Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim has said that Maldivians must remain prepared to defend the country’s independence, drawing on the sacrifices made by previous generations.

Speaking at a panel discussion held to mark the 1447th Martyrs’ Day, the Minister said the Maldives’ long history, spanning more than 4,000 years, has been shaped by sacrifice, resilience and the loss of lives in the defence of the nation.

He cautioned against the assumption that threats faced by the Maldives in the past cannot recur, stressing the need for continued vigilance to safeguard independence. The Minister said the country must be ready to confront challenges with courage and determination, regardless of the form they take.

“A state is formed through defence, and a country survives through defence,” he said, adding that modern threats increasingly take the form of intellectual and ideological challenges. He urged the public to remain alert and vigilant in response.

The Minister said the Government is undertaking significant efforts to strengthen public awareness of the country’s history and heritage, noting that understanding the sacrifices of past generations is essential to national unity.

“Just as a tree needs its roots, a country needs its history,” he said. “Reconnecting people with their heritage and teaching them to value their past is a way to unite the nation.”

He further said no country has the right to ignore issues that threaten its independence and called on Maldivians to be mindful of the information they consume and the influences they encounter. Emphasising personal responsibility, he urged citizens to critically assess what they see, hear and learn, and to consider what best serves the interests of the Maldivian people.