Anthony Vaz, devoted to Konkani
By Roque Dias / Navhind Times

The brain behind ‘Avaz Theatre Group,’ which was formed in 1986 with the sole aim to present art in Goa is Anthony Vaz. A born artiste, Anthony heads the troupe comprising of twenty members.Every year, Vaz and his group use every opportunity available to enthrall folk dance lovers from Goa and other states. Be it Konkani or Marathi Sangeet Sammelan’s here in Goa or elsewhere, Vaz had always worked hard to present his show before the audience using his unique style and art.
Always enthusiastic, Vaz and party has taken part in Delhi’s ‘Apna Utsav’ presenting his group dance ‘Zagor.’ When asked as to how he manages with the group, he courteously says“No demanding any fees from the organisers. I believe, presenting art through the folk dance to the people is a gift of God.” Vaz adds saying “In many occasions culture promoting events lacks encouragement”.

Having completed his primary education through the Marathi medium in Mapusa, Vaz was also took an active part in student movement during his school days inviting resentment from different quarters.

These students as Vaz says had formed an association to monitor the various activities of the school besides taking up other issues in the year 1981. After completing his SSC, Vaz was forced to leave for Mumbai where his family stays. There too he never gave up his love for Konkani and this has indeed forced him to shift back to Goa. As a Tiatrist, at the young age Vaz had also contributed to the Konkani state by scripting two Tiatr’s Sukh and Dukh, and Raknno. Which were staged at Mumbai and Goa.
Vaz who now serves as the general secretary of the Pravaxi Sangh, and a executive member of Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) besides other organisations had also written a novel in Konkani. “We took up the helmet issue and even carried out demonstrations under the MAG banner,” he says.

Anthony is also a member of the Goa Hit-Rakhan Manch which voices over the various issues of the state. “Its very interesting to work on the various issues which largely benefits the general member of the public,” he says adding that“ many a times the poor people are at the receiving end.”

Anthony who prefer keeping busy in social activities with the spare time, besides work is also serving in Konkani Bhasha Mandal as an active member. Simplicity is the main feature of Anthony who is a common face in Panaji and more prominently for Konkani functions. “My devotion towards Konkani is like my devotion towards God,” says a strong Konkani protagonist