Eric Ozario, Lifelong Warrior for Konkani, Passes Away at 76
Eric Ozario, a stalwart of Konkani culture from Mangaluru, passed away at the age of 76 on August 29, 2025, after a prolonged battle with kidney-related ailments. Widely celebrated for his tireless efforts to promote and preserve the Konkani language and heritage, Ozario was an iconic figure who left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural landscape.
Early Life and Cultural Journey
Born on May 18, 1949, in Mangaluru, Eric Ozario grew up in a modest Jeppu neighborhood where initially, he barely spoke Konkani and faced social barriers related to language and caste. Despite these challenges, he emerged as a powerful champion of Konkani identity through music, leading efforts to break cultural taboos and revive traditional art forms.
Major Contributions and Achievements
Ozario’s most celebrated achievement was the creation of ‘Niranthari,’ a Guinness World Record-setting event featuring 1,711 singers from 44 groups performing Konkani songs continuously for 40 hours. He also founded Mandd Sobhann in 1986, a cultural organization aimed at promoting Konkani music that blended traditional and contemporary styles.
Over his prolific career, Ozario composed music for over 1,000 poems and songs, performed in more than 800 cultural programs, and produced 26 audio albums. He was a pioneer of Kalaangann, an international Konkani heritage center in Mangaluru, envisioned as a hub for Konkani cultural dialogue and preservation.
Legacy and Impact on the Konkani Community
Eric Ozario was a former president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy (2005-2008), during which Konkani literature and cultural programs flourished across Karnataka. He fought vigorously for the inclusion of Romi and Kannada scripts besides the Devanagari script for Konkani literature, championing linguistic diversity and rights.
His passing marks a profound loss for Konkani culture globally. Prominent figures and cultural groups across Goa and Karnataka have expressed deep sorrow at his demise, highlighting his unparalleled contributions to Konkani song and literature.
Final Rites and Tributes
Eric Ozario’s mortal remains were placed for public viewing at Kalaangann in Shaktinagar, Mangaluru, offering the community a chance to pay their respects. His funeral rites were scheduled for August 31, 2025, at St Vincent Ferrer Church in Valencia, followed by burial at Boloor cemetery.
Conclusion
The legacy of Eric Ozario will continue to inspire future generations as a beacon of cultural pride and artistic excellence. His life’s work not only revitalized Konkani music but also strengthened the cultural fabric of the Konkani-speaking community worldwide. His dedication to the promotion and preservation of Konkani heritage remains unmatched.