From: michael jude gracias
Eric Ozorio felicitated at Mandur
The Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy ex-chief, Mr Eric Ozorio was today
felicitated at Our Lady of Amparo Church, Mandur at the hands of the
charismatic priest Rev. Fr Conceicao D'Silva, Publisher, Sobdacho Prokas,
for his immense contribution towards the cause of Konkani in the presence of
Fr Pratap Naik SJ, Director Thomas Stephens Konkani Kendr, Porvorim and
Michael Gracias, Publisher of the monthly, JIVIT, Niz Goykaranchem rongit
mhoynnalem.
Under the aegis of Mandd Sobhann a cultural institution from Mangalore, Mr
Ozorio was instrumental in foistering the Konkani flag atop the globe, by
getting it a place of pride in the Guiness Book of World Records for the
longest marathon singing of Konkani songs at the programme `Konkani
Nirantari' for a continuous and non-stop stretch of 40 hours.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ozorio said that language and culture always
speak about a person. He said that Goans should always try to identify
themselves with Konkani and its rich culture.
Mr Ozorio further said that if a tree is not deeply rooted in the soil, then
it cannot bear flowers and fruits. "In like manner, if Goans don't identify
themselves with the prevailing Konkani, then they will be lost forever in
the world,'' he added.
Earlier, Fr D'Silva lauded the sincere efforts of Mr Ozorio in organising
`Konknni Nirantari' in Mangalore and thus help Konkani enter in the Guiness
Book of World Records. He said that all Goans are proud of his achievements
and need to follow the example of Mr Ozorio in supporting Konkani for its
further growth and development.
Instead of depending on the selfish politicians and bureaucrats for their
support, Fr D'Silva urged the Goans to work selflessly for the growth and
upliftment of Konkani. ``For the survival and recognition of Konkani, it all
depends on each of the Goans,'' he added. Earlier Michael Gracias, Publisher
of Jivit, introduced Eric Ozorio to the gathering, by listing the
achievements of the Konkani community in Mangalore under the leadership of
Mr. Eric Ozorio, describing him as a humble soldier of mother Konkani and a
beacon of sincerity and dedication in the Konkani arena.
Mr Ozorio was felicitated with a bouquet of flowers, a shawl and a memento
by Fr D'Silva and Fr Pratap Naik offered him a lighted candle. On behalf of
the Mandur parishioners, Fr D'Silva offered Rs 15,000 to Mr Ozorio for the
development of Kalaangan the Cultural Centre at Mangalore.
Thank You
Michael Gracias
