40 students awarded master's scholarships under national project to revive Maldivian heritage

Forty students have been awarded full scholarships to pursue master’s degrees under the National Project for the Restoration of Dhivehi Heritage.

The certificates of selection were presented at a ceremony held Sunday morning at the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), attended by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.

The program is organised by the Islamic University of Maldives and the National Institute for Maldivian Heritage Research. According to the Ministry of Language, Culture and Heritage, the initiative is part of the National Project for the Restoration of Dhivehi Heritage.

The selected participants will conduct research across 40 fields to generate scientific knowledge aimed at safeguarding national independence. Once the program begins, their work will be published on various social media platforms.

Minister of Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim said the President is driving a revolutionary shift in Dhivehi nationality, identity, and heritage.

“The policy of His Excellency the President is to build generations of thinkers who can reflect on the Dhivehi nation, so that the origins of the Maldivian people and their values can be revived through scientific theories and frameworks that sustain nationalism,” the Minister said.

He also highlighted upcoming developments in the heritage sector, including the use of modern immersive technologies to create new income opportunities from heritage sites. These efforts, he said, will reshape long-held public perceptions of heritage and encourage deeper reflection on national identity, religion, and language.