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Eric Ozario of Mand Sobhan fame – A Flashback
Today, Eric Ozario is a well known name in the Konkani Cultural
world. We are very happy to learn that his troupe is performing
under the banner of St. Peter’s Association Barkur - Mumbai,
during the forthcoming Diwali holidays i.e. on
Tuesday, 1st November, 2005 at
10.00 a.m.
at Bhaidas Maganlal A.C Hall, Vile Parle.
It was a dream during our days in SPCYA in
Bombay that is in late 80’s, to organize Mand Sobhann. I can very
well recall a meeting with Mr. Eric at the premises of Poinnari
Konkanni Weekly, and his humble request to sponsor a show in
November 1987. That was the crucial stage, just born SPCYA,
struggling hard to create a goodwill for itself, with lone
successful public function to its credit – Mogachi Deswatt, a
social play written by Henry D’Silva, Suratkal, in November 1986,
had its reservations and doubts on two fronts viz ‘Entertainment
value’ in particular and ‘crowed pulling capacity’ of the artist
in general. After weighing both the pros and cons, the balance
tilted in favor of Wilfy Nite, which ended as a super hit house
full show, at the jam packed St. Mary’s Hall Mazgaon.
What made me to remember this in these columns is the special
quality in Eric stunned me at that time: Unfortunately I had that
responsibility to convey our inability and I was searching for
some consoling promises…. But Eric not only understood us well but
also contributed a page or so… on behalf of Mand Sobhann to our
Souvenir.
Since then over the years, lot of water flown under the
Sita
Bridge and Eric and his troupe earned name and fame to the brim.
Moreover his innovative ideas search for talents, in a small way
‘it’s a Konkani cultural renaissance’, paid favorable results.
He has grown in maturity and popularity, his organizing skills and
public relationship especially good rapport with press and print
media won him friends and admirers everywhere. For his service to
the cause of mother tongue and culture, he was decorated with
Konkani Ratna, State Rajyotsava Prashasti, above all now he holds
the prestigious post of President ship of Karnataka State Konkani
Sahitya Academy.
We had written elsewhere in these columns, Barkur is the
laboratory where new concepts were tested over the years:
The Mand Sobhan Group was formed in the year 1985 or so…….. And it
is the ICYM Barkur, dared to invite Eric Ozario to our parish to
present its second ever show on
19th December, 1986.
That evening of Parish Feast day, now about two decades back,
still fresh to my memory. Versatile Lawrence Sequeira, the then
President of SPCYA, Herald D’Souza then President of CYM Barkur,
together with many of our young leaders, who were instrumental in
organizing this event - both a special taste to spectators and
first ever programme away from Mangalore to Mr. Eric Ozario –
deserve to be remembered here.
Introducing Mand Sobhan mullyar kitten, and the popular
numbers like jiri biri pavs, Rozi bayek Kapda nanth
etc were remembered by the people…… and for younger one’s later
their own version of additions also made familiar especially
during picnics and wedding houses. Poetic excellence of Late
C.F.D’Costa, Eric himself and his singer wife Joyce Ozario among
others are three outstanding characters who influenced the
gathering and star performers of the event.
Few years back, mostly in the year 2002, he has paid a visit to
Oman
to bring awareness of World Konkani Congress. We had that special
privilege to see him again singing live some old Konkani Numbers.
Ever popular and a song very near to my heart - ‘Rosaline
Mojen Mogachen, Sobbhith Bhangrallya Kesanchen’ was sung by
Eric Ozario on the open dais on the Holy Spirit Church grounds
Ghala.
Each and every artist is an asset of that community and culture.
Well established social organizations should come forward to
support not only known and popular ones but also budding talents.
Personally we will not endorse ugly competition among them but if
all recognize and patronize each others good things and help in
correcting the limitations it is our Konkani culture which will be
richer in days to come. One have to learn from Eric – conditions
never be alright, those who delay in taking action or initiatives
until all factors become favorable, achieve nothing!
Now-a-days more such fresh personalities exhibiting their shows in
Gulf, especially in UAE. more frequently than in Mangalore, Mumbai
is a positive sign. We recognize the initiatives taken by
organizations such as Daiji Dubai, Mai Bhas.com Karavall
Milan etc who took it as a mission and they are successful
also.
We on behalf of Barkur online, while congratulating Eric and his
Group, appreciate the efforts of St. Peter’s Association Barkur –
Mumbai, who is sponsoring ‘Baila Show’ the annual mega event of
the year 2005.
It is a matter of great satisfaction, still the young men like
Ivan M. Rebello, Eric Carvalho, Norman T.D’Souza, Peter Fernandes,
Mark Gonsalves, Arthur Mendonca John Gonsalves….. who were there
with us, known for active participation since the very inception
of the platform SPCYA, later SPA and the elders under the able
leadership of Henry Roche, Richard Carvalho, Peter Furtado and
many others…. doing a wonderful job. Though we miss that fun in
person but send our best wishes for the success of the function
and pray to St. Peter our patron, to bless you all, families as
well and our Association abundantly.
On behalf of Barkur-online and ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association,
P. Archibald Furtado,
Muscat, 19th
October, 2005.
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