Jose Vaz


Mario Vaz was an Indian politician and freedom fighter who was a former member of the Goa Legislative Assembly, representing the Cuncolim Assembly constituency from 1980 to 1984. Vaz also contributed in the Goa Liberation Movement.

Early and personal life

Jose Mario Emerciane Vaz was born on 19 March 1938 in Cuncolim, Goa, which was part of Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire. He completed his Secondary School Certificate from St. Stanislaus High School. He later did his graduation in Bachelor of Arts from St. Xavier's College, Bombay. Vaz was also an alumnus of Dhempe College, Panaji. Vaz was married to Pulcheria Vaz and resided at Nanguillo, Cuncolim until his death in 2002.

Career

Politics

He contested against his own cousin brother stalwart of maharastrawadi gomantak party afronio Vaz.Prior to winning the seat in the Goa Legislative Assembly, Vaz was a Sarpanch of Cuncolim Village panchayat from 1968 to 1972. He contested in the 1980 [Goa, Daman and Diu Legislative Assembly election|Goa, Daman and Diu Legislative Assembly election] on the Congress ticket and emerged victorious.

Teaching

Vaz was also a headmaster of Our Lady of Health High School, Cuncolim from 1964 to 1979 and St. Xavier's High School.

Role in Goa's freedom struggle

Vaz was a member of the Azad Gomantak Dal. He was also a joint secretary of the "Goan Students Association Bombay". In 1956, under his leadership, Vaz held an assembly at Bombay for the immediate withdrawal of the Portuguese colonial rulers in Goa. Following this event, the Portuguese government blacklisted Vaz and was banned entry in Goa till Goa Liberation Day.

Positions held

  • Member of Library Committee 1980–81
  • Member of the committee to solve the dispute between Ramponcars and Mechanized Boat Operators
  • Member of the Select Committee on Bill No. 27 of The Goa, Daman and Diu Education Bill 1980
  • Ex-President of Cuncolim Union, Goa
  • Executive Committee member of the Headmasters Association.