Celebrated poet Aminath Abbas dies at age 69

Aminath Abbas, a poet celebrated for her contribution to Dhivehi literature, has passed away at the age of 69 years.

Aminath passed away at 07:30 am on Wednesday at the ADK Hospital in Male’, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

She had previously undergone treatment in India.

Aminath was the daughter of renowned poet Aminath Faiza, popularly known by her moniker ‘Daisymaa’.

A celebrated poet in her own right, Aminath received the National Award of Recognition in the field of poetry in 2002.

Her other achievements include winning the top prize in the 1997 Children's Poetry Competition held by the National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research to mark the 9th Poets' Day

She also won first place in the religious poetry competition held by the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in 1996, and top prizes in numerous other national poetry competitions.

In addition to writing poetry, she also served as a judge at multiple poetry and singing competitions, as well as film festivals.

Born in 1954, Aminath received her education from the Moray House School of Education in Scotland.

She joined the civil service in 1975, as a research officer in the Department of Women's Affairs.