VP Faisal wants national radio named after Summer Blue Ibrahim Manik

Vice President Faisal Naseem said on Sunday that he wishes to see the Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu renamed in honor of the late Summer Blue Ibrahim Manik, who he named as the founder of the Maldivian radio broadcasting service.

He made the remark during a commemorative event held for Ibrahim Manik on Sunday evening.

“I believe Honorable Summer Blue Ibrahim Manik is the founder of the Maldivian radio or the Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu. I believe the name of the institution should be dedicated to the late Summer Blue Ibrahim Manik,” he said.

He stressed the need to acknowledge the contributions of people who contributed Maldives in various fields.

“And we must especially thank and commemorate the people who served this country in the most pressing times,” he said.

Faisal said that it is often not in human nature to appreciate blessings, until it’s too late.

He noted that it will be hard for the younger generations to imagine how things were in Maldives some 50 years back.

Faisal said that the contributions made by Ibrahim Manik must not be forgotten.

He highlighted on some of Ibrahim Manik’s most popular shows, such as ‘Baajjaveri Hendhuneh’ and Ramadan specials.

“I can just keep talking, about his numerous contributions,” he said.

Faisal described Ibrahim Manik as someone who was simple and easygoing. He said that Ibrahim Manik and his father had been close friends.

Sunday’s commemorative event was attended by top officials in both radio and TV broadcasting.

Ibrahim Manik had died after a long illness on July 30. He was 72.

Ibrahim Manik dedicated most of his life to the broadcasting industry. He worked as the English secretary, program planner, and producer for Radio Maldives. In DRA, he served as a program producer, assistant director, deputy director, and director.

During his 27-year career in the industry, he also served as the director general of broadcasting at the Department of Information and Broadcasting.

He served as the Minister of Information, Arts, and Culture from November 11, 1993, to September 13, 2004.

During his 35-year-long career in government, he also served as the Minister of Youth, Development, and Sports. He started his career in government on January 19, 1971.

In 1996, Ibrahim Manik was presented with the National Award for Recognition to celebrate his contributions to promoting music. He also received the "Minivan 25" Award for Public Service and special recognition awards in 1999, 2000, and 2001 for his contributions to promoting Dhivehi literature.

In 2022, he received the Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by BroadCom for his invaluable services to the industry.