Bhubaneswar: Catholics in Odisha have mourned the death of John Nayak, a former Director General of Police in the eastern Indian state.
“John Nayak, a 1965 batch IPS officer who retired in 2002, succumbed to Covid-19 last night. His journey from a remote tribal village of Phulbani to rank of DG was inspirational. He was humble, accessible and compassionate. Our respectful tribute to him,” says a condolence message from the current DGP Abhay, who uses only one name.
Nayak died October 8 in a hospital in Bhubaneswar, the state capital. He was 78.
Father Prasana Pradhan, the parish priest of Bhubaneswar, hailed Nayak as “an outstanding catholic officer,highly spiritual, dutiful, well-mannered, humble, kind and honest person.”
“He has done wonderful work during his service as DGP and other significant posts in the department of police. There was no black spot in his professional career neither in his life,” the priest told Matters India.
Nayak hailed from Raikia parish of Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.
He had suffered kidney failure a few months ago and was undergoing treatment since September at the hospital. In October he was tested Covid-19 positive.
The former DGP is survived by his wife Maya, a convert to Catholicism, a son and a daughter.
Ajay Kumar Singh, the director of Excellent IAS Academy, said, “Feeling quite sad at the death of Dr. John Nayak. With my request he became a member of Jana Vikas and Catholic Charities, the Social wings of the Archdiocese of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar”.
“He visited Excellent IAS Academy to encourage the aspirants and was willing to join as mentor of the Academy. His spirit will live forever in Odisha. We will miss him,” Father Singh added.
Recalling Nayak’s selfless service Father Manoj Nayak, another associate, said the inspiring officer combined his service with justice and concerns for the poor yet deeply spiritual and God-fearing.
The priest said, “Nayak was a leading figure not only for Dalit Christians but also the entire Kandhamal. He always suggested constructive actions for the betterment of the poor in all the Forum he was associated with. He helped many poor of Kandhamal in getting job”.
Born in 1942 in Kandhamal district, Nayak went to a residential school at Mondasore, being inspired by a Spanish missionary.
He graduated with honors from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, and studied MA and L.L.B from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.
The former DGP joined Indian Police Service in 1965. He held several important posts in the Odisha Police Department and was awarded the Police Medal for his meritorious service in 1995 and President’s Police Medal for distinguished service in 2002.