President Congratulates First PhD Graduate in Dhivehi

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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has congratulated Dr Aminath Zahir, the nation’s first scholar to earn a PhD in Dhivehi, following her successful completion of a doctorate in Applied Linguistics at the Maldives National University. Her research was conducted and written entirely in Dhivehi.

The President expressed his pleasure in celebrating this milestone during a meeting at the President’s Office, describing her achievement as a major step in promoting the national language. He highlighted that the preservation and enrichment of Dhivehi remain key priorities for his administration.

Dr Aminath Zahir thanked the President, stating she was honoured that her work had been recognised. The meeting also included Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim, Chancellor of the Maldives National University Dr Mahmood Shauqee, and Vice-Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz. Discussions focused on initiatives to promote Dhivehi and strengthen capacity-building in the field.

Dr Aminath Zahir’s PhD thesis explores strategies to promote and enrich Dhivehi, and a copy was presented to the President. She was later presented with a commemorative plaque during the official Republic Day ceremony in recognition of her groundbreaking achievement.