VASCO
The demise of Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira on Tuesday has left the fraternity of St Joseph Vaz College grieving the loss of a teacher remembered not just for academics, but for his deep love for nature and his close bond with students.
Fr Pereira, who served as Assistant Professor of Botany at the college, was widely admired for transforming classroom lessons into real-life learning experiences by taking students on field visits across Goa to study nature and mangroves firsthand.
Recalling his contribution to the college, Cortalim Parish Priest Fr Simon Diniz, who is also the administrator of the college, said Fr Pereira was passionate about environmental conservation and believed students should learn directly from nature rather than only through textbooks.
“He was teaching Botany and was actively involved in protecting mangroves. As part of the syllabus, he would often take students on field trips to different parts of Goa. He had a great passion for nature and would personally spend time with students to inculcate love and respect for the environment,” said Fr Diniz.
Fr Diniz said the college community would deeply miss Fr Pereira’s presence and his warm interaction with students and staff.
“No one is indispensable and the college will continue to function, but we will miss his presence, his interaction with the students and his interaction with the staff. The college will definitely miss his expertise and his compassion for nature,” he said.
Describing him as a jovial and approachable teacher, Fr Diniz said Fr Pereira had become extremely popular among students despite the college being relatively new.
“He was deeply involved with the students. Since we do not have a very large number of students, professors share a close connection with them. Students loved him as a professor because he was very jovial and fun-loving. The students, staff and the entire college will miss him dearly,” said Fr Diniz.
Fr Diniz said the news of Fr Pereira’s demise cast a shadow of grief across the institution, with college staff gathering for prayers soon after learning about his passing.
“As soon as we heard the news, along with the vice-principal and non-teaching staff, we gathered in the hall and spent time praying for his soul so that he may attain eternal rest. Messages were sent to staff and students, who are presently on vacation. The entire college is saddened by this unfortunate news,” he added.
Students and staff members remembered Fr Pereira as a teacher who blended academics with humanity, making learning enjoyable while inspiring young minds to remain connected to nature and society.
