Rath Yatra Success Built on Teamwork and Public Service: IG Dr Satyajit Nayak

Central Range Inspector General of Police Dr Satyajit Nayak, IPS, has highlighted the importance of commitment, teamwork and public service in ensuring the safe and orderly conduct of Rath Yatra 2026.
Speaking after being conferred the ‘Sri Jagannath Seva Ratna Samman–2026’, Dr Nayak said the award should be seen as a recognition of the collective efforts of police personnel, volunteers, government officials and others who worked tirelessly during the festival.

He said Rath Yatra represents much more than a religious occasion, describing it as a reflection of Odisha’s faith, traditions, emotions and cultural heritage. Managing the movement of lakhs of devotees, maintaining law and order, regulating traffic and ensuring public safety were among the key challenges faced by the police and administration.
Dr Nayak credited the smooth conduct of this year’s Rath Yatra to close coordination among the Odisha Police, district administration, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, servitors, volunteers, government departments and the general public.
He specially praised police personnel who spent long hours on duty, often staying away from their families and working through difficult weather conditions and massive crowds. He said the primary objective was to ensure that devotees could have a safe darshan of Lord Jagannath and return home safely.
The IG also acknowledged the efforts of teams responsible for traffic control, parking management, route diversions and ensuring uninterrupted access for emergency services during the festival.
Dr Nayak said the award had increased his sense of responsibility towards public service. He stressed that serving people with dedication and maintaining public trust should remain the foremost priorities of the police.
Expressing gratitude to the organisers, he said the recognition would motivate him and other public servants to continue working with greater commitment, compassion and sincerity.