Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal

Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal, founded in 1911 is one of the supreme educational institutions in Goa. It runs two Senior Colleges, one Higher Secondary School, five High Schools and one K.G. and Primary School.

Late Dr. Dada Vaidya, Late Shri Sitaram Kerkar and Late Shri Vinayak Sarjyotishi founded Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal and it's first institution, a High School in Ponda. This High School 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. During pre-liberation period Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal and A.J. de Almeida High School were centres of nationalist activities and have a long list of freedom fighters as their honorable past students. The founders thought of imparting education 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. Dreams of the visionary founders have now become a reality with professional courses, vocational courses, applied component courses & computer courses run in various institutions of Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal.

During post liberation period four more high schools were founded in Bandora, Savoi Verem, Borim and Khandepar between 1962 and 1965. In 1975 a Primary and K.G School was started in Ponda and 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 Mahotsav year (Platinum Jubilee Year) Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal planned to start a senior college in Ponda, which became a reality on 12th June 1986 with the cooperation of Goa University, Goa Government authorities, well-wishers, teachers, members and students. On 13th March 1994 the college has been named after late Shri Gopal Govind Poy Raiturcar.