Saddened by the sudden death of Goa’s Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, whom I have known for over half a century. The political savvy Ravi was MLA, Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister. I think the ace volleyball player even had a stint as Member of Parliament from North Goa. I recollect having first met Ravi as a student at his beverage outlet in Ponda where I had gone to buy some sodas while on that trip to Ponda, accompanying our Ribandar football team playing there. Ravi Naik was a politician with a difference, street smart who could sense the pulse of the people. He had humility, was humorous, and died so. I remember how Ravi Naik even when out of power, unfailingly sent a bouquet of flowers to my Ribandar office on my every birthday even though I was his bitter critic. Those aspiring to dive into the political arena today could learn a lot from Ravi Naik's legacy, of how to survive on the political landscape and even resurrect after being in oblivion. May the departed soul of our dear Ravi Sitaram Naik rest in eternal peace.
