EM ES & Beyond

The uniqueness of Maldives often described in these simple figures; i.e. 99% Sea + 1% land = 100% Maldives. This is not a mathematical formula or physics by nature but it could perhaps be a mental painkiller that is dosed to thousands of stressed minds who dare to spend thousands of dollars to be cured at least once in their life time. If meditation heals and rejuvenate stress than, a 100% MalDIVES could be a healthy yet a chemical free cure for people who’s life is filled with daily pressure of life.. That’s why many people travel to this heaven on earth destination to just be there doing absolutely nothing. For instance, in most advertising materials, Maldives is referred as, “Holidaying in Maldives - An art of doing nothing’. The beauty is simply a miracle that is enjoyed by a large number of visitors, at least twice the population of the country. The white sandy beaches, the crystal clear lagoons with perfect sunshine throughout the year whilst diving through the purity of underwater world is nothing less than a god’s own prescription to cure ‘body, mind and soul’. A blessing to earn revenue - worth billions!

However, if we look at the other side of this heavenly island nation, the trouble of surviving has been a struggle for its inhabitants in many ways. Nearly 300,000 people inhabited in 202 islands and about one third of its population living in a 4sq kilometer land area called Male’. Male’ probably is the smallest big city in the world. A large population of country’s youth are victimized by drugs. Several people still live below the poverty line. Many of the citizen deprived from basic needs whilst having a balanced life is simply impossible. The congested population in Male’, and displacement with the introduction of tourism has caused several imbalances in hundreds of families. Land prices in Male’ is ranked equal to some of the big cities in the world.

The 1200 island nation as 100% MalDIVES is protected and presented by it’s own people to thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe. The peaceful nature of it’s people have been one of the strengths while, kindness and warm hospitality adds more value to this beautiful jewels in the Indian ocean. Tourism is developed, protected and presented by it’s people by promoting these unique features of the destination. The puzzle is… how on earth we, the owners of this painkiller beauty is suffering by been deprived of the benefits..? These Islands earn millions of dollars by selling its blessed beauty whilst the owners of the jems unaware of the benefits it generates. Tourism is the major contributor to the Gross National Products but this has never been the Gross National Happiness!. If a balance is maintained this beauty will become a painkiller not only for its visitors but for the inhabitants too. Everyone wish paradise! We are lucky to have a paradise even while living.