Eric Ozario invites wrath from Konkani writers
THE GOAN NETWORK
PONDA
Noted Konkani musician from Mangalore and Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann, Eric Ozario, is facing wrath from Konkani Writers and Artistes Association (KWAA) for reportedly indulging in character assassination and abusing leading Konkani writers and artistes.
The association has charged Ozario of using yellow journalism and web media for using derogatory language to abuse leading Konkani luminaries.
In a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the KWAA has stated that Ozario has used unparliamentary words to insult the proud son of Karnataka, Melvyn Rodrigues, who is also the Sahithya Academy Award winner.
According to KWAA, Ozario has insulted the entire writer fraternity of Goa, particularly Konkani writers using Roman script.
Reacting to Ozario's remarks, Chetan Acharya, president of Konkani Bhasha Mandal-Goa, said Ozario is known for damaging Konkani movement.
“In 2006 when Konkani Parishad was organised in Kala Academy, Ozario was busy giving communal speech at Azad Maidan Panaji and was spreading hatred in the Konkani community.”
“Though his contribution to Konkani music is remarkable, his selfish attitude cannot be tolerated. Thus, he is not given due respect in Konkani movement and because of this he is frustrated and making such comments. So he should not be taken seriously,” Acharya said.
KWAA further stated, “It is a matter of great concern to note that Karnataka government has allotted Rs 2.5 crore grant in the 2016 budget for Mandd Sobhann which is blatantly carrying out disruptive acts like caste abuse, insults, maligning name of writers and is creating hatred and ill-will among Konkani speaking people belonging to different religions.”
“This is in fact giving credence to the prevailing belief among the enlightened people of Mangalore that by giving grant to Mandd Sobhann, government is encouraging this institution which is inimical to promoting harmonious relationship.”
Taking into consideration all the aspects, KWAA members have written a letter to the Karnataka chief minister requesting him to withhold the grant given to Mandd Sobhann and also to cancel its registration as part of the disciplinary action.
Ronald J Sequeira, Florine Roche, Roshan Madtha and member Henry Mendonca, office bearers of KWAA handed over the letter to the District Commissioner of Mangalore along with suitable records to substantiate the charges. Copies of the letter have been sent to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Human Resource Development and Goa Chief Minister.
When contacted, Ozario said: “All I have to say is that a few disgruntled fringe elements led by H M Pernal (Henry Mendonca) are making tall claim to represent writers and artistes and who have made it their life's mission to malign, defame and denigrate Konkani activists and also made my organisation - Mandd Sobhann - the latest target of their smear campaign.”
“I do realise that it is a part of the ideological battle I have been fighting in Konkani, for years now, against imposition of one variety over others. Our oppressors seem to have found new allies in this terrorising group,” stated Ozario.
