Datta Damodar Naik

Datta Damodar Naik is an Indian businessperson and writer. He is the winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award in Konkani and is part of the Monginis group.

Early life

Datta Damodar Naik was born on 30 December 1954. He graduated with a degree in mathematics.

Career

Business

Naik inherited the family's old, dying business of importing confectionery and biscuits. He and his son now run New Millennium Bakers that produces Monginis products. They also run businesses in organic farming, logistics, real estate and hospitality.

Writing

Naik's first book was a socio-economic study of Canacon, followed by another on Valpoi, in 1973. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for Konkani in 2006.
Naik has also published regular columns in Marathi publications like Sadhana and Antaarnad.
After releasing many books in Konkani and Marathi, in 2015, he released his first book in English, Uncommon Wealth – A Modern Day Panchatantra. The book is targeted towards children.

Awards and accolades

Naik was awarded the 2016 Sahitya Akademi Award in Konkani for his book, Jai ki Jui.
In January 2025, to celebrate his 70th birthday, he was felicitated at a function by politician and writer Shashi Tharoor, who presented Naik with a painting by artist Subodh Kerkar.

Personal life

Naik is based in Margao. He is also a philanthropist and donated to the Konkani Bhasha Mandal. He is an atheist.
He is a Saraswat Brahmin but has been vocal about his anti-caste opinions on multiple occasions. He thus started the Samata Andolan, a movement to work against Saraswat organization. He has also been accused of hurting religious sentiments.
Naik was also part of organisations and civil society movements such as Lokshakti. He also founded and convened the Dakshinayan Abhiyan in Goa.