In an unforeseen and shocking tragedy, a significant portion of the Herald’s printing press at Verna caught fire with the blaze spreading quickly, catching-our operating staff by surprise. It was a tragedy that has severely impacting our printing. The cause of the fire looks to be from a short circuit but the full extent of the damages and the exact causes will emerge in a few days.
As we write this, the fire is still not under control. What has doused the real worry and tension in our hearts, more than the water from the fire engines, pressed timely into service are the calls and messages of support and concern from readers, well-wishers, politicians, other media friends. Each one felt the same sense of loss and hurt at this unforeseen tragedy.
This simple and genuine outreach by the people of Goa, was yet again an assertion that gave us confidence to pick ourselves up from the ashes, even while the fire was trying to bring us down, and fight back. When the news of the fire first reached us, we had two immediate concerns. Firstly, the safety of our workers, our co-brothers and sisters the unsung foot soldiers of Herald who work day and night to bring all the publications of Herald to you. By the grace of God, all of them are safe. Once that was certain, our very next thought collectively, went to the people of Goa who would wait for their Herald in the morning. It’s a habit, a ritual, a custom and a way of life. While we knew that our dear readers would understand and forgive us, if we did not serve them for a day, the call of duty, in the face of rain or shine, storm or earthquake, fire or bullets, made it incumbent upon us, to do just what we have done for the past 116 years, bring Herald to you.
If you are reading this with Herald in your hands on this Friday morning, you know that like the rising sun, your paper has arrived home. And we want each of you to remember, on this day of tragedy, sorrow and indeed a few tears, that all we had to do was think of your looks of expectation coupled with your strength and support. At this hour of crisis, while we thank the media fraternity, we would like to specially thank the Lokmat Group for opening the doors of their printing presses and allowing us to print your Herald from there last night. All it took was one call.
This is the spirit of love and brotherhood that binds Goa. We rise above differences and follies and in times of need we get together as one. We are humbled by these gestures.
What next, one might ask. The answer is simple. The same as what has happened and will keep on happening- The Voice of Goa coming to you each morning, it’s your voice, a voice which reflects the fires in your hearts, a voice which rises above calamities, for a better Goa, for our children.
