Bhubaneswar, September 20: Dr Satyajit Naik, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Katak, has been honoured with the ‘Sri Jagannath Seva Ratna Samman–2026’ in recognition of his contribution to public service and the safe and smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra-2026.
Shree Jagannath Chetana Sammilani, Katak has honoured Dr Satyajit Naik, IPS, Inspector General of Police (IGP), for his contribution to public service and the safe and smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra-2026.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Dr Naik said he regarded the award not as a personal recognition but as a tribute to the police officers and personnel, volunteers and others who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful conduct of the festival.
“Rath Yatra is not merely a religious festival; it is a celebration of the faith, traditions, emotions and cultural heritage of the people of Odisha,” Dr Naik said.
He said ensuring the safety of lakhs of devotees, maintaining law and order, managing traffic and facilitating the smooth movement of people were among the major responsibilities of the police and administration during the festival.
In his X account (Formerly Tweeter ), Dr Naik attributed the successful conduct of Rath Yatra-2026 to the coordinated efforts of the Odisha Police, district administration, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, servitors, volunteers, various government departments and the public.
He particularly acknowledged the contribution of police personnel who remained away from their families for extended periods and performed their duties despite heat, rain and heavy crowds.
“Ensuring that devotees could have a safe darshan of Lord Jagannath and return home safely was the police’s foremost responsibility,” he said.
Dr Naik also appreciated the efforts of police and administrative teams engaged in traffic management, parking arrangements, route diversions and facilitating the movement of emergency vehicles during the festival.
He said the honour carried with it a greater responsibility to serve people with renewed dedication.
“Service is the real honour and public trust is the police’s greatest asset,” Dr Naik said.
Expressing gratitude to the organisers of the award, Dr Naik said the recognition would inspire him and others engaged in public service to work with greater dedication, commitment and humanity.
