For lovers of cricket, 1983 is etched in memory as the year India claimed its maiden World Cup, a watershed that reshaped the game in this country. But for those who cherish values like democracy, free dom of speech, and journalistic integrity, 1983 holds another profound signifi cance — it was on 10th October of that very year that O Heraldo began publish ing in English, marking a new chapter in its already remarkable journey. Today, as O Heraldo celebrates its 125th anniversary, and as we commem orate 42 years in the English language, we take a moment — like we do each year — to pause, to retrace our steps, and to remind ourselves why we began this journey in the first place. And more importantly, why we continue. In an era of relentless digital noise — of viral videos, manufactured outrage, and manipulated truths — the printed newspaper has often been written off as an ageing relic. But the truth, as ever, lies deeper. The world may have em braced television, then the Internet, and now social media, but readers continue to turn to trusted publications like O Heraldo for clarity amid chaos. When misinformation swirls and deepfakes dominate timelines, it is to us they re turn — asking not just what happened, but what truly lies behind the headlines. Between January and June 2025, print’s comeback continued in the coun try, with ABC-certified daily newspaper circulation rising by 2.77% — from 28.94 million to 29.74 million average qualifying copies. At a time when cred ibility is currency, readers are reaf firming their faith in print — not out of nostalgia, but in pursuit of truth. Over the decades, our commitment has remained unwavering: to side with the people, not power; to serve the truth, not agendas. In doing so, we’ve become more than a newspaper — we’ve become a morning ritual for many, a part of the very soul of Goa. We are deeply grateful to all who have walked this path with us—our readers, advertisers, digital followers, and above all, the people of Goa. Your belief in us is our greatest reward. It is your expec tation each morning that inspires our newsroom to work late into the night. For 125 years, you’ve trusted us to bring home the truth—and for that, we thank you. Established in 1900 under the Portu guese colonial regime, O Heraldo holds the distinction of being the first Portu guese daily in Goa. It bore witness to the seismic shift of 1961, when Goa transi tioned from a colonial territory to a part of the Indian Union. Though readership in Portuguese dwindled post-Libera tion, O Heraldo continued for two more decades in the language of its founding before reinventing itself in English in 1983—thanks to the vision of Mr A C Fernandes. It was he who made a solemn pledge on the paper’s first English anniversary in 1984 — that O Heraldo would serve the interests and aspirations of Goans. That pledge has been upheld every sin gle day since, with equal passion by his son and successor, Mr Raul Fernandes, our present Editor-in-Chief and Manag ing Director. Through tumults and triumphs, through decades of change, O Heraldo has remained the voice of Goa. And as we step into the next chapter of our story, we carry forward not just ink and paper — but a legacy of truth, integrity, and undying love for this land we call home. Much like that unlikely team in 1983 that defied odds to lift the Cup, we too continue to play the long innings — an chored in conviction, driven by purpose, and fuelled by the quiet confidence that the truth, like a well-timed stroke, always finds the boundary
125 Years of O Heraldo: Goa’s Oldest Newspaper Marks 42 Years in English Edition
