President's appeal: Give up ideological warfare, put patriotism first

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday urged the people to defend themselves against the biggest challenge to nationalism, war of ideas.

The president made the appeal while speaking at a special ceremony held at Dharubaaruge to present the National Awards. In his speech, he focused mainly on nationalism.

"Today, we need to think about addressing the obstacles and challenges of nationalism," he said.

One of the biggest challenges facing nationalism, according to him, was ideological war.

"In order to defend ourselves from this war and keep our nation alive, we should instil love for the country in our hearts. ‘Hubbal Watan’ (national love) should be instilled in the hearts of the children," he said.

We should love the country, he said, not just for the benefits a nation can provide.

"We should love the country because we are born on this land, because we represent the land. And because one's race, roots and bloodline remains in that land," he said.

"To keep nationalism alive is to love all of a country’s characteristics and values. To believe in the sanctity of the country. To uphold all the constituents of nationalism".

He went on to say that it is important to have strong ties with other countries to defend our patriotism. According to the president, this is because peace and tranquillity within and around a nation are the 'energy' needed to revive a nation.

"The energy to reviving a nation comes from the peace and tranquillity within the community. We are living in a complex world. Maintaining strong ties with other countries is equally important in protecting nationalism," he said.

While he said it was important to have close ties with other countries to keep nationalism alive, the opposition coalition has said this government's relationship with India was a challenge to the country's independence. The leader of the opposition, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, has also been critical of India's relationship.

This year, 32 people were awarded national awards: