Half a century ago, the Motherland was heard for the 1st time. On 12th March 2018, Mauritians who witnessed the birth of their country, and those who have since carried the torch, will mark the momentous occasion with a proud rendering of the national anthem.
Glory to thee, Motherland, O Motherland of mine. The first few words of the national anthem will take on added significance, this year, when the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence. There will be pride in the fact we, as a people, have largely lived in harmony despite our ancestors coming from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is, indeed, the foundation upon which melting pot Mauritius has built its past successes and will build its future.
The promise of Mauritius was what inspired Dr Jean-Georges Prosper, the writer who penned the words of the national anthem. We met the 84-year old in his apartment, in his universe of books and newspaper cuttings.
Swear loyalty to the Motherland
It is with raw emotion that he recalls the birth of a text his fellow Mauritians know by heart. At that time, Jean-Georges Prosper was actively involved in politics, with the Labour Party.
When in February 1968, a poetry contest is organised to select the text of the future national anthem, the young activist submits his Motherland. “They kept the essence of what was a long poem. I was inspired by the struggle we were leading. That was intimately linked to me writing the Motherland,” explains Jean-Georges Prosper.
The verses are carefully crafted. Glory to the Motherland “which has peacefully achieved independence.” Sweet is the beauty of its landscapes and the scent of the sugar cane fields, flowers and plants of our tropical island.
Those who say these words swear loyalty to the Motherland and invite others to gather under the flag, bound by the spirit of peace, justice and liberty for all. They also call upon God to bless their beloved country.
Just like Jean-Georges Prosper feels blessed « to have been useful to my country. »
Hit the party
The official ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the independence of Mauritius will take place on 12th March 2018, at 18.00, at the Champ de Mars, Port Louis. A colourful folkloric spectacle will then follow. Make sure you are there!
Music meets text
The text and music of the national anthem were never meant to go together. When Philippe Gentil, a police officer and musician in the police band, presented his composition to band director Philip Oh San, he immediately saw its potential. To him, it sounded “like the future national anthem.” So he invited Jean-Georges Prosper and Philippe Gentil to seamlessly bring together text and music. The rest, as they say, is history.
Red, blue, yellow, green
The national flag was drawn up by a teacher named Gurudutt Moher. Four horizontal bands of different colours represent different aspects of the island. Red for the Flamboyant tree (Royal Poinciana), blue for the sky and seas, yellow for the sun and beaches, and green for the sugar cane fields.
Glory to thee
Motherland,
O Motherland of mine
Sweet is thy beauty
Sweet is thy fragrance
Around thee we gather
As one people
As one nation
In peace, justice and liberty
Beloved country may God bless thee
Forever and ever!
