Mohamed Amin Didi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mohamed Amin Didi
President Mohamed Amin Didi
1st President of the Maldives
In office January 1, 1953 – August 21, 1953
Vice President	Ibrahim Muhammad Didi
Preceded by	Office Created
Succeeded by	Ibrahim Muhammad Didi (Acting) Office Abolished Maldives Sultanate (Muhammad Fareed Didi)
Personal details
Born	20 July 1910 Athireege
Died	19 January 1954 (aged 43) Vihamanaafushi Island
Nationality	Maldivian
Political party	Peoples' Progress Party
Spouse	Fathimath Saeed
Children	1

Mohamed Amin Didi (born July 20, 1910 – died January 19, 1954) was an important Maldivian leader. He is famous for being the first president of the Maldives. He led the country from January to August in 1953. Before becoming president, he was also the principal of Majeediyya School.

Amin Didi was the head of the first political party in the Maldives. It was called the Rayyithunge Muthagaddim Party. He wanted to make the country more modern. His plans included improving education and helping women. He also wanted the government to control the fish export business. He even tried to ban smoking, which was not very popular.

He became president after World War II. At this time, the country was facing challenges. There was not enough food, and resources were low.

Early Life and Learning

Mohamed Amin Didi was born to Athireegey Ahmed Dhoshimeynaa kilegefaan and Roanugey Aishath Didi. His family had ties to the Huraa Dynasty.

When he was ten, in 1920, he traveled to Ceylon. This country is known today as Sri Lanka. He studied at Saint Joseph's College, Colombo. Later, in 1928, he went to India for more studies. He returned to the Maldives a year later.

After coming back home, he worked in different government jobs. He was the chief of Customs and head of the Maldivian Post Office. He also served as the Minister of Trade. From 1942 to 1952, he was the Minister of Finance. He was also a member of the first Maldivian Parliament.

Becoming President

The Maldives had been a sultanate for 812 years. This meant it was ruled by a sultan. With public support, Amin Didi helped change this. He became the first President of the Maldives on January 1, 1953. Even though he became president, he had always supported having a king or queen with a constitution.

After Sultan Majeed Didi passed away, the parliament chose Amin Didi to be the next leader. But he decided not to become sultan. He said he would not take the crown for the people of Maldives. So, the country held a vote. The people decided the Maldives should become a republic. This means it would be led by a president, not a sultan.

However, the republic did not last long. While President Amin Didi was away for medical care, some people in Male' caused trouble. They wanted to change the government. His vice president, Velaanaagey Ibraahim Didi, became the new leader.

Amin Didi was told not to come back to the Maldives. But he returned. For his safety, he was taken to Dhoonidhoo island. He was kept there under government watch. He was treated with respect, like a head of state.

A few months later, Amin Didi tried to make a plan. He wanted to bring back the monarchy. He would be the prime minister, and Ibrahim Hilmy Didi would be the king. One night, he came to Male' and tried to take control. This made the people of Male' very angry. He was badly hurt. After this, he was put on a small boat.

Later, the people who tried to change the government were brought to court. This included Mohamed Amin Didi and Ibrahim Hilmy Didi. They were sent away from the main islands. Mohamed Amin was sent to Kaafu Atoll, Gaafaru.

Later Life and Passing

Mohamed Amin Didi's health got worse. He was moved to Vihamanaafushi Island. This place is now known as Kurumbaa village. He passed away there on January 19, 1954. He was 43 years old. A small funeral was held for him there.

Family

Mohamed Amin Didi had one daughter. Her name was Ameena Mohamed Ameen. His grandson, Ameen Faisal, became the Minister of Defence and National Security for the Maldives. His other grandchildren are Ibrahim Faisal, Farahanaz Faisal, and Aishath Shuweykar.