Bhubaneswar, Sep 8: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today approved the establishment of Odisha Paika Academy and Research Centre in Khordha.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the centre will be of great help in spreading Paika culture and tradition abroad.
There will be a special system of imparting education through special courses for the collective development of Paikas as well as training and research. Scholarships will also be provided for students. The centre will function temporarily at Gada Khordha. The Chief Minister directed the Khordha District Collector to allocate a permanent land as soon as possible and prepare a detailed project report.
It is worth mentioning that in 1817, the Paika Rebellion was organized under the leadership of Bakshi Jagbandhu in Khordha. Historians are of the opinion that this was the country's first rebellion against the British rule. The Chief Minister said that the Odisha Paika Academy and Research Centre will pave the way for further research in this direction by keeping alive this great Paika tradition.
