President lays foundation stone for Paika Rebellion memorial
Paika Rebellion is often considered as India’s First War of Independence
By Swagatika Bhutia
Khurda (Odisha), Dec. 8: President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a memorial at Barunei in Odisha’s Khurda district to mark completion of 200 years of Paika Rebellion, a valiant uprising of Paikas in 1817 against the British Rule which is often termed as India’s First War of Independence.
Apart from President Kovind, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Andhra Pradesh Govenor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Union ministers Pratap Sarangi and Dharmendra Pradhan and other eminent dignitaries were also present during the foundation laying ceremony.
The proposed project will come up at the foothills of Barunei hills.
The memorial is seen as an epitome of Odisha’s valour and will serve as an inspiration for the youth.
“The legend of the Paika Rebellion and Buxi Jagabandhu who led an army of the courageous Paikas against the mighty British empire continues to inspire us even today. Government of India is committed to give ‘Paika Bidroha,’ a cult status in Odisha, its rightful place in history,” tweeted Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Earlier, the Government of India had released a postage stamp and coin to commemorate the Paika Rebellion of 1817.
Similarly, the descendants of families associated with the Paika rebellion were also honoured in the past.
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Photograph: President Ram Nath Kovind addressing a gathering after laying foundation stone for Paika Rebellion memorial at Barueni in Odisha’s Khurda district
