Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 29: Doyen of Konkani music and cultural heritage Eric Alexander Ozario passed away here on Friday, August 29, at the age of 76 years. He had been under treatment for kidney disease and was admitted to Fr Muller Hospital.
Popular as Eric Ozario, he was born on May 18, 1949, in Jeppu, Mangaluru, and rose to become a celebrated Konkani composer, cultural activist, and passionate advocate for the Konkani community. Over decades, he played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Konkani language through his creative and organisational efforts.
Ozario founded Mandd Sobhann, a leading cultural organisation dedicated to nurturing Konkani performing arts, and later established Kalaangann, a heritage centre that continues to serve as a hub for learning and conserving Konkani traditions.
One of his landmark achievements was introducing Konkani as an optional subject in schools across Karnataka. His persistent advocacy ensured that the language was formally recognised in education policy, securing its place in classrooms.
Beyond language, Ozario also championed social causes. In 2009, he joined a public protest against tree felling in Mangaluru, demonstrating his deep commitment to ecological and social welfare. His life and achievements were chronicled in the biography The Indefatigable Crusader, published in 2014.
Ozario’s efforts earned him numerous accolades, including the title Konkani Kala Samrat in 1994. He also received Konkani Ratna, the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 1993, and the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award in 1999. More recently, he was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards by DaijiDubai in 2022 and Konkani Natak Sabha in 2023, in addition to international recognition from Konkanis in Tel Aviv.
He is survived by his wife, noted singer Joyce Fontes from Jeppu, two children – Dr Rashmi Kiran and Rithesh Kiran – and his son-in-law, well-known music director Alwyn Fernandes.
Eric Ozario’s life stands as a testament to how unwavering dedication can safeguard cultural identity, inspire generations, and ensure the enduring vitality of Konkani heritage.