From the Editor's desk :

Dear Do-Re-Me-Fa browser,

"God grant me the serenity to accept things that I cannot change, the courage to change things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Man has a hidden treasure within, difficulties and setbacks bring it forth"

In my life, I have come across a number of great personalities of different talents, name and fame, none of them ever shot up to lime light by over-night but the way which is mentioned in the above thought. Similarly the personality, which I am going to present in this chord, is not far behind from that thought and he is quite special to Konkanni music world. By nature he maintains never say die approach. He walked and walked straight in midst of problems and difficulties without stagger and came out colorful. For him hard work with common sense is success. Years' back I have seen him as a dynamic union leader and really fought for the causes of others and today he is fighting vigorously for the survival of Konkanni language, culture and its heritage.

This Konkanni activist who is working hard to unite the great Konkanni culture from Kachchh in Gujarat to Cochi in Kerala, is spending sleepless nights and struggling to bring awareness about our dear mother tongue 'Konkanni' filled with a rich heritage and culture, a sweet language…. that survived many a migration, political oppression and cultural suppression; today faces the threat of extinction.

This great personality whom I am referring to was none other than Vishw Konkanni Kala Ratn; Shri Eric Ozario. He is the die-hard promoter of 'Kalaangan' in Mangalore, the idea to preserve our rich Konkanni heritage. He says, " Do not wait for the best idea. Implement the better idea, still better and the best will follow". He believes in one simple philosophy that is " You cannot be successful in any endeavour without believing that it is the greatest endeavour in the world. You have to put your heart in the endeavour and endeavour in your heart and with a two word success story: Work Works." On his recent visit to Muscat I remember he said, "Ask, ask and keep on asking without shame, do not worry over what other people are thinking about you. They are busy worrying over what you are thinking about them"

I am sure you will enjoy browsing the first chord of this New Year. I wish each one of you a Bright, Prosperous, Joyous, Healthy, Peaceful and Melodious New Year-2003 and once again I thank you for your valuable support and interest shown to browse my column.

Always yours,