Vice President Faisal Naseem has underlined it is a responsibility of every citizen to safeguard children and nurture them with good convictions and values to ensure a brighter future.
Speaking at the official ceremony held at Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll on the occasion of the 31st National Poets' Day, Vice President Naseem highlighted one of the most popular poems which talks about upbringing children while giving the protection and care they need. He called upon all citizens, including parents and teachers, to take lessons from the poem and follow the brave message in it.
Vice President Naseem noted the importance of celebrating Poets' Day and acknowledged the contribution made by poets to local literature and how it connects directly or indirectly to societal harmony. The vice president said the main purpose of marking the day was to celebrate Maldivian poets and to promote the art and spread the beauty and happiness involved in poetry. He highlighted the great effort and important role played by Dhivehi Language Academy and Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage in encouraging poets.
The First National Poet's Day was celebrated in 1989. The day is marked in the honour of influential Maldivian literary figure Ibrahim Shihab.