Minister Heena Launches National Project to Rekindle Respect and Islamic Morality in Maldivian Society

Minister of Heritage Heena Waleed has said that a nation gains goodness and benefit through the moral qualities instilled within its people. Speaking at a ceremony held tonight at Maafannu Stadium to inaugurate the "National Project for Practicing Respect," Minister Heena said the main purpose of the project is to re-instill in society the beautiful values of Islamic discipline and morality that have long existed among Maldivians. She also noted that this is an important effort begun to build humanity for the sake of the beloved Maldivian homeland and the continuity of future generations. Minister Heena said that when carrying out such a project on a broad scale, it is important to look at the past and the present situation. In that regard, she recalled that some parties who have visited the Maldives have also noted that Maldivians have always been a people of beautiful manners. Minister Heena said that the basis of being a people of manners is not merely visible physical development, but its foundation is the morality within that people and the way they deal with others. Noting that discipline and respect are the soul of a human society, the Minister said that it means opening one's heart to the feelings of others and taking their situation into consideration. She said that respect is the most complete honour and love given to another's humanity, and that through it, a path is eased for the formation of relationships and the establishment of trust. "Respect is a gift that cannot be valued in money, cannot be carried on the shoulder, cannot be expressed in words, cannot be counted in numbers. This is the most beautiful of the beautiful qualities of a human being. What a fortunate community is a national society composed of individuals who possess these qualities?" Heena said. The Minister further said that it is important for every person to be a participant in a society that practices respect.