President Muizzu Urges Maldivians to Defend Independence, Shed Debt Bondage on Huruvai Day

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called on Maldivians to welcome "the dawn of prosperity" rather than remain in the bondage of debt, in a Huruvai Day message shared on the social media platform X on Friday. Sending greetings to the Maldivian people, the President said deep reflection is essential as nearly three centuries approach since the historic event of Huruvai Day, particularly on how world affairs are unfolding today and how independence must be defended in this era. He said lessons must be drawn from the scenes seen through the lens of history and that the face of the nation's future must be brightened. The President stated that national sincerity must be placed before political emotions, and that the welfare of the entire community must be given priority over personal interests. He added that, before the influence of rule and envy, priority must be given to national security, prosperity and the happiness of every Maldivian individual. In the message, the President prayed that the Almighty grant the highest blessings of Paradise to the soul of national hero Dhon Bandaarain Al-Sultan Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin, who he said waged a mighty struggle for independence and dignity and for the rights of the noble religion of Islam, and saved the country from the plots of the Malabars. Concluding the message, he prayed for progress, success, strength and renewal for the Maldivian nation, desiring that the nation be kept forever upon independence. Huruvai Day marks the liberation of the Maldives from Malabar rule. According to historical accounts, on the 3rd day of the month of Safar in the year 1166 AH (20 December 1752), the Malabars entered Malé and seized rule of the country because of a letter sent by a group of Maldivians. The then king, Al-Sultan Mukarram Mohamed Imaduddin III, was arrested and taken to Kannanur in India. After 3 months and 20 days under Malabar rule, Muleege Don Hassan Manikufaanu (Dhon Bandaarain), leading a Maldivian force, fought and defeated the Malabars, freeing the country on the night of the 3rd day of the month of Jumada al-Akhirah in the year 1166 AH (7 April 1753). Dhon Bandaarain later ascended the throne in the year 1173 AH (1759 AD) under the name Al-Sultan Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin Sri Kularanmeeba Kathiri Bavana Maha Radun. After ruling for 7 years, he passed away on the 2nd day of the month of Ramadan in the year 1180 AH (1 February 1767) and was buried within the grounds of Malé Friday Mosque. The 3rd day of the month of Jumada al-Akhirah in the Hijri calendar is marked every year as Huruvai Day to commemorate Dhon Bandaarain, the founder of the Hura dynasty born in Hura, Kaafu Atoll. The day was first marked in the Maldives on 18 April 1400 AH. The main purpose of marking the day is to value the heroes who struggled for the rights of the nation and the religion, and to revive the spirit of nationalism and independence in the hearts of Maldivians.