08 Feb 2023  |   07:21am IST

Dedicated servant of Goa and Konkani, ‘Bhau’ Narayan Mauzo no more

The proprietor of iconic Mauzo Studio, who served Goa and Konkani selflessly, passed away at 83; played a major role in the foundation of Konkani Bhasha Mandal; personalities from various fields, including the Konkani movement shocked over his demise

Team Herald

MARGAO: Eminent Konkani stalwart and proprietor of iconic Mauzo Studio, Narayan Mauzo passed away on Monday. He was 83.

Several personalities from various fields including the Konkani movement have expressed shock over his death. 

It is pertinent to note that Narayan Mauzo has served Goa and Konkani selflessly. It was his nature to work silently. He has till date helped many organisations and individuals in various ways. But he did not let anyone know about its whereabouts. He was the former treasurer of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal and played a major role in the foundation of the KBM.

Anwesha Singbal, President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) said he was one of the founders of Vidya Bhuvan Konkani Shalla, the primary school of KBM, which was started under the chairmanship of the then president Adv Uday Bhembre.

Narayan Mauzo was amongst the first few who gave his wholehearted support to this decision.

“The school did not receive government subsidies. The KBM had to raise money to meet the need. Students needed transportation. However, the KBM could not afford such an arrangement. At such time, people like Narayan Mauzo stepped forward and arranged for a tempo at his own expense to be used to transport the students. Narayan Mauzo was one of the activists who contributed greatly to the sole desire to run a Konkani medium school,” said Anwesha. 

Mauzo in his entire life accepted only one award i.e. the Dnyanpithkar Ravindra Kelekar Konkani Language Award from the Directorate of Official Languages, Government of Goa after being convinced by the entire Konkani community.

He refused all other forms of awards declared to him from time to time by various organisations. However, he continued to support Konkani organisations and individuals in various ways. Narayan Mauzo was a pillar of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal.

“With his death, the Konkani movement has lost a selfless activist and the KBM has lost a great supporter. He has always inspired and encouraged young people like us. The KBM will continue its work keeping his example in mind,” said Anwesha.