Voice of India Debojit Saha plans to open a music school in Mauritius

Picture-postcard pretty and steeped in culture — I am simply bowled over by the island nation of Mauritius. A weeklong tour to perform in two back-to-back concerts took me to Mauritius recently.

What a trip it was! I was more of a tourist than a visiting singer. The hospitality of the people of Mauritius is next only to Indians.

Although I had only seven days in hand, I made the best use of the time.

I stayed at Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, where I performed, but I squeezed out time to visit almost all the nine districts of the country.

From Black River to Flacq, Grand Port to Moka — Mauritius is breathtakingly beautiful and such a relief from the heat and dust of Indian metropolitan cities.

Honestly, I was smitten by the “land of paradise in the Indian Ocean”.

I also tried scuba diving, of course with a trainer.

In Mauritius, the ocean stretches into the horizon as far as your eyes can see. It is probably the crystal clear aquamarine water that makes the country so calm and peaceful.

I also had the privilege to meet the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, at his office.

During my hourlong visit, when I expressed my desire to open a music school in Mauritius, the Prime Minister promised all help to start the school.

I will be going to Mauritius again soon. I plan to have a detailed talk on the school with the PMO then. The idea of establishing the school came to my mind because Indian music is hugely popular in this country.

A sizeable number of Indian migrants are settled here. Thus Indian music, especially the Bollywood variety, is very popular in those parts. I look forward to this venture and certainly hope it materialises.