From badge to Bible: Police officer’s faith journey

By Purushottam Nayak

Cuttack, March 26, 2026 — In a world where career security often defines success, a Catholic police officer in eastern India has taken an uncommon path, leaving behind a respected post to dedicate his life to preaching the Gospel.

Upendra Nayak, a former deputy superintendent of police in the vigilance wing at Cuttack in Odisha, said his decision to step away from government service was shaped by a deep inner calling.

“I feel deeply transformative inner journey. Leaving a secure government job is not easy but once the decision is made there is often a deep inner peace,” Nayak said. “Police service comes with authority, structure and social respect. In contrast, evangelisation brings a different kind of freedom — freedom to serve, preach and accompany people spiritually.”

“The police job offers public recognition and authority, evangelisation offers lasting inner fulfilment,” he added.

Born on September 23, 1960, to Biswajesana and Selina Nayak in a Catholic family in Liligada village of village of Mahana Parish in Berhampur Diocese, Nayak completed his secondary education in 1976 and graduated in 1982. He married Larentia Nayak in 1988.

He began his career as a sub-inspector in Jaleswar in Balasore district, later serving in Bosta and Balasore town police stations. He subsequently joined the Crime Branch and was posted to the Criminal Investigation Department in Cuttack before being promoted to deputy superintendent of police in the vigilance department.

Nayak took voluntary retirement in 2012.

His involvement in preaching, however, began much earlier. Since 1995, he has led retreats and charismatic conventions, conducting about 10 retreats annually and reaching more than 150,000 faithful over three decades. He also runs a small online ministry titled Atmiko Ahara (“Spiritual Food”).

Father Pradosh Chandra Nayak, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, described Nayak’s transition as a gradual but profound spiritual awakening.

“For years, he served in the Odisha Police with dedication, entrusted with maintaining justice in society. Yet beneath the discipline of duty grew a deeper restlessness — one that no promotion or recognition could silence,” he said. “What began as a personal commitment to prayer gradually unfolded into a profound spiritual awakening.”

“This is not merely a story of resignation; it is a story of vocation,” he added.

Father Sanjib Biro, a retreat preacher and parish priest in the Berhampur Diocese, said the contrast between Nayak’s former and current roles is striking.
“As a police officer, his role was to uphold external order; now, he seeks to bring inner transformation,” he said. “Where once he confronted crime and conflict, he now aspires to heal wounds of the spirit guiding people toward reconciliation, peace, and hope.”

Among those influenced by his ministry is Babita Nayak, a young mother involved in parish activities.

“I am moved by his preaching, especially on reconciliation. I was not able to accept my weaknesses and shortcomings, but I could experience the forgiving of Almighty God through his preaching,” she said.

Local Catholics say his decision is a sign of faith in action at a time of growing social and material pressures.

His path ahead will focus on faith formation, spiritual discipline and pastoral service. Those who know him believe his years in the police force — marked by resilience, compassion and a strong sense of justice — will continue to shape his ministry among the faithful.