Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Feb 15: “When I inaugurated Daijiworld.com twenty-five years ago, it was a rare introduction of an exclusive news web portal in the region. Since then, it has grown into a revolution in the field of journalism and has become a popular media house not only in the coastal region but also internationally. Daijiworld is exceptional not just in its news coverage—from local events to world affairs—but in its depth of commitment to the people. Through an extensive network of journalists, the platform ensures that facts of importance, relevance, and human resilience are told with integrity,” said Dr Ronald Colaco, NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist.

He was speaking at the 25th-anniversary celebrations held on February 14 at Milagres Jubilee Hall, Mangaluru.

Adding further, he said, “Beyond reporting news, Daijiworld has consistently demonstrated humanitarian commitment. For many years, through its charity appeals, it has acted as a bridge between those in need and generous supporters. Its ‘direct from donor to beneficiary’ philosophy has helped raise significant financial assistance for medical, educational, and social causes. In the last 25 years alone, it has generated donations worth Rs 35 crore and directly helped the needy."

"During the Covid pandemic, through its programme Navu Nimmodinge, it reached the community with food, medical, and emotional assistance, which was most needed at that time. Recently, Daijiworld launched the programme Cancer Gellolla in association with MIO Mangalore, creating cancer awareness. In just three months, many were diagnosed and cured, proving that early awareness is immensely helpful in preventing cancer and related diseases. This is yet another example of how journalism can go beyond information and become a hope for public health," he recalled.

He also said that Daijiworld media has earned its distinguished reputation for delivering first-hand, authentic, unbiased, and credible news, free from political, governmental, or religious bias. “Its commitment has always been to raise issues of genuine public concern, especially those that often remain unaddressed by other media, and to serve society with integrity and responsibility. In an era where much of the electronic media, and sections of the print media, have unfortunately aligned themselves with prevailing regimes and governments of the day, sometimes even overlooking discriminatory or divisive policies and actions, Daijiworld has stood firm in its independence and ethical journalism," he said. 

Colaco believes a nation's true and healthy nationalism must arise from its secular principles, its neutrality and fundamental separation from religious affiliation and religious activities. "It is only then that a nation can derive the deserved benefits of globalization, liberalization, modernization, and egalitarian distribution, in other words, equitable socio-economic development, and this is even more relevant for a country like India, which is privileged to be the world’s largest constitutional democracy,” he said. "This, despite of housing multi-regionalism, multiculturalism, multiple traditions, and a multilingual, multi-regional society with all sorts of diversities, we have maintained unity so far. We have oneness; we are all Indians, and our country has so far been striving to resist the dangers of regional and communal polarization. Imagine if that happens, we will end up in civil war and we would face situations like those seen in Bosnia, Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and, to some extent, later in Iraq, and in many other countries, for example, more recently Iran, whatever may be the reasons. It is in this context that the media, especially Daijiworld, can play a pivotal role in shaping the mindset of policymakers on one side and the general public and society on the other."

“By discouraging divisive policies and encouraging inclusive governance that fosters communal harmony, inclusiveness, and sustained national socio-economic growth, the media can contribute meaningfully to nation-building. No doubt, we are proud that our country has emerged as the fourth-largest economy in the world,” he said. The economic strength of any country cannot be measured only in terms of total GDP income, but it is more important to know the strength of the economy in terms of GDP per capita income. Our country is having a GDP per capita income at only $2813 when compared to our neighbour China at $13810, i.e. five times greater and USA is having at $89600, i.e. 32-and-half times greater. Therefore, it is utmost necessary to improve the GDP per capita income, the purchasing power which is possible only when conducive environment in the society is created for communal harmony which fosters investments, trade and commerce, employment generation, all that enhances the buying power or the GDP per capita income," he said. 

"Keeping this in mind, I firmly believe all media must give priority to guiding the government and society towards building a harmonious and inclusive environment, rather than promoting divisive narratives. Only through communal harmony and unity can we achieve rapid economic growth," Dr Colaco added.

He also lauded Ronald Pinto, director of Hyssna International LLC, for his continuous support and recalled the early days of the portal, appreciating founder Walter Nandalike’s hard work in shaping Daijiworld into a powerful media brand.

Congratulating the team, Dr Prakash Shetty said, “Walter Nandalike had a vision to bring people together. Today, Daijiworld is a household name because of its media ethics and its efforts to unite all sections of society while promoting the cultural and tourism potential of the coastal region.”

Dr Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University), praised the portal's excellence. “Walter Nandalike’s resolve transformed a basic webpage into one of the most popular news portals worldwide. Daijiworld has never compromised its journalistic ethics for ratings,” he said.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Walter Nandalike expressed his gratitude. “Daijiworld began with the golden hands of Dr Ronald Colaco, and it is in his presence that we celebrate our Silver Jubilee. We assure you that we will continue our mission without compromising media ethics.”

Special guests included Ronald Pinto, managing director of Hyssna International, UAE, and Dr Rohan Monteiro. Directors of Daijiworld—Melwyn Rodrigues, Alexis Castelino, Nelson Rodricks, Leena Victor D’Souza, Michael Castelino, Dayan D’Souza, Ronald Nazareth, and Stevan Mascarenhas—were present.

Dr Ronald Colaco and Ronald Pinto honoured staff members Praveen Tauro, Dayanand Kukkaje, Sonia Sudhakar, Nandini Mallya, Allwyn Mascarenhas, and Stany Bela for their dedicated service. The directors and staff also presented a Silver Jubilee memento to Walter Nandalike.

Melvyn Rodrigues delivered the vote of thanks, while Rena Castelino compered the programme. The celebration concluded with the grand finale of Hyssna Miss Daijiworld, followed by classical performances by students of Shri Devi Nrutyaradhana Kala Kendra, Puttur.