Vice President Faisal Naseem has said that it is a responsibility of every citizen to safeguard children and nurture them with good convictions and values to ensure a brighter future. The Vice President made these remarks while speaking at the official ceremony held at Dhiggaru Island of Meemu Atoll on the occasion of the 31st National Poets' Day.
In this regard, the Vice President mentioned one of the most popular poems which talks about upbringing children while giving the protection and care they need. He called upon all citizens, including parents and teachers, to take lessons from the poem and follow the brave message in it.
The Vice President also noted the importance of celebrating Poets’ Day and acknowledged the contribution made by poets to local literature and connects directly or indirectly to societal harmony. He said the main purpose of marking the day was to celebrate Maldivian poets and to promote the art and spread the beauty and happiness involved in poetry.
The Vice President highlighted the great effort and important role played by Dhivehi Bahuge Academy and Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage in encouraging poets to continue their works. The Vice President also recalled the warm welcome given to him by residents of Dhiggaru upon arrival to the island, and sincerely thanked them for their kind hospitality.
The National Poets’ Day ceremony began with the presentation of a 'Plaque of Recognition' to the Vice President on behalf of students of Dhiggaru School, followed by presenting of the 'Plaque of Recognition' to Mr Abdul Rasheed Hussain, a recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin.
This year's National Poets’ Day was dedicated to the writings of Mr Abdul Rasheed Hussain - Dhiggaru is his Island of birth. Abdul Rasheed Hussain has produced and continues to produce valuable works of poetry and literature.
Speaking at the ceremony the Vice President highlighted the great contribution made by Abdul Rasheed Hussain to literature and poetry in general and mentioned the societal values revealed in some of his poems. The Vice President emphasized the importance of celebrating Poets’ Day and remembering the memory of the famous orators and poets of the Maldives.
At the ceremony, the Vice President launched the poetry book “Ïzzage Lhen Foiy”.
The First National Poet's Day was celebrated in 1989 and honoured influential Maldivian literary figure, Honorable Al-Usthaaz Ibrahim Shihab.
During the trip to Dhiggaru Island, the Vice President also attended "Lhen Veringe Gunzar", part of many activities held to celebrate National Poets’Day.