Historian Kashima Shakir releases book on Maldives’ first president

Maldivian historian Kashima Ahmed Shakir has released a biography on Mohamed Ameen Didi – the Maldives’ first president.

The book was unveiled by Abbas Ibrahim in a ceremony at the national radio station building on Friday night.

Speaking at the launch event, Shakir said the book documents Ameen Didi’s life from his childhood to his tragic death, including his school days, his days as a civil servant, and his presidency.

“This biography will shed light on Mohamed Ameen, from his childhood to his passing. Readers will come to understand the extent to which he loved this country, and how much he spent his time thinking about this country,” he said.

Shakir said he had been working on the book for at least a decade.

Shakir said the book contains information collected from people who had been close to Mohamed Ameen, many of whom have since passed.

The book provides a detailed account of the significant events of Mohamed Ameen’s life.

Ameen Didi served as President of Maldives for eight months – between January 1953 and August 1953. He was removed from power and banished to Vihamanaafushi Island – now Kurumba Island Resort – where he died in January 1954.