Devotion Beyond Duty: IGP Dr Satyajit Nayak Carries Maa Gajalaxmi’s Medha on His Shoulders
By IGP Dr Satyajit Nayak
Kendrapara/Odisha, Nov 1 : In a striking expression of devotion, humility and commitment to Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Dr Satyajit Nayak, IPS, joined the traditional immersion procession of Maa Gajalaxmi in Kendrapara, carrying the deity’s Medha on his shoulders while walking barefoot.
Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria, IPS, also joined him in the sacred procession. Their participation offered a glimpse of policing beyond official responsibilities, reflecting a personal connection with the people, their faith and longstanding traditions. The gesture conveyed a message that public service is not confined to maintaining law and order but also involves understanding and respecting the cultural and emotional bonds that unite communities.
The participation of the two senior police officers assumed special significance during the centenary celebrations of Kendrapara’s historic Lakshmi Puja. By joining devotees in the traditional procession, they demonstrated respect for local customs and the religious sentiments of the people. Dr Nayak’s gesture of carrying the Medha barefoot reflected humility and a sense of belonging to the community. It also highlighted the importance of building public trust through direct engagement and participation in social and cultural occasions.
Meanwhile, the district police administration made elaborate security arrangements for the immersion procession and Melana. More than 30 platoons of police personnel were deployed across Kendrapara town and other strategic locations to maintain law and order, regulate crowds and ensure the safety of devotees and visitors. Additional Superintendents of Police, Deputy Superintendents of Police, inspectors and other personnel were assigned specific responsibilities to ensure effective coordination and round-the-clock vigilance.
Dr Nayak and Mr Kataria personally supervised the security arrangements at the field level, visiting sensitive and crowded locations to assess police deployment, crowd management and traffic regulation. Mobile patrolling units, striking forces and plainclothes personnel were deployed to maintain continuous surveillance, while CCTV cameras and other technological measures were used to strengthen monitoring and facilitate a prompt response to emergencies.
Special arrangements were also made for traffic management, designated parking areas and the smooth movement of pedestrians. Police personnel were directed to remain alert and maintain close coordination with puja committees, volunteers and other government departments. The district police appealed to devotees and the public to maintain peace and discipline, follow traffic advisories and cooperate with the police. People were also urged not to believe rumours or misinformation circulating on social media and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police personnel.
The occasion brought together two important dimensions of public life — devotion and duty. While the officers’ participation in the traditional procession reflected their respect for the region’s cultural heritage, their direct supervision of security arrangements underscored their responsibility towards public safety. The message was simple yet meaningful: true public service is not only about protecting people but also about standing with them, respecting their traditions and sharing their moments of faith and celebration.
