Sarigam to Goa: Navsari DySP Sanjay Rai Receives ‘Excellence Award’ from Bollywood Star Bhumi Pednekar
Navsari/Goa: In a moment of absolute pride for South Gujarat, DySP Sanjay Rai, the dedicated police officer currently serving in Navsari district, has been conferred with the prestigious ‘Excellence Award’ at a high-profile ceremony held on the sun-kissed shores of Goa. This Wednesday, January 14, 2026, news of this achievement has sparked massive celebrations across his hometown of Sarigam and his workplace in Navsari. The award, presented by the celebrated Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, recognizes DySP Rai’s unparalleled commitment to public-centric policing, his masterstroke in solving complex crimes, and his relentless humanitarian efforts.
The gala event, organized by the prominent ‘Divya Bhaskar’ group, brought together achievers from various fields, but it was the “Hero in Khaki” from Navsari who stole the limelight. For an officer who started his journey from a small village in the Umargam taluka of Valsad, receiving a national-level honor on such a glamorous platform marks a golden chapter in his 25-year-long career. This recognition is not just a personal milestone for Sanjay Rai but a testimony to the integrity and grit of the Gujarat Police force.
The Phenomenal Rise Of A Sarigam Boy: From B.K.M. Science College To State-Level Leadership
The journey of Sanjaykumar Kamlashankar Rai is a textbook example of the proverb, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Born into a simple family in Sarigam, a small village near Vapi, Sanjay Rai’s childhood was defined by simplicity and a burning ambition to serve society. He pursued his higher education at the esteemed B.K.M. Science College in Valsad, where he completed his B.Sc. in Mathematics with distinction. His academic background laid the foundation for the logical and analytical mind that would later help him crack some of the most challenging criminal cases in the state.
Back in 1999, when police recruitment was announced, the world was vastly different—there were no coaching classes in every corner and no high-speed internet for guidance. Despite these hurdles, Sanjay Rai refused to back down. Under the mentorship of his father and a local P.T. teacher, he transformed himself into an elite athlete to clear the physical tests. His ability to observe and adapt was so sharp that during the practical exams, he would learn techniques by watching other candidates and master them instantly. This raw dedication saw him successfully enter the force as a PSI in 2001, beginning an odyssey that would take him from the grassroots to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP).
The Master Of Smart Policing: Balancing A Strict Lawman With A Humanitarian Heart
Throughout his postings—from being a PSI in Bharuch to serving in Rajkot, the Surat IB (Intelligence Bureau) as a PI, Vyara as a DySP, and now Navsari—Sanjay Rai has revolutionized the concept of ‘Smart Policing.’ He is widely recognized as a technical surveillance expert, utilizing cutting-edge modern tools to intercept criminals and solve high-stakes mysteries. However, behind the strict uniform lies a deeply compassionate man who believes that the true purpose of the police is to protect the vulnerable.
DySP Rai’s operational philosophy is built on three main pillars:
- Community Policing: He firmly believes that the police should be friends with the innocent and a nightmare for the criminals. By bridging the gap between the public and the police, he has ensured that citizens feel safe reporting crimes.
- Rapid Justice for Women and Children: He takes a personal interest in cases involving crimes against women and minors, ensuring that investigations are expedited and justice is served without delay.
- Active Social Welfare: Supported by his wife, Kiranben Rai, and son, Aryan Rai, he is an active member of the Sneh Setu Charitable Trust, the Rotary Club, and the Lions Club. Whether it is providing relief to accident victims or helping the needy, his commitment to social work is boundless.
A Beacon Of Hope For Aspiring Youth: Giving Back To The Next Generation
Having faced a severe lack of guidance during his own struggle for a government job, DySP Sanjay Rai has made it his mission to ensure that the current generation doesn’t suffer the same fate. Despite his grueling schedule as a top-tier officer, he frequently dedicates his time to mentoring students preparing for competitive exams like GPSC and UPSC. For him, the ‘Khaki’ is not merely a symbol of authority but a sacred medium to restore peace and bring hope to the oppressed.
His approachable personality makes him a favorite among the local youth, yet he is known to be as “hard as a diamond” when it comes to maintaining law and order. His colleagues describe him as a leader who leads from the front—whether it is managing a major road accident scene or handling a sensitive law-and-order crisis, DySP Rai is always on the frontline, setting an example for his subordinates.
Tribute To Roots: Crediting Success To Parents And Balaji Hanumanji
On the grand stage in Goa, while holding the Excellence Award, DySP Sanjay Rai was visibly emotional as he credited his success to his parents, his family’s unwavering support, and his faith in Lord Balaji Hanumanji of his native village. When Bhumi Pednekar announced his name, it wasn’t just a personal victory; it was the name of Sarigam and Valsad echoing across the national stage.
Even with several years of service ahead of him, DySP Rai has already resolved to spend his post-retirement life in full-time social service. His life story proves that if your intentions are noble and your hard work is consistent, no height is unreachable. As the news of the Goa Excellence Award spreads, DySP Sanjay Rai stands tall as an icon of inspiration for every young dreamer in Vapi, Navsari, and beyond.
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