MAPUSA
The passing of Ravi Naik has left an unfillable void not only in Goan politics but more profoundly within the Bhandari Samaj, where he was regarded as one of its tallest and most unifying figures.
His death has brought together people across political lines and social segments, reflecting the deep respect he commanded throughout his life.
Bhandari leaders across the State remember him as a simple, grounded and approachable personality who remained connected to the common man despite decades in public life.
“Despite having worked in different political parties, Ravi Naik never lost touch with ordinary people. His contribution to social and political spheres is immense and he has left an indelible mark on Goa,” said Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy. “He always maintained a personal connect with the smallest person, which made him the most accepted leader in our community,” he added.
For the Bhandari Samaj, Ravi Naik’s loss is personal. Leaders recall his compassion, inclusivity and work across social, religious and caste boundaries.
“There cannot be another leader in the Bhandari Samaj like Ravi Naik. He worked for the progress of all sections of society. He never differentiated between people based on religion or caste,” said Devanand Naik, President of one section of the Gomantak Bhandari Samaj. “He fought for the rights of mundkars, for the OBCs and made an enormous contribution to education,” he added.
Ravi Naik’s educational legacy is seen as one of his most enduring contributions. Through the PES educational institutions he founded in Ponda, he nurtured a generation of Goans.
“Ravi Naik was a visionary – a ‘patrao’ to Goa,” said Sanjeev Naik, ad hoc president of the Gomantak Bhandari Samaj. “His mantra was to educate the children. The 13 educational institutions he built under the PES banner are a testament to his vision and commitment. I am proud that Ravi Naik was born in my community,” Naik said.
From Canacona to Pernem, Ravi Naik was admired as a mass leader who transcended political boundaries and social divides. His ability to remain rooted in humility while shaping policy and progress made him a rare figure in Goan public life.
As thousands turned up for his funeral on Wednesday, it was not merely a farewell to a politician, but a collective tribute from a community – and a State – that saw in him a leader who belonged to everyone.
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Ravi’s last 'grand' act was a tribute to his people
PANAJI: It was just three days ago, when ex-minister late Ravi Naik felicitated around 470 elected members, present and former, from the Bhandari Samaj on October 12 at Rudreshwar Devasthan Hall, Harvalem.
The idea to felicitate these people was conceptualised by Naik himself. “All of a sudden, on September 26, Patrao called me and said that he wanted to felicitate all our people… right from panch, councillors, MLAs to Minister. He wanted a grand event,” Yashwant, from the Rudreshwar Committee, said.
“We were shocked as to why, all of a sudden, this event was happening, but Patrao wanted it,” he said, adding that Naik attended a four-hour-long event and waited until the last person was felicitated.
He recalled the deteriorating health condition of Naik during Minister of State Shripad Naik’s birthday celebration on October 4. “We could sense something was not right. Our Patrao was not physically fit… he was very low,” he said.
