Aminath Latheefa

It has been over 2 years since our Mum left us. Mother whom we would like describe as a woman of substance who regularly and passionately follows news and the political changes that have been happening throughout her life till her very end. She is one of a kind who not only follows the news but voices her opinion relating on the history of the country over the years. Today at this juncture in the midst of political drama unfolding in our country we in our house wonder what would be her thoughts and her views regarding the current twists and turns of events happening in our country.

We recollected the times together when we were overjoyed and jubilant in 2008 as ordinary citizens when we experienced the incredible transformation that came with change of government. We used to say it is like from a kingdom to a less strict and less scary to a freer life. When the walls of the Sultan Park which housed the 16 Century Royal Palace was demolished and the people of all nationality irrespective of caste and creed can walk freely through it seems like a blue print or a representations of the changes that is in store for the country. It seems so apt to illustrate the transformation from kingdom to a freer life when the chained walls surrounding the gardens of Royal Palace were no longer there as we walk through the park for short cuts to go the market.

Few instances that marked the change embedded in our mind says it all. Our friend once narrated that people like princes are sitting with ordinary people in the ferry going to the airport. Our parents friend F. Magoodhoo Yoosubbe’s excitement during his visits to Male, face lighting up with a wide smile as he has cash on hand through old age pension illustrates the change. The gratefulness of patient in next bed in the hospital for getting medical treatment due medical insurance are pictures that will never fade. Tax or the important big shift made to reduce the rising gap between the rich and poor marked the changes and brought sense of calm and pride for the leader who had made it all possible. The private channels and news article and freedom of speech excited us all and the talent within us all seems to have reached a new level. The glow on elderly person’s face and the smile on the children during his visits to the remote island of the country speak volumes of the changes accepted by all.

As like my parents so many of us welcomed this change which seems so very right and many of us has no doubt about its continuance. It is well known the sacrifices that have made almost by a single person over years of struggle was long and arduous and often make us wonder how and who else can keep on sacrificing himself selflessly over the years to reach it. As days go by in the political spectrum stars rise and fall but that one star that made it all happen stands tall and straight not taking a u turn, without meandering never giving up an inch in his determination for the change which he began.

The sheer grit to change needs motivation and drive to keep on going in spite of obstacles to reach it. Often the question that pops up on our thoughts at home and during coffee table political discussion are can just any one be so sincere and selfless? Can just anyone continue as a capable and a proud leader without enduring the immense sacrifices to achieve it? Can a new leader move forward with that same resolve, vigor, effort, energy and determination without going through that long road in the past to achieve what has been achieved? To put more bluntly can anyone else deserve it more than that leader who made it possible? And most importantly is it ethical or fair not fight for the still young, energetic and deserving game changer who made history by tearing apart a thirty year old monarchy type of rule which literally took our breath away?

Wonder how mother would answer these questions. She is surely and sorely missed at home.