Daijiworld Media Network – Ponda

Ponda, Oct 16: Thousands of Goans paid their final respects to Ravi Sitaram Naik, former Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister, who passed away at 79 following a massive cardiac arrest at his hometown. Naik was laid to rest with full State honours, including a 21-gun salute, at his private property in Khadpabandh, Ponda.

News of his demise brought an endless stream of mourners to his residence, with people from all walks of life—youth, elderly, and senior citizens—offering prayers and floral tributes from the early hours. Political leaders across party lines, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Goa Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Minister Shripad Naik, and MP Sadanand Tanavade, joined the grieving public in paying homage.

The State government declared a public holiday and three days of mourning (October 15–17) as a mark of respect. Emotional scenes unfolded as people recalled Naik’s humility, accessibility, humour, and dedication to grassroots politics, particularly his work for the Bhandari Samaj and Kul-Mundkars’ rights.

Naik’s political career spanned over four decades. He was a seven-time MLA, representing Ponda and Marcaim constituencies across parties including Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Congress, and BJP. He served as Goa’s Chief Minister twice, first from January 1991 to May 1993, and briefly for six days in April 1994.

Sawant described Naik as a “leader of masses and a grassroots leader,” whose contributions to Goa’s politics and administration will be remembered. Naik is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy deeply cherished by the people of Goa.