Organization
Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal, our parent institution was founded on Vijayadashami day, 2nd October 1911 by three visionaries, late Dr. Dada Vaidya, Late Shri. Sitaram V. Kerkar and Late Shri. Vinayak Ramchandra Bhat Sarjyotishi. Its first institution, a High School in Ponda, was named after Dr. Antonio Jose de Almeida, the leader of the opposition in Portuguese Parliament, to perpetuate his memory and his genuine concern for oppressed Goans. Dr. Jose Almeida fought for the cause of education of Goans in Portuguese Parliament. Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal has a history to boast off. During the pre-liberation days, Goa Vidya Prasarak Mandal and A. J. de Almeida High School were centers of nationalist activities and have a long list of freedom fighters as their honorable past students. The founders thought of imparting education not merely for white collared jobs but for upgrading the standards of the common man through vocational training. Their efforts could not take deep roots due to insurmountable difficulties. The dreams of the visionaries have now become a reality with professional courses, applied component courses & computer courses run in various institutions of the Mandal. Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal has continued its effort to mould the future generation and has a success story to tell in spheres other than formal education. During post liberation period between 1962 and 1965, four more High Schools were founded in Bandora, Savoi-Verem, Borim and Khandepar. In 1975, a Primary and K.G. school was started in Ponda. With the introduction of 10+2+3 pattern of education, a Higher Secondary School was started in 1975 in Ponda. In 1985, Goa University came into existence. During Amrit Mahotasava year (Platinum Jubilee year), Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal planned to start a College in Ponda. With the co-operation and support of Goa University, Goa Goverment authorities, well wishers, members, teachers and students, the long cherished dream became a reality in 1986. On 12th June 1986, the College was formally inaugurated at the hands of Late Dr. Gopal Singh, the then Lt. Governor of Goa, Daman & Diu and Visitor of Goa University and Dr. B. Sheik Ali, the then Vice Chancellor, Goa University. Many distinguished personalities and members of the Mandal attended the function. On 17th December 1986, the plaque for the foundation stone of the proposed College building was unveiled at the hands of Dr. Giani Zail Singh, the then President of India . It was a spectacular function that will not fade from memory for a long time. Situated on a hillock at Farmagudi, about a kilometer from Ponda town, the College lies in the lap of nature surrounded by greenery. The college has large airy lecture halls, a well equipped Computer Laboratory, a well stocked Library housed in a separate building, an audio visual room with latest aids etc. In 1993, this College supported the Mandal in starting its College of Education in Ponda by offering its infrastructure, administrative and academic facilities during the initial years. The College has now reached the full fledges status with stabilization of strength of students, qualified and devoted staff and solid financial and academic foundation. The College has been granted the status of permanent affiliation to Goa University since 1996. For the benefit of meritorious and needy students, the College has a number of scholarship and freeship. Book Bank Facility is available for the needy students. While the College believes in academics, it is keen to strength the all round development of the students. Keeping this in view, a variety of activities like seminars, workshops, symposia and guest lectures are organized for the students. Sports and cultural activities in which students' participation is called for are encouraged. The College has long tradition of liberal education, which has produced student who have excelled in various professions and have contributed in numerous way to society. The College has always maintained high academic standards. The strength of the College is its congenial and enriching atmospheres which nurtures and encourages lively student - teacher interaction and is striving towards excellence in both curricular and extra curricular areas.