Eric Ozario
Indian Konkani music composer (1949–2025)
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Eric Alexander Ozario (18 May 1949 – 29 August 2025) was an Indian Konkani music composer, cultural activist, trade unionist and the founder of Mandd Sobhann, a leading Konkani cultural organization. He also founded Kalaangann, a Konkani heritage centre.[1][2] Ozario was instrumental in Konkani being approved as an optional language in school education in the state of Karnataka.[3][4][5] He had also been the secretary general of the Jagotik Konknni Songhotton (JKS – Global Konkani Organisation) for many years.[6][7]
Early life
Ozario was born in 1949 in Mangalore. He developed an early interest in Konkani music and cultural identity, which later influenced his life’s work. His legacy as a composer and cultural activist began with the foundation of Mandd Sobhann, through which he promoted Konkani music locally and internationally.[8]
Career
Death
Ozario died from kidney disease on 29 August 2025, at the age of 76,[13] in Mangaluru.[8]
Awards
- In 1994 Ozario was bestowed the title 'Konkani Kala Samrat'.[14]
- Konkani Ratna[15]
- 1993 State Rajyotsava Prashasti[15]
- 1999 Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Award.
- Aug 2017 Konkanis in Tel Aviv honoured Eric Ozario at the Independence Day Celebrations.
- Feb 2022 Eric Ozario conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by Daiji World Dubai
- Feb 2023 Ozario was conferred a lifetime achievement award by Konkani Natak Sabha® (KNS) in Don Bosco Hall, Mangalore. 2023.[16][17]
