Frazer Andrade

Frazer Andrade’s journey is anything but conventional. Born and raised in Goa, his academic beginnings followed a scientific path—completing schooling at Loyola High School, Margão, higher secondary at Rosary Higher Secondary School, Navelim, and later earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Pharmacy from Goa College of Pharmacy, Panjim. He even published two pharmaceutical research papers in international journals. Yet, it was his deep-rooted love for Goa’s art, culture, and heritage that pulled him away from the laboratories and into a lifelong mission of conservation, research, and journalism.

After briefly working in the pharmaceutical industry, Frazer shifted to art conservation, interning at the Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa. He later worked with a private art conservation firm in Mumbai and studied conservation at the Prince of Wales Museum. Today, he serves as a Senior Sub Editor with O Heraldo, one of Goa’s oldest newspapers, where he contributes features that spotlight Goa’s overlooked history, traditions, and heritage.

Choosing Journalism Over Science

Though pushed into the science stream by family expectations, Frazer’s heart was always drawn to Goa’s Portuguese-influenced heritage and museums. His entry into journalism stemmed from a desire to document and safeguard local traditions, festivals, historic structures, and cultural practices that were vanishing too quickly. By age 18, he had already begun writing articles, convinced that Goa’s true history—often suppressed or ignored—needed to be voiced.

Crafting a Unique Journalistic Style

Frazer’s style is shaped by passion and fearlessness. He describes it as the “Frazer style”—an unapologetic approach grounded in facts, ethics, and an unwavering love for Goa. His reporting focuses on areas such as Indo-Portuguese art, local traditions, indigenous culture, and historic Goan achievements. He believes in writing honestly, even if the subjects he covers do not please everyone.

Among his most memorable stories are “Sailing to Victory: The Conquest of Goa”, which sheds light on why November 25 was once considered Goa’s first liberation day, and “Afonso de Albuquerque: The Unrecognized Protector of Hindus in 16th Century Goa”, which challenged prevailing narratives. His work is always anchored in credible sources, referencing books by respected authors and peer-reviewed journals, while also relying on oral documentation from locals.

The Collector and Conservator

Frazer’s contributions extend far beyond journalism. Since 2012, he has been actively preserving Goan antiques and since 2014, Christian art. Today, his personal collection includes more than 700 rare artifacts dating from the 17th to the early 20th century—crafted from wood, ivory, bone, metal, textiles, and leather.

His passion was sparked after a visit to the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai, followed by his father’s observation that many similar objects could be found at home. Soon, Frazer began exploring cupboards and trunks, uncovering forgotten treasures. The turning point came when he discovered discarded religious statues outside his chapel, a common practice among Goans who considered damaged artifacts unlucky. Determined to save these objects, he began restoring and safeguarding them.

Among his prized possessions is an 18th-century sandalwood votive casket, blending Indo-Portuguese and Sri Lankan artistry, and a processional textile banner from the same era. He also treasures leather-bound missals, wooden statues, and a tiny two-inch figure of Saint Anne that once belonged to his grandfather. Each artifact holds not just historical but personal meaning, often gifted by friends and families who recognized the value of his mission.

Frazer emphasizes that Goan Christian art reflects a unique confluence of influences—Portuguese, Mughal, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and East Asian. From Mughal-style jali and Japanese Nanban lacquer work to Chitari furniture and motifs of native flora and fauna, these objects narrate stories of faith, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Challenges Along the Way

The road has not been easy. Financial constraints, lack of institutional support, and limited storage space have made his work a constant struggle. His parents, though offering some financial help in the early years, never truly encouraged his vision. Many in Goa’s art circles have dismissed him as a hoarder or even ridiculed his efforts. Yet, his resolve remains unshaken. Supported by close friends like Fr. Avinash Rebello, the late Fr. Nascimento, Kevin Rebello, Bosco P. Afonso, and Shallet Furtado, he continues his mission, driven by a simple belief: “If I cannot die for Goa, I will live for her.”

Looking Ahead

Frazer’s ultimate dream is to establish a dedicated museum or gallery where his collection can be displayed and studied. He also envisions publishing a detailed catalogue that documents each artifact’s history, ensuring it becomes a resource for scholars, students, and heritage lovers. Beyond preservation, he hopes to inspire future generations to care for the heritage they inherit, to value it not merely as objects but as living memories passed down through time.

Beyond Work

Outside his professional and conservation pursuits, Frazer enjoys singing classical liturgical and secular music, gardening, cycling, and curating antiques. He also manages the social media platforms Indo-Portuguese & Goan Christian Art, where he spreads awareness about heritage conservation. Through his ‘Green God’ initiative, he advocates for eco-friendly religious sculptures.

A Voice for Goa’s Heritage

Frazer Andrade is more than a journalist or collector—he is a guardian of Goa’s layered past. His work reflects resilience, passion, and a sense of duty to preserve traditions for the future. For him, heritage is not just history; it is a legacy borrowed from generations yet to come, one that must be returned intact. His journey serves as both an inspiration and a reminder: preserving culture is not a choice, but a responsibility.