It is gratifying to hear that the residents of Siolim are organising a memorial programme on November 13 in honour of late Dr Datta Ramnath Naik, son of Siolim who passed away in August. Dr Naik was a proficient and selfless physician who served the community for 54 years.
I had the privilege of being treated by him a couple of times many years ago. I must say, besides being dedicated to his noble profession, Dr Naik was a gentleman to the core who treated his patients with compassion and care.
Interestingly, he charged his patients a nominal fee of Rs 3 only for decades which later he was forced to round off to Rs 5 for want of change.
In fact, many people acknowledged that he had a "hath gunn" (innate ability to heal). Dr Naik will be missed by many. He was not just one of the long serving physicians of Goa but truly a down to earth and gem of a doctor.
