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"Cha Fra D’Costa was my teacher who brought me into the world of Konkani. I also adore the late Lawrence Pinto who stood with me like a comrade in my trade union movement. I am also grateful to Louis Pinto who is the real strength behind all my projects in Konkani. Meanwhile, there are many personalities who have worked with me, assisted and supported me throughout my journey in the field of Konkani. I am only a face. The real warriors are the people who stood with me in my tough times and made me an achiever," said Vishwa Konkani Kalarathna Eric Ozario.

He was speaking after receiving the lifetime achievement award bestowed by Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS), Mangaluru in memory of its 80th year celebration named ’Sambhram-2023’. The award conferring ceremony was held at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru on Sunday February 19.

Eric further said, “I am glad to receive a lifetime achievement award on the stage of Don Bosco Hall where I used to sing and participated in several competitions in my young age. I am delighted to receive the honour from the institution which has been serving Konkani for the past eighty years. The motive of the institution where I work and KNS is the same. Hence, in the upcoming days, we can move forward together.”

Fr Rocky D’Cunha OFM presided over the award conferring ceremony. J R Lobo, former MLA, Mangaluru south constituency, Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld media group, and Rohan Monteiro, managing director, Rohan Corporation graced the event as chief guests. Liston D’Souza Bajal, vice president, KNS, Floyd D’Mello, Cascia, general secretary, KNS, Cletus Lobo, assistant secretary, and Jerald Concesso, treasurer were present on the dais.

Lauding the service of Eric, J R Lobo said, “Eric is an asset for the Konkani community. He never compromises in his attitude till he achieves victory. Because of his mission towards Konkani, hundreds of talents rose in our surroundings. At this moment, I congratulate him on receiving the KNS lifetime achievement award.”

Appreciating Eric, Walter Nandalike said, “Eric is the man who has experienced the highest number of criticisms from all corners within the Konkani community. But he was never demotivated or demoralized. He continued his mission with courage and faced all the challenge. The ‘never give up’ attitude made him a successful fighter in the field of Konkani. He achieved all his goals and became an inspiration to all of us. The lifetime achievement award of KNS will keep him more engaged in the service of Konkani.”

Rohan Monteiro said, “Eric is the man who converts things from impossible to possible. He always thinks about our community, especially our language and culture. Today, I am very happy to share the dais with him. Meanwhile, I assure all help to his upcoming projects. As an entrepreneur, it is my duty to stand behind him."

In his presidential address, Fr Rocky said, “We are very much excited to bestow the KNS life time achievement award on Eric Ozario. This is the first lifetime achievement award given by the KNS in its eighty year history. I think, considering Eric’s name for this award, we made a right and historic decision. On this occasion, I congratulate Eric and his entire team for all their achievements. Through this award, the KNS has proved again that it not only provides a platform to budding talents and cultural activities, but also recognizes the great personalities who have achieved milestones in Konkani.”

Lifetime member of KNS Aloysius D’Souza expressed his thoughts on Eric Ozario’s personality as a musician, trade union worker and warrior of Konkani mission. Sunil Menezes, former vice president of KNS read the citation. The lifetime award contained a memento, shawl, citation and honorary amount of Rs 25,000. Manu Bantwal compered the award conferring ceremony.

The KNS also felicitated Joyce Ozario for receiving the prestigious Sandesha Award.

As a part ’Sambhram-2023, a cake baking competition, baby show and traditional dress competition for couples was held.

Josmita D’Silva compered the baby show while VJ Rupal D’Souza compered the traditional dress competition in their own unique style. Denzil D’Costa, lecturer of Milagres College of Hotel Management co-ordinated the cake baking competition.

Liston D’Souza welcomed the dignitaries and gathering. Floyd D’Mello rendered the vote of thanks. DJ Anil entertained the gathering with his magical music mixing.

Results of Sambram 2023

Cake baking competition
- 1st Place: Savitha D’Souza & Team, Bajal
- 2nd Place: Shirley Rego & Team, Bajpe
- Consolation Prize: Zita Priya D’Souza & Team, Bantwal

‘Konkani Baal’ competition
- Winner: Atharah Tia D’Souza, Bajal
- Runner Up: Valonia D’Souza, Manjeshwar

Indian traditional dress competition
- Winner: Deril Lasrado & Sabitha Lasrado, Bajal
- Runner Up: Naveen D’Souza & Lavina D’Souza, Kelarai