Dempo Charities Trust

The name ‘Dempo’ has been associated with philanthropy for many centuries. Their fame has extended beyond the boundaries of Goa and has spread all over India. They have supported individuals and institutions associated with the arts and culture, sports and especially education. For many decades their home was a haven for the needy students. In more recent times this philanthropic attitude saw the foundation of Dempo Charities Trust. The Trust manages four educational institutions in Goa.

These are :

1. Dhempe College of Arts and Science – established in 1962 and located at Miramar,Panji

2. Shrinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics – established in 1966 and located at Altinho,Panji.

3. Padmashri Vasantrao Dempo Higher Secondary School of Arts & Science – established in 1975 at Miramar,Panji.

4. Voicuntrao Sinai Dempo Higher Secondary School of Commerce – established in 1975 at Miramar,Panji.

The total enrollment in these institutions is around 3,500. the first College strives to provide state of art infrastructure in basic Sciences and a temperament to art and culture in all these institutions. As a result the students in these institutions have performed very well in public examinations and have frequently appeared in the merit lists of educational Boards and Universities.

These students have also excelled in extra curricular activities. In sports and athletics, many have performed well not only in inter-collegiate events but even in inter-university and national level competitions. The N.S.S. units have rendered commendable services to the community. The N.C.C. wing is doing well.

The institutions of Dempo Charities Trust are affiliated to Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Examinations and Goa University. But besides this they are also associated with other educational and professional bodies. Dhempe College of Arts & Science which has recently been given B+ accreditation by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council in the year 2003 hosts the North Goa Study Centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University and is center for CAT examination of ITM and the IIM. S.S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics is the center for professional examinations of bodies such as Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, New Delhi, Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Indian Cost and Works Accounts.

Apart from managing these educational institutions, the Trust also provides annual scholarships and financial assistance amounting to Rupees Five Lakhs to hundreds of needy and deserving students not only from the institutions under its management but also to students from different parts of Goa as well as outside Goa.

The Trust has also been extending financial assistance to various educational, socio-cultural and religious institutions.

With a view to filling the gap that exists in the field of research in Goa in subjects related to Goa’s culture, arts, society, biodiversity etc. the Dempo Charities trust has established a Fellowship to provide non-University institutional assistance to Goan Scholars undertaking such research. The financial grant of Rupees One Lakh is granted on the basis of merit for the completion of research in a scientific manner. This fellowship also aims at strengthening and consolidating the intellectual foundations of Goa. Mr. Phal Desai of Cancona was the first recipient of this financial grant.

The Trust has recently instituted twenty five scholarships in memory of founder Trustee Late Padmashri Vasantrao Sinai Dempo for students from Santacruz village for pursuing higher education.

The Trust also supports and promotes cultural activities like music, theatre and festivals promoting Goan traditions. Seminars, Workshops, Conferences, Training Camps conducted by Goa University and other professional bodies also find support of the Trust.

To commemorate the memory of Late Shri. Vasudeva V. Sinai Dempo and give impetus to the intellectual development of Goa, the Trust has started from last year, a Memorial Lecture Series after the illustrious son of Goa – Vasudeva V. Sinai Dempo. Vasudeva Dempo’s contribution to education and research in Goa is tremendous. Indeed he gave as much importance to social, educational and cultural activities as he gave to his own business. Truly his dedication and sincerity in undertaking various efforts to contribute to the cultural, social educational advancement was beyond compare.

All in all it can be stated that the Dempo Charities Trust has provided yeoman service in educational, social and cultural fields in Goa. It will strive to continue doing this noble service in future too..