The community of Utheemu, North Thiladhummathi atoll, has been conferred the Presidential Honour for Distinguished Service to the Nation.

The designation was awarded during the official National Day ceremony held Sunday morning.

The honour, the first of its kind to be awarded to a community, comes in recognition of the island's distinguished service in preserving national identity, for safeguarding Utheemu Ganduvaru, the historic residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu al-Auzam, which the people of Utheemu have preserved for nearly 500 years.

Utheemu is the home of the national hero Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu’l Auzam Siree Savaadheeththa Mahaaradhun. The island is also home to Utheemu Ganduvaru, revered as the centre of the movement that ultimately secured the Maldives’ independence from Portuguese rule. Mohamed Thakurufaanu, together with his brothers and loyal companions, waged a determined eight-year campaign against the Portuguese. To evade capture, they would land on different islands under the cover of night, strike swiftly, and withdraw before dawn. Their struggle reached its climax in Malé, where they overthrew the Portuguese leadership and restored freedom to the capital.

The decision to bestow special honour on Utheemu for its role in preserving national identity is a recognition of the enduring dedication of its people. For centuries, the community of Utheemu has safeguarded Utheemu Ganduvaru, maintaining the palace with unwavering care and reverence. This sense of duty, rooted in national pride at being the birthplace of the beloved hero Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu al-Auzam, has ensured the survival of the palace in remarkable condition for over five centuries. Within Utheemu Ganduvaru, visitors can view a remarkable collection of heritage items that reflect the daily life of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu and his family.

The residence houses antique wooden furniture, traditional prayer rooms, and simple sleeping quarters, offering a glimpse into the domestic setting of the 16th century. Preserved with great care are also various artifacts attributed to the Sultan and his household, each piece carrying the legacy of a time when Utheemu was at the heart of the struggle for Maldivian independence.

Due to the reverence given to the palace by the community and due to the diligence in maintaining it, Utheemu Ganduvaru is a major tourist attraction – one of the relatively few heritage tourism attractions in the country.