Pratapananda Naik, sj
Eric Ozario (18.05.1949 – 29.08.2025)
Some people are already dead when they are alive. A few are alive even if they left this world. They refuse to die. They always live for ever in the chapters of history. Eric Ozario lives through his innumerable and valuable contributions to Konknni in a number of fields. To describe him and his contribution is a Herculean task for me. No man in the history of Konknni has contributed as much as Eric.
He began as a singer. Then he excelled as a music composer, director without the formal training in music! He was a teacher, lyricist, creative innovator, performer, organizer, event manager, campaigner and crusader to obtain justice for the marginalized workers, voice of the voiceless, trainer, leader, prophet, activist, grass root thinker and philosopher, orator, master of ceremony, rebel, fighter for a just cause, and a team builder. He established Mandd Sobhann and erected Kalaangann with his associates. He promoted music, dance, theatre, films, Konknni traditions, culture, and folklore, folk music, folk culture, brass band, research, learning of Konknni in schools and elsewhere. He visited Konknni speakers and tried to unite them within India and abroad.
In the words of Royston Fernandes who wrote is biography Eric Ozario was “The indefatigable Crusader”. His vision for Konknni was far beyond the sky. He was a dreamer like Joseph son of Jacob in the Old Testament. Eric had many dreams for Konknni. Some fulfilled, others partially, and a few have remained as dreams.
He transcended the narrow walls of region, religion, caste, gender language, script. He believed and practiced the principle of “Unity in diversity”. He never believed in common notions like “difficult”, “impossible”, “hard”, and “fatalism”. He was a positive thinker with his vision far beyond the horizon. He was restless till he achieved his goal.
What is the best tribute or homage can I give to Eric with whom I was closely associated since 1987? Eric’ s life for me is a never ending story, history and mystery. I have no better words than the poem of the Persian poet Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, or simply Rumi, of the 13th century, which describes the latest thoughts of Eric.
Eric will continue to live in the hearts and minds of his admirers, friends, and foes as a dedicated soldier of Konknni. He was a commando “ Black cat” who never felt fear to face any situation or task, including his own death. He was a fearless warrior. He conquered death by living and working till the end. A great soul and precious gem. Such persons are rarely born on this planet.
