New Delhi: Shunshan is the only inhabitant of the island. For 32 long years, he lived like that. He did not return to the city from there. Italy’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’, Mauro Morandi, left the world in just three years. He breathed his last at the age of 85. Civil society mourns his death. (Mauro Morandi)
Mauro’s life matches the stories he read in his childhood. So he is known as ‘Robinson Crusoe’ of Italy. But the hero of the story fell into disaster, spending 28 years in desolate exile on a deserted island. Mauro, the real hero, took that life willingly. Alone for 32 years, he decided to live only with himself. (Robinson Crusoe of Italy)
Mauro was born in Modena in 1939. Father was a gymnast, he made a name for the country. Mother was working in tobacco company. They got divorced within a few years. After completing his studies, Mauro took a teaching job. Retired before time. Mauro was drawn to the sea from childhood. The plan was to sail to Polynesia. In 1989 Mauro sighted the island of Budelli in the Mediterranean Sea, north of Sardinia. Although the island became a military haven during World War II, it has remained uninhabited ever since. It is known that Maury was running away from society in 1989. He was no longer indulging in the life of luxury and luxury.
Mauro went out with the boat like that. But suddenly his boat got stuck on the island and everything changed. He fell in love with the island at first sight. He decided to spend his whole life there. Maury was also successful in that task. The then caretaker of the island left the responsibility to Mauro. After that, Mauro became the sole caretaker of the entire island. Make yourself self-sufficient. Behind everyone’s eyes, built another life for himself.
During the 32 years Mauro was on the island, he kept the pink sand beaches sparkling. A group of turtles came out of the water and rested on the bank. Not even a piece of garbage could be seen lying around. If someone ever landed there, he would take responsibility for understanding the ecosystem there and arrange solar power there. He built a house for himself. He spent 32 long years like that.
Happiness did not last long. Legal trouble started over the possession of that island. La Maddalena National Park authorities began to struggle with the occupation of that island. The National Park Authority wanted to make the island a center for environmental education. Mauro wanted to keep it to himself, out of human disturbance. But Mauro lost both influence and money. He was expelled from that island in 2021.
After that, went back to La Modalena and took a small one-bed flat. He was also in a nursing home for several days last year after being injured in a fall. He was not fond of urban life at all. He said he was tired of fighting. He was forced to leave the island against his will.
Books have been written about Mauro, songs have been woven, documentaries have also been made. When the whole world is under house arrest during Corona, he said in an interview, “I have read many books. There were many thoughts. I think people are afraid of reading books. Because the more you read, the more questions will arise in your mind, many thoughts- Thoughts will crowd out, which is dangerous for the so-called society. Because if you criticize, if you think otherwise, life will be ruined.”
Mauro used to say, “A simple life hides small achievements. Friendships are made over time.” As he maintained the island, he was hopeful that someone would take over in the future. Mauro’s biography was written in 2023 by Antonio Rinaldiz. He said Mauro breathed his last in Modena on January 3. He had a brain hemorrhage.
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