President: Ideological war the greatest challenge to nationalism

Ideological wars are the greatest challenge to nationalism in modern times, states President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

He made the remark in his speech at the function held at Dharubaaruge on Thursday evening to present national awards.

Speaking at the function, President Solih said Maldives must stop the attacks on nationalism.

The attacks are carried out with swords and guns with the purpose of causing bodily harm, but with the purpose of turning minds and ideologies, he said.

President Solih said ideological wars are the greatest challenge to nationalism in modern times, and the Maldivian people must foster love for their nation in order to defend against such threats.

“We must foster patriotism in the hearts of young children. We should not love our nation for what it can do for us, but because this is where we were born. Because we belong to this land. Because our bloodline is here,” he said.

President Solih said promotion of nationalism means loving all features and values of the nation. He said that upholding nationalism also means acknowledging the honor and stature of the nation, and preserving and upholding all tenets of nationalism.

“Respecting one’s values and beliefs. Having love and respect for everything that this nation is. If the people of a nation begin thinking like this, then there’s no greater treasure than nationalism,” he said.

President Solih said the energy to protect and uphold nationalism is drawn from peace and stability within the community.

He said that promoting nationalism is the duty of each and every Maldivian citizen.