President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in his address marking the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence, called on citizens to embrace intellectual and personal growth as the foundation of national progress. Speaking at the official Independence Day ceremony held Sunday morning at the Maldives Centre for Social Education, he asserted that true development begins with individual resolve.
“Genuine progress is unattainable without individuals resolving to develop their own minds and selves,” President Muizzu said, underscoring that national advancement is contingent upon the self-betterment of each Maldivian.
His remarks extended beyond personal development to a broader appeal for cultural and national consciousness. The president urged citizens to take pride in their identity, honour the sacrifices of national heroes, and uphold the core values of the Dhivehi language, Islam, and Maldivian heritage, principles he described as essential to safeguarding the nation’s integrity and future.
Turning to the historical struggle for sovereignty, President Muizzu paid tribute to the “tireless, sincere, and arduous national efforts” that secured independence for the Maldives. He cautioned that preserving this legacy demands active and enduring commitment from every citizen.
“The safeguarding of the Maldivian nation's independence and its transmission to future generations will only be realised through your personal endeavour. This is a fundamental truth that each of us must, without any doubt, unequivocally accept today,” he said. He reiterated that prioritising national love is the only means of ensuring the continuity of independence.
The president also outlined his administration’s principal policy: placing Maldivians at the centre of national priorities. While acknowledging the utility of foreign assistance, he maintained that the essential needs of the population must be addressed by Maldivians themselves. This approach, he noted, informs the administration’s foreign relations, which must be shaped to serve the interests of the Maldivian people.
Underscoring the importance of unity, President Muizzu called on the nation to move forward in a single direction, guided by a shared commitment to patriotism and national integrity. He stressed that the country’s survival depends on this collective mindset.
He concluded by reaffirming his government’s dedication to national development, pledging to work tirelessly, day and night, with sincerity to fulfil its promises and serve the Maldivian people with unwavering commitment.