IGP Satyajit Naik Honoured with Ratha Seva Samman–2026 in Puri

PURI: Central Range IGP Dr. Satyajit Naik, IPS, has been awarded the Biswaniyamtanka Ratha Seva Samman–2026 for his contribution to the safe and smooth conduct of the historic Ratha Yatra 2026 in Puri.

Accepting the honour, Dr. Naik dedicated the award to the entire “Team Jagannath”, including police personnel, temple and district administration, servitors, volunteers, medical and emergency teams, sanitation workers, transport staff and citizens.
He said the successful management of the massive festival was possible due to months of planning, coordination and ground-level preparedness despite challenges such as huge crowds, heavy rainfall, traffic management and medical emergencies.

Dr. Naik described ensuring the safe movement of the three chariots—Nandighosa, Taladhwaja and Darpadalana—and protecting millions of devotees as a sacred responsibility. He stressed that policing is not only about maintaining law and order but also about protecting the dignity, safety and faith of pilgrims.
He said the real reward of public service is when devotees return home safely, receive timely assistance and take back happy memories from Puri. He dedicated the honour to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the Ratha Yatra peaceful and successful and prayed for peace, prosperity and harmony in Odisha.