Heritage Minister Urges State Media to Prioritize Dhivehi Language and National Identity

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heena Waleed, has called on PSM News to serve as a primary driver in promoting nationalism and preserving the Dhivehi language and Maldivian cultural heritage. Speaking at a ceremony marking the state broadcaster's ninth anniversary, Minister Heena emphasized that the network holds a pivotal role in educating the public and shaping the nation's identity. Having been instrumental in the founding of PSM News, the Minister expressed her satisfaction with the news team's commitment to disseminating information. However, she noted that the stewardship of state media requires a heightened level of accountability. She underscored the necessity of rigorous fact-checking and truth verification to ensure that reliable information reaches citizens across the diverse regions of the Maldives. A central theme of the Minister's address was the urgent need to cultivate cultural appreciation among the younger generation. She implored the broadcaster to create content that fosters a deep-seated love for the nation’s customs and history in the hearts of children. "To inspire the entire nation to safeguard the Dhivehi language, our national identity, and our cultural heritage by actively disseminating related information; to instill a profound affection for our native tongue within the hearts of our youth," Minister Heena remarked. She further stated that her vision is for PSM News to ensure children awaken to a deep awareness of their traditions and culture. In addition to her call for cultural preservation, the Minister commended the organization's institutional growth, characterizing it as an advanced newsroom. The anniversary event concluded with an awards ceremony, where accolades were presented across 19 categories to recognize outstanding performance and dedication over the preceding year.