Minister Heena Urges Integrity and Patriotism as Maldives Marks Huravee Day
Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed has called on Maldivians to mark Huravee Day by resolving to serve the nation with integrity and put the country’s interests above all else.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the official ceremony held in Kaafu Atoll Huraa today, Minister Heena reflected on the selfless leadership of national hero Dhonbandaarain, who liberated the Maldives from foreign occupation. She noted that Dhonbandaarain did not rise in defence of the nation for personal glory or political gain. When offered the throne in the aftermath of victory, he declined it, choosing instead to remain loyal to the reigning monarch and ensuring the dynasty continued under the king’s rightful heir.
advertisement
advertisement
Describing him as the ultimate model of a true national hero, Minister Heena urged citizens today to draw enduring lessons from his example.
“We observe Huravee Day in remembrance of this noble struggle,” she said. “On an occasion such as this, there are vital lessons we must take to heart and resolve to uphold: to love our country, to remain honest and faithful to it, and to always put the nation first. We must preserve these noble moral values inherited from our forebears so that we may pass them on to future generations.”
Turning to current national priorities, the Minister stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is anchored in both infrastructural development and human capital. She noted that ongoing human development initiatives aimed at transforming the Maldives into a fully developed nation by 2040 will pave the way for balanced, holistic national progress.
As part of this agenda, the government is advancing its national programme to revive Maldivian nationalism, fostering civic pride and a collective commitment to safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty. Minister Heena also announced that preparations are complete to officially launch the National Respect Campaign, an inclusive, countrywide initiative spearheaded by President Muizzu this coming Saturday evening under the slogan “The Joy of Respect – The Benefit of Society.”
Huravee Day is observed annually across the Maldives on the third day of Jumada al-Akhirah to honour the liberation of the country from South Indian Malabar rule. After three months and 20 days of occupation, Sultan Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin (I), popularly known as Dhonbandaarain, together with four close companions and roughly 200 fighters, reclaimed the nation’s independence on the night of 3 Jumada al-Akhirah 1166 AH.
