Tag: Konkani Culture

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Madganvcho Awaaz Launches ‘Asmitai Vars’ to Mark 60 Years of the Historic Opinion Poll

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Margao; January 2026: Madganvcho Awaaz has launched ‘Asmitai Vars’, a year-long series of activities to commemorate 60 years of the historic Opinion Poll of 1967, a defining moment that shaped Goa’s political, cultural and linguistic identity.


Senior advocate, former Margao MLA and Opinion Poll movement stalwart Adv. Uday Bhembre unveiled the initiative and described it as timely and meaningful, noting that while large sums are often spent on short-lived events, initiatives such as Asmitai Vars create lasting milestones for future generations. Youth leader Prabhav Naik and social worker Dattaraj Pai Fondekar were present on the occasion.
Expressing pride in continuing the legacy of the Opinion Poll movement, Prabhav Naik said he was honoured to carry forward the contributions of his great-grandfather Narcinva Naik and grandfather Anant alias Babu Naik, both of whom played key roles in the historic movement. He added that Madganvcho Awaaz remains committed to honouring eminent Goans who have worked to safeguard Goa’s identity, language and culture.
As part of the launch, Madganvcho Awaaz honoured living stalwarts of the Opinion Poll movement by visiting their residences and presenting them with mementoes, shawls and bouquets as a mark of respect and gratitude. Those honoured included Adv. Uday Bhembre, Prof. Shyam Verencar, Smriti Audi, Aruna Telang, N. Shivdas, Sadanand Kanekar and Tomazinho Cardozo, who played significant roles in the movement that determined Goa’s future.
The honoured stalwarts appreciated the efforts of Madganvcho Awaaz in remembering the architects of the Opinion Poll and expressed confidence that Asmitai Vars would inspire the younger generation to understand, value and protect Goa’s unique identity and heritage.

Events in Goa

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler Hosts ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ Christmas Fiesta to Welcome the New Year

Tanisha Cardozo

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Duler began the New Year on a joyful and meaningful note by hosting the two-day Christmas Fiesta ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ on 3rd and 4th January 2026. The celebration brought together parishioners, families and visitors, creating a vibrant platform that blended faith, culture and community spirit.

Held at the St. Anthony School Grounds, the fiesta opened on 3rd January with a lively atmosphere featuring food stalls, children’s activities, face painting and community-run counters. Parishioners showcased their talents through music, poetry and group dance performances, reflecting the cultural richness and confidence within the parish. The first evening concluded with the screening of the Konkani film Mog Asum, adding a reflective cultural dimension to the festivities.

Chief Guest Mr. Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and MLA of Mapusa, described the event as “a lively experience that allows people to know one another,” highlighting the importance of such gatherings in strengthening bonds within the community. Several dignitaries and clergy members were also present on the occasion.

The celebrations continued on 4th January with a variety of engaging activities, including cultural performances, Zumba sessions, youth-led game stalls and the SFX Cultural Pavilion, which showcased the creative and artistic abilities of parishioners. The highlight of the evening was the Konkani tiatr Don Dis Sonvsarantle by Ulhas Tari, staged before a packed audience and received with overwhelming appreciation.

Mr. Vijai Sardesai, MLA of Fatorda and former Deputy Chief Minister, praised the parish for promoting meaningful and positive entertainment. He noted that such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening community bonding and preserving Goa’s cultural heritage and Goemkarponn amid a rapidly evolving social landscape.

The parish expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, performers and attendees whose dedication and support made ‘SON-BORN 2.0’ a memorable and meaningful celebration, reinforcing the values of unity, faith and cultural pride.

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Remembering Eric Ozario: Legendary Konkani Singer and Cultural Pioneer Passes Away

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Eric Alexander Ozario, born on May 18, 1949, in Jeppu, Mangalore, was a towering figure in the Konkani cultural landscape. As a singer, composer, cultural activist, and trade unionist, Eric’s contributions to Konkani arts are monumental. He was the visionary founder of Mandd Sobhann, a premier cultural organization dedicated to promoting Konkani music, dance, and theatre, as well as Kalaangann, a heritage centre celebrating Konkani culture.

Eric Ozario’s passion for the Konkani language extended beyond music. He was instrumental in securing the recognition of Konkani as an optional language in Karnataka’s school education system, thus ensuring that the language’s rich heritage would be preserved and passed on to future generations. His commitment was deeply rooted in a desire to uplift and maintain the identity of Konkani culture in India, especially in Karnataka, where Konkani is spoken widely but often overshadowed by other regional languages.

