Sarat Patra: An accomplished cop and a passionate poet

JAJPUR08/06(PPT): A celebrated name among Jajpur district’s law enforcers is Sarat Patra, who is a firm believer of community-friendly policing. He is also a renowned Odia poet, and believes that empathy is the guiding force for both poets and police personnel. He encourages youths to write poems out of their personal experiences.
Policing and poetry are like chalk and cheese. Yet there are few who chase criminals while in uniform and pen poems while in civvies. And so successful are they that their lyrics turn into famous movie songs.
Serving as Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Jajpur Road Circle, Patra moonlights as a poet, and uses his professional experiences to pen poignant lines.
Patra believes that the role of a police officer in the society is very important and multifaceted as he/she works for maintaining law and order, controlling crime, and protecting public life thereby providing a fear-free environment to the common citizen and providing immediate assistance in times of danger.
“A poet is not just a creator of words, but he is a mirror and guide to the society. A poet always conveys social, political and spiritual thoughts to the common people through his creations triggered by imagination and experiences,” said Patra.