Konkani writers urge CM to cancel grant to Mandd Sobhann over hate campaign

[email protected] (Media Release)
August 31, 2016

Mangaluru, Aug 31: Konkani Writers and Artistes Association (KWAA) has accused Mangaluru-based Mandd Sobhann, a recipient of government grant, of indulging in character assassination and abuse of leading Konkani writers and artistes. The association has charged Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario of using yellow journals and web media for using derogatory language to abuse leading Konkani luminaries.

Konkani Manavi

In a letter to the Chief Minister the association says Eric Ozario has used unparliamentarily words to insult the proud son of Karnataka, Melvyn Rodrigues, who is also the Sahithya Academy Award winner as spineless and a man who has no essential body organs below the waist'. He has also abused writers and artistes calling Gowda Saraswath Brahmins (Konkane) as fathers of Konkani artistes and writers. He has also likened Konkani writers to Koragas (Harijans) comparing them to those who used to wait outside homes of people to eat leftover food and thus indulged in caste abuse.

In its bylaws Mandd Sobhann which is registered under Society's Registration Act clearly states that it works for the unity, integrity and communal harmony of Konkanis spread across Karnataka, Goa, Cochin, Diu and Daman without discriminating them on religious bases as Hindus, Christians and Mulsims. The different types of scripts used to write Konkani language is used as a tool by Mandd Sobhann to create discord between Konkani speaking people of Goa and Karnataka.

To carry out these evil activities it has established several letterhead organisations making Shakthinagar as its base. Eric Ozario is the Gurkar of all these letterhead organisations and the mastermind behind the various wicked activities carried out through them. In the name of these organisations he holds press conference and creates a fear among people saying he would organize public protests and is also creating an atmosphere of fear in the minds of common Konkani speaking people. He is also resorting to character assassination of eminent Konkani writers and artistes by using web media and yellow journals.

It is a matter of great concern to note that the state government has allotted Rs. 2.5 crore grant in the 2016 budget for Mandd Sobhann which is blatantly carrying out disruptive acts like caste abuse, insults, , maligning name of writers and is creating hatred and ill-will among Konkani speaking people belonging to different religions. This is in fact giving credence to the prevailing belief among the enlightened people of Mangalore that by giving grant to Mandd Sobhann government is encouraging this institution which is inimical to promoting harmonious relationship.

Taking into consideration all these aspects KWAA members have written a letter to the Chief Minister of Karnataka requesting him to withhold the grant given to Mandd Sobhann and also to cancel its registration as part of the disciplinary action. Office bearers of KWAA Ronald J Sequeira, Florine Roche, Roshan Madtha and Member Henry Mendonca handed over the letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada along with suitable records to substantiate the charges. Copies of the letter have been sent to the Chief Minister of Goa, the Prime Minister, and to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, government of India.

Comments

Joel Bendoor
 - 
Wednesday, 31 Aug 2016

Sorry i share my name with a 'bozo' of same name. So now Joel why dont you prove what you charged the others. If taken money why dont you prove it. And how you came to know all this is not true. U spoke to them?

look like u r one of those who Mandd Sobhann feeds from time to time. Repaying like a truthful or faithful....

Lloyd
 - 
Wednesday, 31 Aug 2016

Maand Sobhaan has crossed all the limits. I hope the chief minister notices all their misdeeds.

Joel
 - 
Wednesday, 31 Aug 2016

Look who is talking, Bunch of Jokers, for publicity and for money these people will go to any extent

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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News Network
December 16,2025

SMR1.jpg

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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