In 2023, Eric further showcased his musical talents as the music director for the Konkani film ‘Ozmitay’, adding yet another feather to his illustrious career. His compositions resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting the soul of Konkani traditions in a modern context.

Eric Ozario passed away on August 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. The loss is deeply felt across the Konkani-speaking world and beyond, as he was not just an artist but a cultural guardian who tirelessly worked to keep Konkani arts and language alive. The nation mourns the passing of this icon, celebrating a life dedicated to culture, music, and community.

Events in Goa

Duler Parish Empowers Grandparents and Elders with Cybercrime Awareness on Appreciation Day

Tanisha Cardozo

The Parish of St Francis Xavier Church, Duler, came alive with spirit, song, and sincere gratitude on Sunday, July 27, 2025, as it marked Grandparents’ and Elders’ Appreciation Day with warmth and purpose. Spearheaded by the Social Apostolate Cell (SAC) and Family Apostolate Cell (FAC), the event honoured the legacy, resilience, and wisdom of the senior members of the community.

The morning began with a Thanksgiving Mass, beautifully attended by parishioners and dedicated to the Grandparents and Elders. The Senior Citizens’ Forum of the parish joined hands with the SAC to create a meaningful prayer service followed by an Educational-Cultural Celebration that brought generations together.

Through touching Konkani songs and skits, the Catechism Children and Youth not only paid tribute to the elders but also brought attention to a pressing modern issue — Cybercrime.

The Chief Guest, DySP Wilson Cipriano D’Souza, applauded the parish for blending tradition with contemporary challenges. He assured seniors that the Mapusa Police stands with them and encouraged them to approach his office for any support.

The highlight of the day was an insightful presentation by Cybercrime Branch Inspector Vidyanand Pawar, who explained the evolving nature of digital frauds targeting elders and offered practical safety tips for using smartphones, banking apps, and social media.

Adding grace to the celebration were Justice Sabino Braganza and Range Forest Officer Maryann D’Souza, both special invitees who reinforced the message of appreciation and empowerment.

A delightful cultural performance by the Senior Citizens, featuring a traditional Mando, fashion show, and musical acts, brought joy and connection to the community. The event closed with a joyful fellowship lunch.

In the evening, the celebration extended beyond the church walls. The FAC, Parish Pastoral Council, and Somudai leaders reached out to the homebound and isolated elders, gifting them handmade cards by Catechism children and tokens of love, ensuring no one was left behind.

Fr Anthony Fernandes, Parish Priest, summed it up best:

“Our elders are timeless beacons of faith and wisdom. Today, we not only honour them but also stand by them as a community.”

Indeed, the event was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the dignity, safety, and shared identity of the Parish’s senior citizens.

Books & Literature

All India Konkani Parishad to Mark Foundation Day in Pune with Tribute to Late Rocky Miranda

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Pune, July 13, 2025 – The All India Konkani Parishad will celebrate its Foundation Day with a vibrant cultural gathering in Pune, Maharashtra, spotlighting the enduring spirit of the Konkani community across India. Organized in association with City Pride School, Nigdi, Chinchwad, and supported by the Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa, the event promises a mix of honours, dialogue, and musical celebration.

This year, the prestigious Madhav Manjunath Shanbhag Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented posthumously to Late Rocky Miranda, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Konkani language and cultural identity. His family will receive the award at the inaugural ceremony.

Goa Konkani Akademi President Dr. Purnanand Chari will grace the event as the chief guest, while Melvyn Rodrigues, Sahitya Akademi’s Konkani Advisory Board Convenor, will preside over the function.

Several other dignitaries will also be felicitated for their work in advancing Konkani language and culture, especially in Maharashtra. The honorees include:

  • Lexicographer Isidor Dantas
  • Researcher Vaman Naik
  • Educationist Dr. Ashwini Kulkarni
  • Writer Vijayanand Gaitonde
  • Konkani activist Alfi Monteiro

A special session titled “Unity Among Indian Konkani Communities” will bring together voices from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra to reflect on shared identity and cooperation. The event will culminate in a Konkani musical programme, celebrating the region’s rich musical heritage.

According to Sneha Sabnis, Secretary of the Parishad, the event expects around 300 delegates and aims to deepen cultural bonds and linguistic pride among Konkani speakers nationwide.