Konkani lovers attending the condolence meeting in Margao to pay tribute to late Eric Ozario.
MARGAO
Rich tributes were paid to noted Mangaluru-based stalwart of Konkani culture and music composer, late Eric Ozario, at a condolence meeting in Margao on Sunday.
The event was organised by the Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan (GRLA) along with the Dalgado Konknni Academy (DKA), Goa Konknni Academy (GKA), Thomas Stephen Konknni Kendra (TSKK), Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) and Konknni Basha Mandal (KBM).
Konkani lovers gathered to honour Ozario, with members of various organisations expressing their grief at his passing. KBM President Ratmala Divkar said Ozario was a legendary figure in the field of Konkani music and culture, and his passing would leave a lasting impact on the community.
Wilson Mazarello described him as the brightest star of the Konkani movement, one who would be difficult to replace.
Tomazinho Cardozo (DKA) recalled that Ozario strongly opposed the “one language, one script” policy of the Sahitya Akademi, saying it harmed the growth of Konkani in other scripts. He stressed that all scripts should receive equal recognition. Kennedy Afonso highlighted Ozario’s role as President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi, where he successfully pushed for Konkani to be introduced as an optional subject in Karnataka schools. He said this step must also become a reality in Goan schools.
Celso Fernandes (DKA) urged all Konkani associations to work together to carry forward Ozario’s vision and to strengthen the language.
Dr Purnanand Chari (GKA) said Ozario had founded Mandd Sobhan, a leading Konkani cultural organisation, and Kalaangan, a Konkani heritage centre in Mangaluru. Under his leadership, Mandd Sobhan entered the Guinness Book of World Records when 43 groups sang 645 songs continuously for 40 hours.
Saiesh P. Panandikar recalled that Ozario, honoured with titles such as Konkani Kala Samrat and Konkani Ratna, had been deeply committed to Konkani music and culture for decades.
The Global Romi Lipi Abhiyan appealed to the government to confer the Padma Shri award posthumously on Eric Ozario, along with noted singer Lorna Cordeiro.
Others who spoke at the meeting included Anthony San, Michael Gracias, Arnaldo D’Costa and several others.
