Dr Satyajit Nayak felicitated at Nuakhai gathering

By Dr Satyajit Nayak

Cuttack, Sep 28: The Agragamee Agharia Samaj, Odisha, organised ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat-2026’ at Agharia Bhawan in Sri Vihar, Patia, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday, bringing together members of the community to celebrate the festival and reaffirm social bonds and cultural traditions.

Dr Satyajit Nayak, IGP, Central Range, was felicitated by the organisation on the occasion. Senior members of the community, women and young people participated in the gathering, which focused on the traditional values associated with Nuakhai, including respect for elders, affection among family members and social harmony.

Thanking the members and organisers for the felicitation, Dr Nayak said he felt honoured to be part of the gathering. Nuakhai, he said, was not merely a festival associated with the consumption of new rice, but also an occasion to honour the soil, farmers, family, traditions and social unity. The tradition of ‘Nuakhai Bhet’, he added, reinforced respect for elders, affection for younger generations and fraternity among members of society.

Praising the Agharia community for its emphasis on hard work, self-respect, unity and social responsibility, Dr Nayak said maintaining a strong connection with one’s roots and traditions remained an important strength of any community. He urged the younger generation to embrace technology, artificial intelligence, new knowledge and global opportunities while remaining connected to their language, culture, traditions and values.

He also stressed the importance of education for the long-term development of society. Every child, irrespective of gender, should have access to higher education and opportunities for skill development, he said, while emphasising the need for greater attention to the education and empowerment of girls.

According to Dr Nayak, community gatherings such as Nuakhai Bhetghat provide an opportunity to strengthen ties between generations and pass cultural traditions on to the younger generation. The experience of senior citizens, the energy of the youth and the active participation of women can together contribute to a stronger society, he said.

Referring to Odisha’s development, Dr Nayak said every section of society had a role to play. He urged educated youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals and social workers from the Agharia community to pursue excellence in their respective fields while also fulfilling their responsibilities towards society. Linking individual achievement with social progress, he said, was an important aspect of social responsibility.

Dr Nayak concluded by wishing that the new harvest celebrated during Nuakhai would bring hope, enthusiasm, opportunities and prosperity to all. He also wished for greater unity, fraternity and mutual cooperation within the Agharia community.