Dr. Ashraf: Literary competitions crucial for promotion of nationalism

It is crucial to hold literary competitions related to the Dhivehi language in order to promote Maldivian nationalism, states Dr. Ashraf Abdul Raheem, president of Dhivehi Bahuge Academy.

He made the comment at the opening of the 36th national oral competition at the King Salman Mosque’s auditorium on Friday evening.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ashraf said it is the responsibility of the current generation to revive the good habits of the Maldivians of the past, which in turn is necessary to promote nationalism.

He said that the promotion of nationalism lies in different literary competition.

And this is the guiding basis of an oratory competition, he said.

“I have a short answer; it is to promote nationalism. It is to uphold Maldives nationalism. To protect everything that ends with ‘Maldivian’. That responsibility currently falls on my head. But those among you will take over the positions we now hold some day,” he said.

Ashraf said that the promotion of Dhivehi language and nationalism is crucial to ensuring Maldives remains independent and undivided.

He said that the reason why students are required to speak on different topics is to expand their intellect.

“Dhivehi language is one of the biggest sources of why we are one nation, united in our intellect and ideology. Therefore, we need to hold such competitions and educate and inform students through these competition, make you understand what happened and why, and make you explain it in your own words, in order to protect this language,” he said.

Ashraf said that oratory skill is an important skill to learn for success in all modes of life, whether in personal lives or careers.

Ashraf acknowledged the support from schools in the atolls for the competition.

He wished the competing students the best of luck.