Maldives National University (MNU) has launched the first two books written under its book writing grant.
At the ceremony, MNU launched Velaa Finolhu, a children’s book on the importance of preserving the environment, and a book called Dharumaveri Ruh. The two books were written by Lecturer at MNU Leela Ahmed.
The book writing grant aims to increase the number of books published in the Maldives by assisting writers in writing and releasing their work. MNU stated it received 30 proposals for the grant last year and distributed grants totalling USD65,000 to 14 proposals.
The books were launched at a special ceremony by Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. He said reading is a vanishing habit and adults need to read in order for the habit to be instilled in children. He also said efforts by MNU to publish more books will provide opportunities to writers and make writing and reading more popular. He emphasised the importance of the university’s work for nation-building, noting that the Maldives does not have a culture of writing and there was a time in its history that the writing and publication of books were banned.
Also at the ceremony, Leela said she was inspired to write the books during the COVID-19 lockdown and hoped that the books will inspire children to preserve the environment and teach them good values.
Speaker Nasheed also inaugurated the MNU Book Fair 2022, which is being held from October 11-13 at the MNU Central Administration. The fair consists of 22 stalls and 1,400 books for all ages.