Habeeba Hussain: long term server of Dhivehi Language passed away

Habeeba Hussain Habeeb – attributer of numerous services to the Dhivehi Language passed away on Monday.

Sun has come to know that Habeeba passed away while undergoing treatment for some time at ADK Hospital, from old age.

At the time of her passing, she was 92 years old.

Habeeba completed her education at India’s Usmaniyya High School in Urdu medium, and then in English medium from Sri Lanka.

Habeeba has translated numerous books in Urdu and English to Dhivehi. Her writings have been published in local magazines and publications such as “Viyafaari Miadhu”, “Shuoor”, “Jinsulatheefu”, “Huvandhu”, “Moonlight”, “Amaazu” and “Faithoora”.

In addition to the note-worthy contributions, she made to the Dhivehi Language and heritage, she had also served 50 years in the government. During this period, she spent many years running the National Library of Maldives.

Starting out as the library’s very first librarian on December 12, 1978, she later led managing the place from 1981 till 2018 when she resigned.

She has been conferred multiple awards by the government for her contribution to the country. This includes the President’s award Gold Pen, the Presidential award for 25 years of government service, and the Presidential Encouragement award for her services in translation work.

Notably, her grandfather was Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddin III, who ruled Maldives for over 32 years. Her father is Ah Nabeel Hussain Habeeb and her mother is Ameera Shahima Shamsuddin.

Habeeba has three children with her husband Abdulla Zubair.