Khurda: President Ramnath Kovind on Sunday laid the foundation stone of Paika Bidroh Memorial in Barunei foothills and said that place would inspire generations to come.
“I am hopeful that the memorial will transform into a pilgrimage, celebrating the heroic saga and valour of the Paikas,” the President said.
In 2017, during the commemoration of the 200 years of the Paika Bidroh, the Centre had decided for the construction of the memorial.
Kovind lauded the support of both Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the construction of the memorial.
The CM, speaking on the occasion, demanded the introduction of a train service in the name of the Buxi Jagabandhu.
Paying his rich tributes to the Paikas who have etched their place in the annals of history, the President said their fight against the British East India Company has become immortal as it was an organised rebel against the British oppression.
He said every youth of the nation should be made aware of the supreme sacrifice made by them and other freedom fighters for the cause of the nation. He said the Paikas were ordinary farmers but had every characteristic in them to emerge as great warriors.
Recalling the Paika rebellion of 1817, the President said people from every section in this “holy region” joined the rebels to crush the British forces.
“If the British rulers felt they had crushed the rebel with the hanging of the great Pika leader Jayi Rajaguru, they were proved wrong. In 1817, the brave Paikas launched a ferocious battle against the British rule”, he said.
Odisha, he said, has spread its influence since ancient times and continues to promote its rich culture and heritage far and wide. Kovind said during his foreign visits, he has come across the vibrant Odia diaspora, of eminent people who have made their marks in different walks of life.
The Centre is also paying increased attention towards the development of the eastern region and providing enhanced support for infrastructure creation in the state, the President added.
