Purushottam Nayak –
Berhampur: The Catholic community in Odisha in the eastern state of India, mourned the death of a well-known and respected Catholic personality, Pedra Nayak, whose life touched many through faith, service, and dedication to society. Priests, religious, and lay faithful gathered to offer prayers and condolences, remembering the deceased as a humble servant of God and a guiding light for the community.
Thousands of people, irrespective of Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists faiths, gathered together in unity and respect to pay homage and respect to their noble and great leader of the society. A requiem mass was offered on May 20, 2026 with the convenience of the people at Antarba Parish where he is buried.
Pedra Nayak, born 1953 to Babtobiko and Franciscan Nayak at Raijuka of Sacred Heart Parish Antarba of Berhampur diocese. He passed away March 3, 2026 at Antarba Parish.
“Pedra, a preacher, teacher and a social worker is bodily absent but his good deeds, his sacrifice, his efforts to lift the poor, needy, downtrodden people of all sections will make him immortal. Odisha Church has lost a true, genuine, valuable asset,” said Father Sanjeev Nayak, Vicar General of Berhampur diocese, the main celebrant in his homily who was delegated by Sarat Chandra Nayak , Bishop of Berhampur.
“With deep sorrow and heartfelt grief, we mourn the demise of our beloved brother, whose life was a shining witness of faith, humility, and loving service to the church and society. His dedication, kindness, and commitment to Christian values touched countless lives and inspired many in their journey of faith,” expressed Father Nayak.
“On behalf of the Diocese, I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family, relatives and all who mourn his passing. While his earthly journey has come to an end, we trust in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. “’I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall live.” May the merciful Lord grant eternal rest to his bole soul and give strength, peace, and consolation to all who grieve this great loss,” wished the Vicar General.
Nayak completed class 11 at Mohana High School. He was eldest of seven siblings one of them is a Daughters of Charity (DC), sister Presenta Nayak, a retired School sister.
Pedra from childhood onwards a sociable, obedient and serviceable in character.
Pedra Nayak was a retired school teacher, catechist of Antarba Parish. He initiated a High School at Raijuka village. He gave away land to the people to make a pond and well. He gave away the land to the government to make a panchayat for the people. He used to contribute Rs/5/- from his catechist’s salary of Rs/15 for the funds of all the catechists in his parish in 70s. Till death he was involved wholeheartedly for the pastoral and developmental work of the church and the society.
Emeritus Bishop Joseph Das of Berhmapur entrusted the school for his sincere and dedicated service to the people of Hindus, Christians and Muslims.
“No one can fill the vacuum created in his loss of life,” Father Paul Plackal, the parish priest of Antarba , expressed with a heavy heart.
Emeritus Bishop Thomas Thiruthalil, CM of Berhmapur made him All India Pastoral Council Member. He was Gajapati district minority member. He was a play writer, composer of lyrics and a front leader of Odisha Church.
“It is deeply painful to hear about the demise of my dear classmate and a great Catholic leader. During our student days, he was known for his simplicity, kindness, leadership qualities, and strong faith in God. His life became an inspiration not only to his friends but also to society and the Church,” said Devadata Behera his childhood friend.
“His passing is great loss to all who knew him personally. I cherish the beautiful memories we shared together and pray that the Lord grants him eternal rest and comforts his bereaved family and loved ones,” continued Behera, a retired teacher.
Many people recalled his contributions to the spiritual growth of the Church, his love for the poor and marginalized, and his active participation in parish and social activities. Church leaders described his death as a great loss not only for the Catholic faithful but also for society at large. Messages of sympathy poured in from different dioceses, parishes, and social organizations across Odisha.
“He may have departed from our sight, but his faith, service, and witness will continue to inspire generations,” said a Daughters of Charity Sister Presenta, his younger sister while paying tribute.
Special prayer services and memorial gatherings are being organized in several churches to honour his memory and pray for the eternal repose of his soul. The faithful expressed hope that his life of commitment and charity would remain an example for young people to follow.
May his soul rest in the peace of Christ.