Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef on Friday affirmed the foundational role of community service in cultivating patriotism and advancing local prestige, delivering remarks as guest of honour at the fourth annual ‘Mahaasanadhu’ award ceremony hosted by the Meedhoo Island Council in Raa Atoll.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Latheef described Meedhoo as a historically and culturally significant island, praising its residents as patriotic custodians of local heritage. He noted their dedication to preserving traditional customs and cultural games through sustained collective effort, and highlighted the community’s openness to progress as a defining characteristic.
In this context, he suggested that Meedhoo serves as a model for proactive development, with the Mahaasanadhu award ceremony itself standing as a clear example of this commitment. The event, he observed, demonstrates that numerous individuals are undertaking extensive work geared toward the advancement and progress of the island.
Recognition of such efforts, he argued, plays a vital role in reinforcing social cohesion. “When the value of such services is appreciated, it fosters love for the island and instils the ambition among the citizens to bring renown to the island and dedicate themselves to its service, thereby strengthening ongoing efforts toward development and bolstering community unity,” the vice president said.
He also underscored the power of collective action in achieving shared goals, advocating for unified engagement as a means of attaining development objectives. “If everyone works collectively, it paves the way for the development objectives to be achieved with greater ease,” he added. “The outcome of this commitment will be the continued advancement of the island, transforming it into a community where residents live in security and contentment.”
The ceremony, now in its fourth iteration, honours individuals and organisations that have contributed meaningfully to Meedhoo’s development and reputation. This year, 55 recipients were recognised across nine distinct categories. The ‘Nooraanee Filaa’ award was presented to 10 recipients, while 11 individuals received the ‘Aburuveri Haakima Filaa’ award. Nine recipients were honoured with the ‘Nooraanee’ award, and 13 were recognised with the ‘Fannuveri Filaa’ award. The ‘Thakhkhaan’ award was conferred upon four recipients, and two individuals received the ‘Madhadhuveri’ award.
One recipient was honoured with the ‘Nalanala Meedhoo’ award, and four received the ‘Kaleyfaanu’ award. The highest honour, the ‘Thakurufaanu’ award, was presented to Mohamed Waseem. The ‘Thakurufaanu’ award recognises a native of Meedhoo who has rendered more than 25 years of service in public management while serving as the head of a government institution.