Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday gave his nod to establish Paika Academy and Research Centre in Khordha district in an effort to promote and spread the valour of Paika tradition.
Establishing the centre will help in the collective development of the State’s glorious Paika tradition. The centre will be developed like the State government’s Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre under the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture. CM Patnaik expressed hope that the Odisha Paika Academy and Research Centre will be of great help in spreading Paika culture and tradition.
Special arrangements will be made at the centre to impart education through special courses and training along with research facilities. Moreover, scholarships will also be provided to students. Initially, the centre will temporarily operate at Gada Khordha. However, CM Patnaik directed the District Collector to identify a proper place to fix it for the establishment of the permanent centre and issue the DPR as soon as possible.
It is worth mentioning that in 1817, the Paika Rebellion was organised under the leadership of Buxi Jagabandhu on Khordha soil. It is opined by historians that it was the first rebellion against British rule in the country.
Patnaik said that the Odisha Paika Academy and Research Centre will pave the way for further research in this direction while keeping alive the great Paika tradition.
Notably, 5T Secretary VK Pandian met members of various Paika organisations during his visit to Khordha district in August. He discussed with them regarding the protection and propagation of the Paika tradition. Describing the Paika tradition as a glorious chapter in the history of Odisha, he ascertained that necessary steps would be taken to protect it. Later, he discussed the matter with the Chief Minister.
