Naveen Approves Proposal To Set Up ‘Odisha Paika Academy’ In Khurda

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday approved the proposal to set up Odisha Paika Academy and Research Centre in Khurda district.

To operate under Odia Language, Literature and Culture department, the academy will be constructed in the line of Guru Kelu Charan Mahapatra Odissi Research Centre.

The Paika Academy will temporarily operate from Gada Khurda while the land for construction of its permanent building will be decided later. Khurda collector has been directed to submit a detailed project report soon, a release from chief minister’s office stated.

The academy will facilitate research and training on study of Paika Bidroha, an armed revolt raised by the warriors of Khurda against British rule in 1817. The rebellion was led by Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhara.

The Paika Bidroha, also called sepoy mutiny, is considered as first armed rebellion against the Britishers in the country. The chief minister hoped that the academy will help promote awareness about the life and times of the Paikas and the supreme sacrifice made by them against British rule.