First Lady Hails Bodu Thakurufaanu’s Jihad as Symbol of Maldivian Courage

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has praised the national jihad of Al-Ghazi Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam, popularly known as Bodu Thakurufaanu, as a timeless testament to the courage and bravery of the Maldivian people. In a message shared via social media to mark National Day, the First Lady highlighted that Bodu Thakurufaanu’s struggle for liberation symbolizes the unity and unwavering determination that define the national spirit. She extended her greetings to the public, calling on the nation to commemorate the valiant heroes who fought to secure the independence of the Maldives. National Day is observed annually on the first day of Rabi' al-Awwal to commemorate the liberation of the Maldives from Portuguese colonial rule. The historical victory, led by Mohamed Thakurufaanu, remains one of the most pivotal moments in the country's history, marking the end of an era of foreign occupation in the 981st year of the Hijri calendar. The current administration has placed a renewed emphasis on celebrating national milestones with significance and reverence. To honor this year's occasion, the government has organized a series of commemorative activities designed to educate the public on the nation's heritage. The official National Day ceremony will take place in Utheemu, the ancestral birthplace of Mohamed Thakurufaanu. By centering the celebrations in Utheemu, the government aims to connect the modern generation with the physical landscape where the struggle for independence began.