by Walter Nandalike
Founder, MD and Editor-in-chief
Twenty-five years ago, on this very day (Jan 14, 2001), a small, unexpected, and almost unbelievable idea was born.
The internet was slow. Dial-up connections ruled the world. Very few people even knew what a website was. It was the second anniversary of the Konkani Writers’ Forum, DaijiDubai. During that programme, the chief guest, NRI entrepreneur Dr Ronald Colaco, was requested to open an envelope placed before him and announce the name written inside.
On a simple piece of paper were written these words:
[www.daiji.bigstep.com]
Some smiled.
Some clapped.
Some were curious.
Very few understood.
Dr Ronald Colaco launching the website
At that time, I myself did not even know the basics of computers. I was learning how to build a webpage through free tools available on the internet. But what started that day was not merely a website — it was the beginning of a movement.
From that small beginning, Daijiworld was born. Gradually, people became aware. News from Tulunadu began reaching homes across the globe within minutes. A community found its digital home. And Daijiworld began to grow—slowly, steadily, and sincerely.
A detailed account of this journey will soon be recorded in a book. But even today, when I look back, it honestly does not feel like twenty-five years have passed.
With folded hands and a grateful heart, I take this opportunity to thank each and every person who stood with us—without counting, without comparison, and without leaving anyone behind. Your trust, encouragement, and goodwill are the real foundation of Daijiworld.
Every year I write an editorial with gratitude. This year, that gratitude carries deeper emotion.
Daijiworld.com's 5th anniversary in Mangaluru
10th anniversary in Mumbai
During 15th anniversary in Mangaluru
Three initiatives that redefined digital journalism
Over the last 25 years, Daijiworld readers have contributed an estimated Rs 35 Crore directly to the needy for health, education, shelter, research, and sports. Every appeal is carefully verified through trusted references and institutions. Once genuine need is confirmed, we publish the appeal. After a few weeks, we reconfirm the received amount directly with beneficiaries and arrive at this estimate. This transparent, direct, and humane model of charity remains our greatest satisfaction.
During the pandemic, with the support of Daijiworld TV and our well-wishers worldwide, food kits, medicine, and financial aid were provided to over 6,000 families. We take pride in being among the first media platforms to introduce direct-relief delivery, reaching families without intermediaries, with dignity and speed.
As part of our Silver Jubilee initiatives, Daijiworld, in collaboration with Mangalore Institute of Oncology, launched a year-long cancer awareness mission - Cancer Gellona. Within just three months, many people were diagnosed at an early, fully curable stage, proving that awareness truly saves lives.
Our reach—more than ever
Today, Daijiworld’s reach stands stronger than ever before. The combined readership of Daijiworld.com English and Kannada editions has crossed 1.9 million unique visitors per month, an all-time record in our journey.
Our digital presence across social media platforms is also growing exponentially. The Daijiworld YouTube channel has reached nearly 7 lakh subscribers. Our Facebook pages together have crossed one million followers, while our Instagram family is approaching the 200,000 mark.
This ever-growing digital footprint reaffirms the trust placed in us by our readers and viewers. It also reassures our advertisers and brand partners that Daijiworld continues to be one of the most effective platforms for meaningful and impactful product promotions.
One umbrella, one team
What began as a hobby in 2001 grew into the first office in 2003, a Private Limited Company in 2007, internet TV in 2006 which became full-fledged TV in 2014, a weekly print edition in 2009 which was closed during COVID, Daijiworld Audio Visual in 2015 and Daijiworld Radio in Dubai in 2017. Today, all our verticals function under Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd.
Silver Jubilee celebrations
The Silver Jubilee celebrations will be held on February 14, 2026 at Milagres Hall, Mangalore. Dr Ronald Colaco, who inaugurated Daijiworld 25 years ago, will be the Chief Guest. Dr Prakash Shetty of Goldfinch Group and Dr Abdullah Kunhi Yenepoya, Vice Chancellor of Yenepoya University, will be Guests of Honour. Shri Ronald Pinto of Hyssna International Abu Dhabi and Rohan Monteiro of Rohan Corporation will be the Special Guests.
Our pillars who built Daijiworld
Our directors, Shareholders, our proud editorial team and support staff, photojournalists, and our representatives who contribute news, photographs and content from across the globe. We also thank our Chartered Accountants, Company Secretary, IT and legal teams, our franchise offices, and our dedicated Udupi, Mumbai and Dubai teams, along with our stringers, whose collective efforts continue to strengthen Daijiworld every day.
Our advertisers — whether short-term or long-term, small or big — remain our lifeline. We are deeply indebted to them, as their trust and support have been the very breath of Daijiworld’s growth. Our advertising agencies have also played a significant role in our journey. Without their commitment and faith in our vision, we would not have reached where we stand today.
Our journey was tough, challenging, yet beautiful. And today, we stand proud not because we became big, but because we remained meaningful.
The complete story with many unseen, emotional and surprising moments will soon be published in my upcoming book in English, Kannada and Konkani.
With gratitude.
With humility.
With hope.
We step into the next 25 years.
- Walter Nandalike