Dr. Ashraf: Literature must be free from envy and discord

Dhivehi Bahuge Academy’s president Dr. Ashraf Abdul Raheem has called on writers to be honest in their work by refraining from creating discord and envy, while highlighting on the major issues facing the country.

In an address on occasion of Writers’ Day on Saturday, Ashraf said works of literature must be free of personal interest and bias.

Noting that the modern age had given birth to multiple online newspapers and various other mediums through which writings are shared, he stressed that writers must always put the best interests of the nation first.

“You shouldn’t be writers who adjust the firewood so the fires of political fights and major differences in opinion burn brighter,” he said.

Ashraf also urged writers to use clear and concise Dhivehi terms, which had been carried forward by generations.

He said that though rare, some writers had abandoned the standards of Dhivehi language and were using their own made-up standards.

He also expressed concern over the increase in terms that do not meet the standards of Dhivehi language.

“Beloved writers. Don’t do this. Take care of the Dhivehi language. Write in line with the standards of Dhivehi language. This is my sincere appeal,” he said.

Maldives has celebrated Writers’ Day on July 8 each year, since 1993. The date marks the release of Maldives’ first published magazine ‘Al-Islaah’, 90 years ago.

This year’s Writers’ Day is dedicated to the works of the great literature Mohamed Jameel.