President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has extended warm congratulations to Dr. Aminath Zahir, the nation’s first scholar to complete a PhD in Dhivehi, following the successful completion of her doctorate in Applied Linguistics at the Maldives National University. Dr. Zahir’s groundbreaking research was fully conducted and written in the Dhivehi language.

During a meeting held on Monday morning at the President’s Office, the President expressed his delight in celebrating this national milestone. He highlighted the significance of Dr. Zahir’s accomplishment as a major contribution to the promotion and preservation of the Dhivehi language—an area his administration prioritizes strongly.

Dr. Zahir conveyed her appreciation to the President, noting that she was honoured by the recognition and that the meeting underscored the administration’s commitment to advancing the national language.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Adam Naseer Ibrahim; the Chancellor of the Maldives National University, Dr. Mahmood Shauqee; and MNU Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Aishath Shehenaz. Discussions focused on ongoing initiatives to strengthen Dhivehi language development and capacity-building in the field.

Dr. Zahir’s PhD thesis explores strategies for promoting and enriching Dhivehi. During the meeting, she presented a copy of her thesis to the President.

In recognition of this historic achievement—the first PhD in Dhivehi within Applied Linguistics, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu presented a commemorative plaque to Dr. Zahir at the official Republic Day ceremony on Tuesday morning.