‘Gomorrah’ Writer Roberto Saviano on Doc-Series ‘The Man Who Wanted to Change the World,’ About Murdered Activist and Bhagwan Follower Mauro Rostagno

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Noted Italian author and activist Roberto Saviano, whose work “Gomorrah,” a Neapolitan mob investigation, forms the basis for the widely-acclaimed HBO Max series of the same name, explores the life of another individual who uncovered Italy’s organized crime in a Sky documentary series entitled “The Man Who Aimed to Transform the World.

In this narrative, we focus on Mauro Rostagno, an influential Italian sociologist, political activist, mentor, and journalist. Tragically, his life was taken by the Mafia in the year 1988.

Rostagno was an intricate character, reflecting the tumultuous essence of 1970’s Italy, yet eluding categorization due to his constant self-reinvention.

Or:

Rostagno mirrored the chaotic spirit of 1970’s Italy, but was too dynamic to be pinned down with a single label, thanks to his persistent transformations.

Originally from Turin, Rostagno got married at 19 years old and had a child. However, he abandoned his family and ventured to Germany and France, working in factories during this time. Later on, Rostagno returned to Italy, attending the sociology faculty in Trento. There, he emerged as a student leader in protests and was one of the pioneers, in 1969, of the radical leftist group Lotta Continua.

After Lotta Continua disbanded in 1977, its founder established Macondo – a pioneering venue for counterculture in Milan. This venture led to his detainment due to drug-related allegations, and eventually, the closure of Macondo. Subsequently, Rostagno journeyed to India where he embraced the teachings of Baghwan Shree Rajneesh, also known as Osho Rajneesh – whose story is portrayed in the Netflix series “Wild Wild Country”.

Swami Anand Sanatano, formerly known as Rostagno, departed and established a community named Saman in Sicily, which later transformed into a residential rehabilitation center for individuals struggling with substance abuse. In addition to this, he worked as a TV journalist for a local news station in Sicily, employing an unconventional approach called “guerrilla journalism” to uncover corruption within the Sicilian Mafia. Tragically, Rostagno was assassinated by Cosa Nostra associates in his car on a rural road near Saman on September 26, 1988.

EbMaster discusses with Saviano the similarities between his need to live under police protection since publishing his book about the Neapolitan Camorra crime syndicate, coupled with the death threats that ensued, and Rostagno’s nonchalant approach towards confronting the Sicilian mob.

Simply put, what attracted you to Mauro Rostagno’s story?

What captivated me was the intriguing and heroic lifestyle portrayed by Rostagno. Exploring this narrative felt like stepping into the life of a man who wore multiple masks. He displayed bravery in his transformation, yet remained authentic throughout. I admire how he consistently used irony as his tool.

What stood out to me was how Rostagno transformed a small local broadcaster (Radio Tele Cine) into a platform delivering genuine, impactful news when he moved to Sicily. At that time, most local Italian TVs only broadcasted news about local events like festivals and fairs, essentially functioning as megaphones for local officials. They lacked any sense of journalistic integrity.

Indeed, it was his career as a TV journalist that led to Rostagno’s demise. Was there a particular resonance for you in this professional part of his life?

In essence, I wish I had the courage like Rostagno, and honestly, I’m envious of him. His ability to repeatedly begin life afresh is something I can hardly comprehend. I’m still grappling with the decision I made, a choice that has irrevocably altered my life. Now, every alternative option reminds me of the mistake I made when I made that choice – by writing “Gomorrah” and becoming an active political voice. It seems that this decision has inadvertently confined my options. Whether it’s teaching in Paris or taking a week off for vacation, these choices cause me distress. Rostagno, however, never found himself in such a predicament.

Why did it take several decades for the Italian legal system to determine that Rostagno was murdered by the Cosa Nostra?

Determining that Rostagno’s death was linked to Cosa Nostra would have acknowledged journalism’s influence in Sicily, revealing intricate and complex relationships. It was more convenient to consider he might have been killed by his ex-political allies, who were implicated in another murder, supposedly out of fear that he could expose them. This theory, however, seemed far-fetched. The investigation proceeded slowly because pursuing this path meant uncovering a plethora of issues. Eventually, 30 years after the murder, Cosa Nostra boss Vincenzo Virga was found guilty of orchestrating the crime. By then, the criminal network that Rostagno had been investigating no longer posed a threat to the authorities.

The idea that Rostagno’s death was connected to Cosa Nostra would have shown how journalism could impact Sicily. It meant exposing many complicated issues. Instead, it was easier to believe he was killed by his former associates who were involved in another murder, a theory that seemed unlikely. The investigation moved slowly because it led to uncovering lots of problems. Eventually, 30 years after the murder, Virga was found guilty of ordering Rostagno’s death. By then, the criminal group Rostagno had been investigating no longer posed a threat.

How does Rostagno differ from other 70s activists who visited India, like Allen Ginsberg, in terms of their unique characteristics or approaches?

The distinctive aspect of this individual lies in his persistent drive to metamorphose throughout his life. Initially, he held roles as a factory worker, a Communist, a union leader, an activist, and a professor. Later on, he transitioned into a cultural innovator, then a spiritual seeker, a community founder, and finally, a tenacious television journalist. There’s no one quite like him. Regrettably, his versatility has not earned him recognition in Italy; instead, he is seen as an eccentric who embarked on an exotic journey akin to the Beatles. However, today, with social media enabling self-expression and the ability to alter those expressions, Rostagno might be more relatable to a 15-year-old than someone in their fifties.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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2025-03-28 14:17