President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty (ODRDD) on historian, writer and performing artist Uzthaaz 'Kashima' Ahmed Shakir.
The honor was presented during the official National Day ceremony held in Haa Alifu Utheemu on Friday.
Ahmed Shakir began his public service career on 30 July 1969 and served in government for more than 41 years. During his career, he held several senior positions, including legal counsel and shipping master at the Ministry of Transport and Shipping, and director of administration, director general and executive director at the National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research (NCLHR).
Following his retirement from government service, he taught at Villa College for more than 12 years and served as a senior curriculum developer.
He also served as a member of Parliament and the Special Parliament representing the Male' Atoll constituency.
Ahmed Shakir began his career in Dhivehi literature while working at the government printing press and later became widely recognized for his contributions to the performing arts and theatre.
His work included productions marking Majeedhiyya School's Golden Jubilee and performances with the Olympians. He also founded the Cultural and Dramatic Society (CDS), which produced stage shows for more than a decade.
As a programme producer at Television Maldives (TVM), he wrote scripts and trained actors for several popular teledramas and films, including Ghaazee Bandaarain, Dhon Hiyala aai Alifulhu and Tharaaganduge Kashigandu.
He has also made significant contributions to historical research and writing in the Maldives.
His extensive body of work includes the 640-page Vihivana Qarunuge Thereygai Dhivehiraajje (Maldives in the 20th Century) and five additional volumes in the series, as well as Islam Dheenuge Alikan Dhivehiraajjeah Fethuremun Aigoiy (How the Light of Islam Spread to the Maldives), Dhivehiraajjeyge Sharuee Nizaamu (The Judicial System of the Maldives) and Dhivehiraajjeyge Faisaage Thaareekhu (The History of Maldivian Currency).
He has also written institutional histories of state bodies and biographies of prominent Maldivian figures.
Ahmed Shakir earned a Master of Shariah degree at the age of 69.
His previous honors include the National Award of Recognition for performing arts and public speaking, the Silver Pen for services to journalism, the National Award of Honor for historical writing and the Dhivehi Language Academy's Hassan Thaajuddeen Award. In 2025, he also received an honorary award at the Sharjah International Narrator Forum.
Ahmed Shakir remains active in public service as a member of the Dhivehi Gaumiyyathuge Isvaru in the field of history, established by President Muizzu, and as chairperson of the National Awards Committee.
