Konkani music pioneer Eric Alexander Ozario dies at 76
Mangaluru(PTI): Eric Alexander Ozario, a pioneering figure in Konkani music and culture, passed away on Friday at the age of 76, his family said.
Ozario, who had been undergoing treatment for kidney-related ailments at Father Muller’s Hospital here, was widely regarded as the "gurkar" of 'Mandd Sobhann', the cultural organisation he founded in 1986 to promote Konkani art and heritage.
Under his leadership, 'Mandd Sobhann' staged over 2,000 performances, produced more than 1,000 musical compositions, and released 26 albums.
His tireless advocacy also led to Konkani being introduced as an optional subject in Karnataka schools, securing its place in the curriculum.
He played a key role in establishing 'Kalaangann', an international Konkani heritage centre in Mangaluru, which became a hub for cultural programmes and research initiatives.
His efforts brought global recognition to Konkani art through festivals such as the World Konkani Music Festival, Mandd Fest, and the Global Konkani Music Awards.
A recipient of the Vishwa Konkani Kala Ratna award, Ozario is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughter Dr Rashmi Kiran, and son Rithesh Kiran.
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Former Assam Cong chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP
Guwahati (PTI): Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah on Sunday joined the ruling BJP in the presence of its state unit president Dilip Saikia here.
Borah became a BJP member during a function held at the Assam BJP headquarters 'Vajpayee Bhawan'.
Along with him, former Congress worker Sanju Bora, too, joined the saffron party.
Borah had resigned on February 16, with the Congress high command not accepting it and senior leaders rushing to his residence, while Rahul Gandhi also spoke to him.
He had asked for time to reconsider his decision, but the next day, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma went to his residence and announced that he would join the BJP on February 22.
The 126-member Assam assembly is expected to go to polls in March-April.
#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam | Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins the BJP in the presence of State BJP President Dilip Saikia, BJP MP Baijayant Panda. pic.twitter.com/VIJcIa2xJ8
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2026
