary is to preserve the journey of the people of the Maldives to achieve full independence and convey the story to future generations through an accurate and scholarly lens.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel praised PSM News and urged other media outlets in the Maldives to follow the example set by PSM in promoting national heritage. He emphasised the value of historical documentaries such as Minivan Dhivehi Raajje, noting that other countries have dedicated spaces in museums to preserve such works.
The Foreign Minister stressed the responsibility of the media in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, urging outlets to avoid disseminating content that is damaging to the country’s interests. He stressed that misinformation harms the country, and called on citizens to take the lead in reviving nationalism.
Noting that the first line of defence for small countries like the Maldives is their foreign policy, the Foreign Minister said the Maldives has earned a reputation as a country with strong policies. The Minister said that this has helped create close relations with other countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim said the Maldivian people have a proud history, with recent findings showing that the Maldivian state has functioned for more than 4,000 years. The Minister said historical knowledge must be passed down to future generations officially and systematically in the modern era instead of letting nature take its course. He described documentaries like Minivan Dhivehi Raajje as invaluable contributions to this effort.