Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved Friday a proposal to set up Odisha Paika Academy and Research Centre in Khurda district. The Chief Minister said in an official release that the academy will be set up on the lines of Guru Kelu Charan Mahapatra Odissi Research Centre. In the official release Patnaik also said the proposed Odisha Paika Academy and Research Centre will operate under the Odia Language, Literature and Culture department.
Naveen Patnaik has also asked the Khurda collector to identify land and submit a detailed project report. It will now temporarily operate from Gada Khurda, the official statement said.
The academy will facilitate research and training on study of ‘Paika Bidroha’, an armed revolt by the warriors of Khurda against British rule in 1817. The rebellion was led by Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhara. Odisha government has always claimed that the Paika Bidroha is considered the first armed rebellion against British rule in India.
Patnaik said he is hopeful 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.