Western Times English Edition: 58 Years of Trusted Journalism

Tragedy struck in April 1985 during the reservation riots in Ahmedabad, when mobs attacked

Western Times has grown into one of the most trusted voices in journalism — a beacon of truth, integrity, and service to the public.

(Editorial) On this proud day, July 16, 2025, Western Times commemorates 58 remarkable years since the launch of its English edition from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Since its inception on July 16, 1967, Western Times has grown into one of the most trusted voices in journalism — a beacon of truth, integrity, and service to the public.

But no story about Western Times would be complete without remembering the man who laid its strong and visionary foundation — Shri Ramubhai Manibhai Patel, the founder of Western Times Daily. His life story is one of courage, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service.

The Birth of a Newspaper, the Rise of a Legacy-Ramubhai’s decision to establish Western Times Daily was not driven by commercial ambition, but by a mission to inform, empower, and elevate the people of Gujarat through responsible journalism. Under his guidance, Western Times became more than a newspaper — it became a voice for the voiceless, a platform for progressive dialogue, and a mirror to society’s truths.

Today, 58 years later, Western Times stands tall on the foundation he built — grounded in integrity, community values, and fearless reporting. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain inspired by Ramubhai’s legacy. His life reminds us that journalism is not just a profession — it is a duty. In a world increasingly flooded with noise, distortion, and distraction, Western Times continues to strive for clarity, credibility, and community impact.

To our readers, contributors, team members, and supporters — thank you for being part of this incredible journey. And to Ramubhai Manibhai Patel — We honor your vision, your sacrifice, and your undying belief in the power of truth. Here’s to the journey ahead — with the same spirit that began on July 16, 1967.

A Life Rooted in Sacrifice and Service Born into a humble farming family, Ramubhai hailed from Sojitra in Kheda district of Gujarat, though his ancestral roots eventually took firm ground in Vanjhana village of Surat district — now part of Chikhli taluka in Navsari district, South Gujarat. From an early age, Ramubhai displayed an unwavering sense of responsibility and leadership.

At just 13, he actively participated in the 1944 movement for India’s freedom. By the age of 14, after the loss of his father, he took on the mantle of family head, a role he fulfilled with selflessness and strength for the rest of his life.

Despite numerous hardships, Ramubhai Patel pursued his education with determination. He graduated with a B.Com. in 1950 from the prestigious University of Mumbai, a remarkable achievement for someone from an ordinary farming background. His student life at H. L. College of Commerce in Ahmedabad was a time of early literary and editorial promise.

He served as the editor of the Vidyarthi Mandal’s wall newspaper and also worked part-time for a weekly publication, experiences that would later shape his journalistic vision.

Shri Ramubhai M. Patel began his distinguished career in journalism as a senior reporter with the Press Trust of India (PTI), serving from 1950 to 1960. His sharp insight and commitment to factual, in-depth reporting earned him recognition across the media landscape. In 1960, when The Times of India decided to launch the country’s first financial daily—The Economic Times, they handpicked a team of seasoned journalists from across India.

Among them was Shri Ramubhai Patel, who played a key role in laying the foundation of this landmark publication. He served as a senior representative of The Economic Times until 1967. At that time, Gujarat lacked an English daily newspaper. Responding to repeated requests from prominent leaders and intellectuals of the state, Ramubhai took a bold step. He resigned from the Times Group and launched Western Times, Gujarat’s first English daily, on July 16, 1967. This historic initiative filled a significant void in Gujarat’s media landscape and gave voice to the region in the English press.

Tragedy struck in April 1985 during the reservation riots in Ahmedabad, when mobs attacked the Gujarat Samachar building. The office and printing press of Western Times, which operated as tenants on the ground floor of Gujarat Samachar Bhavan, were completely destroyed in the fire. The publication suffered losses estimated at over 50 lakhs at original cost in 1985. Despite this devastating setback, Shri Ramubhai Patel’s spirit remained unshaken.

After a gap of one and a half years, he revived the publication in 1986, re-establishing Western Times English edition in the Print media world with the launch of its afternoon Gujarati edition—once again proving his resilience and unwavering dedication to journalism. He served as a member of the Press Council of India for two terms during March 7, 1985 to July 8,1988 and October 14, 1991-October 13,1994
– Nikunj Ramubhai Patel, Editor