PANAJI
Top dignitaries, including the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Goa — Devendra Fadnavis and Pramod Sawant — and hundreds of citizens paid tributes to former Chief Minister Ravi Naik at the solemn condolence meeting hosted by the Government of Goa at the Kala Academy on Sunday.
Naik, whose passing last week marked the end of an era in Goan politics, was remembered for his grassroots leadership and enduring public service.
Sawant called Naik “a leader of Bahujan Samaj” and praised his efforts to unify communities.
“Be it kull-mundkar or the agricultural sector, his contribution is great. He was an inspiration for the youth of the State,” Sawant said.
Entrepreneur and Chairman of the Fomento Group Avadhoot Timblo offered a personal reflection on Naik’s character:
“Ravi had a knack for recognising people (parakh), and his general knowledge was admirable. He always called me ‘Patrao’ and also used the term for the person who served us tea when we met,” Timblo recalled fondly.
“His style of functioning was to win hearts — he would put his hand on your shoulder and make you feel close. With this affection, he made a great contribution to Goa and society,” Timblo added.
Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar placed Naik among Goa’s political greats: “Ravi Naik’s name is in the ranks of leaders like Bhausaheb Bandodkar and Shashikala Kakodkar. What should leadership be like? How should people be organised? Ravi Naik showed this,” Dhavalikar said.
Former Union Minister Ramakant Khalap, with whom Naik was closely associated in his early political life, emphasised his role in unifying Goans culturally.
“After Bandodkar, Ravi Naik was the true leader of the Bahujan Samaj. My name would come first in programmes or movements, but Ravi was the real commander.”
The ceremony included floral tributes, a documentary on Naik’s life, and a minute of silence. A scholarship in his name for students pursuing public administration was announced by the State government.
