The Story Of Goa’s Century- Old Portuguese Language Newspaper- O Heraldo

The Portuguese left the Indian soil 57 years ago. But the traces of influences of the four century rule are seen in every nook and corner of Goa. The Malwani and Kokani origins are seen with a touch of Portuguese in various regions of Goa. The remnants of the Portuguese, may it be their architecture, language, institutions or food and religious spaces, the old flower is still seen blooming in the Goan demesne. One such remain, is the century old Portuguese language newspaper, O Heraldo.

Now run as an English daily newspaper in Goa, it was established as the first daily Portuguese language newspaper in India on 22 January 1900. Started by Prof. Antonio Messias Gomes and Luís de Menezes Bragança, it is the largest running Portuguese newspaper outside Brazil and Portugal. Founded by one of the finest Portuguese writers, the newspaper gained reputation of attacking the Portuguese government and their oppressive rule. The purpose of establishing the newspaper was the desperate need to put forth ideas of Goan autonomy, outspoken criticism of the government and modern progressive thoughts.

One of the founders, Bragança, also known as the “Tilak of Goa”, was a strong believer of secularism. Typified by the satirical wit, the newspaper columns were filled with ideas of Secular Republic, instigating reactionary thinking from the Hindu and Catholic intellectuals. Hailed as “The father of Goan unrest”, Bragança was the first person to put out a call for Free and independent Goa.

The suppressed native language of Konkani was given immense support through this newspaper, with urges of development of the language in the newspaper and impartation of primary education in the language. Bragança blamed the Portuguese authorities’ obsession with the denationalisation of the Goan people for the dwindling of the language. Great lengths of information about the Indian freedom struggle, freedom of thought, expression and liberty from oppression were fed to the Goan people.

Major expansions and modernisations took place in the functioning of the newspaper in 1919. With Goan cultural issues, it also covered the activities in the Indian mainland. The information of the world outside Goa was given to the people. Examples of the outside world showcasing the effect of implementing modern ideals and techniques, of unity and the benefits of having the status of being autonomous were presented in front of the Goan people, to instigate them and keep them motivated to fight against the cruel oppressive foreign rule. The importance of sovereignty, liberty was highlighted in the newspaper to uphold the resolution and self-determination of the Goans.

But with the repressive rule of Antonio de Oliviera Salazar coming in 1932, the newspaper was shut down for a long period. With one of founders being executed by the Salazar rule, all the newspapers speaking against the favour of the government were banned in Goa.

But in the year 1983, the newspaper was reborn, but now in the English language. Being fiercely independent as it was during its establishment, the motto of working for public interest was still carried on by the proprietors. The columns once displaying articles motivating the public to fight for Goan freedom, were now replaced by the news of Goan, Indian and overall global development in all fields of the spectrum. Having a wide readership scale, from the common man to the decision makers, OHeraldO is now considered synonymous to Goa.

Newspapers have always played a very important and significant role in shaping the nation. From aspersing the government to keeping the citizens informed about the happenings on a national and international platform, the updates shape the future actions and functioning of the nation as well as the globe. With the other forms of media stepping in the markets and advanced technology playing a prominent role in making news and information consumption facile, newspapers are tending to take a backseat worldwide. But India still has managed to preserve the newspaper tradition, for the essence of the past is still alive in those pages.

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