Why No Padma for Bai Lorna? : Prabhav Naik

Margao: Madganvcho Awaaz and Youth Leader Prabhav Naik expressed deep disappointment over the continued neglect of Goa’s legendary singer Bai Lorna Cordeiro, whose name was once again missing from the list of Padma Award recipients. Known as the Nightingale of Goa, Bai Lorna’s contribution to Konkani music and Goan cultural identity remains unparalleled.

Prabhav Naik recalled that on Bai Lorna’s birthday, 9th August 2025, a Madganvcho Awaaz made a formal appeal urging the Government of Goa to confer upon her the state’s highest civilian honour, the Gomant Vibhushan, and to recommend her name for a prestigious Padma Award. Despite this public appeal and widespread support from music lovers and cultural activists, the government failed to take any meaningful steps, Prabhav Naik said.

“Bai Lorna is not merely a singer; she is an institution who carried Goa’s soul through her voice across continents. Her songs gave identity, dignity and global recognition to Konkani music at a time when it struggled for space and respect,” Naik stated, adding that such towering cultural icons deserve timely recognition.

He further criticised the government’s failure in honouring personalities, pointing out that genuine contributors to Goa’s language, art and culture are often ignored. This apathy, he said, reflects a deeper insensitivity towards Goa’s cultural heritage.

Prabhav Naik demanded that the Government of Goa immediately correct this injustice by honouring Bai Lorna Cordeiro with the Gomant Vibhushan and by earnestly pursuing her nomination for a Padma Award. “Failing to honour Bai Lorna is failing Goa itself. The people of Goa will not forget those who gave them pride and identity through art & culture,” Prabhav Naik asserted.