By RAHARISON Hajaina, Madagascar
My name is Hajaina, and I was born in Fort-Dauphin, a coastal town in the South-East of Madagascar. At the age of 10, I discovered an unconditional love for the sea. Days were filled with laughter and games, alongside passionate fishermen who populated the shoreline. However, my parents, fearing the dangers of the waves, forbade me from approaching the ocean. With each transgression, cruel punishments and lashes were administered, but nothing could deter me. My heart was bound to the vast blue expanse.
The Hidden Quest
Despite my parents’ strict prohibitions, nothing could hinder my fascination with the ocean. Every opportunity was a secret adventure, an escapade to the shore where I let myself be lulled by the symphony of the waves. I played with the waves, responding with laughter and bursts of joy, feeling in communion with their infinite energy.
Each sea breeze carried a gentle melody, a serenade that cradled my soul. I admired the marine landscapes, captivated by the timeless dance between land and water. Every detail, every reflection of the sun on the waves, seemed to be a fragment of a tableau of indescribable beauty. It was here that I understood that the sea was not just a body of water, but a gateway to prosperity and abundance for those who knew how to harness it.
It was also on these shores that I learned to fish alongside local fishermen. Their teachings, generously shared, became treasures of knowledge. Each piece of advice was a pearl of experience, a lesson in patience and humility.
The ocean was my silent confidante, my faithful friend. It gave me a sense of freedom that nothing else could match. Despite the prohibitions set by my parents, I was determined to explore this universe that fascinated me so much, to answer the irresistible call of the vast blue expanse.
Journey to Knowledge
At the dawn of adulthood, I made a bold decision. I left the family home to pursue my dream of understanding the ocean, of knowing it in its minutiae. The university became my new abode, a place where I could finally approach the sea without fear of reprimands.
The Gates of the Halieutic Institute
Seven years after this audacious decision, a radio broadcast changed everything. It spoke of an institute that trained youth in marine science. I knew it was not a mere coincidence. I prepared fervently for the entrance exam. When I was admitted to the Halieutic Institute of Marine Science in 2004, it felt as if the sea itself was reaching out to me.
Years of Blossoming
During the six years (2004-2010) spent at the institute, I feasted on knowledge. Each day was a new adventure, each lesson a step closer to understanding this mysterious universe. The love for the ocean grew, as did my determination to protect and comprehend it.
Reconciliation
Today, I work for the ministry responsible for fisheries and ocean governance. My mother, once so strict, now beams with pride for her son. She sees in me the realization of my destiny, a man who turned his love for the sea into a mission, a commitment to the preservation of this vital element.
And thus, I continue my journey, guided by the waves of my life, embracing every opportunity to discover and protect the ocean that has always been my sanctuary. The sea, a steadfast companion, supports me in my quest for knowledge and preservation. My story is an ode to the importance of following one’s instincts, of pursuing what resonates deeply within us, even when the world tells us otherwise. It is in this intimate listening that our true destiny often lies. The ocean, besides being a source of endless wonder, is also a gateway to prosperity for those who dare to embrace it.
“Journeys to the Sea” is a new series of inspiring stories that highlight the personal connections of marine professionals with the ocean. As a follow up to World Oceans Day on June 8th, WIOMSA is excited to launch a three-month-long celebration dedicated to the ocean. The series will feature 34 unique stories from across the Western Indian Ocean region. These stories will share firsthand accounts of ocean-related experiences, reflections, and narratives from participants who have been part of the Sida-funded International Training Programme on marine spatial planning, “Planning for a Sustainable Blue Future in the Western Indian Ocean”. The stories have been part of the Ocean Storytelling component of the workshop, led by Dr Mia Strand, Nelson Mandela University. Read the collection of stories here.
Feature photo: Fishing, Madagascar. © Tony Rakotomalala.
