Cuttack,11/09(PPT): Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Dr. Satyajit Naik, IPS, was conferred the Biswaniyamtanka Ratha Seva Samman–2026 at a ceremony in Puri in recognition of his contribution to the safe, orderly and dignified conduct of the historic Ratha Yatra.
Receiving the honour, Dr. Naik expressed gratitude to the organisers and dedicated the recognition to the police personnel, administrative officials, temple servitors, volunteers, emergency responders, medical teams, sanitation workers and citizens who worked together for the smooth conduct of the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Naik said the honour was not merely a personal recognition but a tribute to the collective efforts behind the successful management of the Ratha Yatra. He described the festival as an extraordinary expression of faith, equality, devotion and human unity, where Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath comes out of the sanctum to meet devotees, transcending distinctions of status, background and social identity.
Referring to the three majestic chariots—Nandighosa, Taladhwaja and Darpadalana—he said they carry the faith and emotions of millions of devotees. Ensuring their safe movement, along with the safety of pilgrims, was therefore not merely a policing responsibility but a sacred duty, he said.
Highlighting the successful conduct of Ratha Yatra 2026, Dr. Naik stressed the importance of months of advance planning, inter-departmental coordination, field-level preparedness and community participation. Managing the massive congregation amid heavy rainfall, traffic challenges, medical emergencies and demanding ceremonial movements required sustained teamwork and commitment, he said.
He particularly appreciated the police personnel who worked tirelessly, often away from their families and under difficult conditions, to ensure the safety and dignity of devotees.
«“The success of Ratha Yatra is never the achievement of one department or one individual. It is the achievement of Team Jagannath,” Dr. Naik said, accepting the Samman on behalf of everyone associated with the festival.»
Reflecting on the larger meaning of policing, he said the uniform represented both authority and responsibility. Service in Jagannath Dham, he added, reminded police personnel that they were ultimately servants of the people and servants of Mahaprabhu.
Dr. Naik said policing was not merely about maintaining order but also about protecting human dignity. The real reward of public service, he said, was when a devotee returned home safely, an elderly pilgrim received timely assistance, a missing child was reunited with family and lakhs of devotees returned home with happy memories.
«“That is our real Ratha Seva,” he said.»
Dr. Naik expressed gratitude to Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath, Maa Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra and dedicated the honour to all those who work silently behind the scenes to make the Ratha Yatra safe, peaceful and successful. He prayed for peace, prosperity and harmony in Odisha.