Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Jun 14: 'Tho'kanato'l'lo Zuzari', the biography of renowned Konkani activist Eric Ozario, published by Mandd Sobhann, was released by Fr Dr Pratap Naik, well-known Konkani researcher and activist at Kalaangann here on Sunday June 14.
The biography, written by Rony Arun in Konkani, is based on the English book 'Eric Ozario – The Indefatigable Crusader' written earlier by Royston Fernandes. This is the 18th book published by Mandd Sobhann.
Speaking at the occasion Fr Dr Pratap Naik said, "I have not read the Konkani version of this book but I have read the English one titled 'Eric Ozario - The Indefatigable Crusader'. I have read the same pages many times. When we hear the name of Eric Ozario the picture that comes to our mind is of prophet Moses, someone who fights for the cause of Konkani and many other such examples. One question that always strikes my mind is how did Ozario reach this level - What made him grow to this extent? I got the answer through the book 'The Indefatigable Crusader' written by Royston. When I read it, I realized he has grown to this level because of circumstances. He talks straight from his heart without worrying about the outcome. He is a poor man's friend, and then he becomes worker's friend.
"In his English biography, there is an incident wherein, when Jeppu workshop workers came to Bishop's House to demand justice, he stood with them and fought for their rights. In another circumstance, when a lady was removed from her job by director of Father Muller Hospital for stealing two potatoes, she came to Eric and told him about it. He told her that she had made a mistake and should ask the director for his forgiveness. She acted accordingly but the director called her the next day and took her signature on a blank paper and typed in it that as she had made a mistake and she was voluntarily quitting the job. Eric has fought for the rights of workers with creative ideas. He is a creative man. I am sorry about what happened to Eric. Though those priests made a mistake I cannot say that it is not my responsibility, and being a priest I apologize on their behalf. I thank Mandd Sobhann for giving me the opportunity to release this book," he said.
Copies of the book were distributed to donors on the occssion and Louis Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann thanked the gathering. A sketch of Eric Ozario by artist Wilson Kayyar was presented to Ozario on the occasion.
An interactive session with Eric Ozario was also conducted where he answered various questions on the book. The session was moderated by Titus Noronha.
Vitori Karkal compered the programme.
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