Daijiworld News Network - Dubai

Dubai, Sep 30: On Friday, Sept 29 a sizeable number of Mangalorean entrepreneurs, community activists and well-wishers of Konkani language and culture gathered in the  Indian Sports Club, Dubai to chalk out plans in support of the ambitious cause of Mandd Sobhann's 'Kalaangann Second Phase'.

Eric Ozario, the brain behind the prestigious Kalaangann project and who is on a visit to the UAE to promote the cause,  presented a detailed project report and the achievement of Kalaangann's first phase during the past five years.

Eric is the only man who has dedicated himself to the cause of Konkani language and culture full time and has brought innovative ideas towards the betterment of language. Being now president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and the head of prestigious cultural troupe 'Mandd Sobhann' , he has ensured that Konkani has seen a new era in Mangalore. The remaining part of the Kalaanganna project estimated to cost Rs  65 lac has already been initiated and the foundation stone was laid recently.

Hemacharya, convener of Daijidubai Konkani Writers' forum, also spoke during the occasion and urged Konkani supporters to help this cause wholeheartedly. He detailed the pains taken by Eric right from his initial days for genuine causes. He narrated the way in which he had come up, invariably swimming against the current and against all odds.

Louis Pinto, president of Mandd Sobhann and Dayan D`Souza, founder convener of Daijidubai writers' forum, also stressed the need to support a cause of this kind, which Mandd Sobhann has been spearheading under the leadership of Eric Ozario, not with any self-interest but for the betterment of the culture and language.

A question-and-answer session followed, wherein James Mendonca, Noel Mascarenhas, Rony Monetiro, Mark Denis D`Souza, Lawrence Mendonca and Ronald Olivera raised various questions on Kalaangann and Mandd Sobhann, which were answered by Eric Ozario

Earlier, Melwyn Rodrigues, who was the  co-founder of Mandd Sobhann  way back in 1986, welcomed the gathering and gave impressive introductory remarks.

Walter Nandalike compered the programme.