Soadhube: An exemplary figure in Dhivehi literature

Abdulla Sadiq, commonly known as Soadhube, is among the most prominent figures in modern Dhivehi literature. Having taught Dhivehi language to thousands of young men and women, he is known by the current Maldivian generation as the undisputed authority when it comes to Dhivehi literature.

In addition to teaching Dhivehi language, Soadhube produced books on Dhivehi grammar and idioms, and wrote stories, essays, and poetry.

For his contributions to Dhivehi literature, Soadhube received the National Award of Recognition in the field of public service in 1980 and 1983, the National Award of Recognition in the field of poetry in 1992, the National Award of Honor in the field of literature in 1998, the Minivan 25 Award in the field of public service, Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, and the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin in 2019.

The National Poets’ Day being celebrated on Wednesday is dedicated to Soadhube’s works. This year’s theme is one of his most popular poetries – “Ahannakee Dhivessakeen Dhivehi Ulhumuge Vessakeen” which loosely translates to “I am a Maldivian; I live the Maldivian way.”

Soadhube began dabbling in poetry during his school life at Dhaarul Igama. He went on to join the fifth batch of Madrasathul Majeedhiyya, finishing his school life during the golden era of renowned poets the likes of Ibrahim Shihab and Mohamed Jameel Didi. Their works played a significant role in inspiring Sodhube to publish his own works.

Sodhube is known for versality in his poetry, writing poems on various topics and in conjunction with various occasions.

As an educator, Soadhube taught Dhivehi language at Madhrasathul Majeedhiyya and Madhrasathul Ameeniya. He also taught Dhivehi language to Maldivian students residing in neighboring Sri Lanka, and served as a secretary and member at the National Council of Dhivehi Language and Literature.

Soadhuge also worked in the field of journalism. He served as the first editor of the newspaper Haveeru which was established in 1979, and contributed to content produced by the state media service Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu and Television Maldives, even presenting radio shows. He received the prestigious Alimas Galan Award for journalism in 2019.

One of the most well-known poems by Soadhube is the ‘Eid Aee Hinithunvamun’, which is continues to be played at full blast during Eid.

When asked about the poem in an interview, Soadhube said he wrote it at the request of Summer Blue Ibrahim Manik – who had been in charge of the state TV and radio channels at the time. According to Soadhube, Ibrahim Manik had asked him to wrote the poem on the very last day of Ramadan, and he had written it overnight.

Soadhube, who served the state for over 55 years, is no longer active in literature due to his ailing health. But the love the 90-year-old has for literature remains ever-lasting.

The official function to celebrate Poets Day is scheduled to be held at the Center for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) in Hulhumale’ at 08:30 pm on Thursday. The function will be attended prominent Dhivehi poets and litterateurs. A separate event – Lhenveringe Gunzaru – is scheduled to take place on January 30.