Bhubaneswar, Dec 08 (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind today laid the foundation stone of the famous Paika Bidroha Memorial at the foothill of Barunei Hill, to be built to mark the completion of 200 years of the Paik Rebellion.
The paikas of Odisha have waged a war against the British rule in 1817 which is considered as the First War of Independence.
The memorial will be a source of inspiration for youths and generations to come, Mr Kovind sid while laying the foundation stone of the memorial.
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and several other r eminent dignitaries and personalities were present during the foundation laying ceremony.
The proposed project will come up at the foothills of Barunei hills in Khurda district. The memorial is seen as an epitome of Odisha’s valour and will serve as an inspiration for the youth.
The Paika Rebellion memorial which will come up in 10 acres of land will be a source of inspiration for the youths and generations to come. The Union government has entrusted the Indian Oil Corporation for implementation of the Memorial project.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the Paikas were the first to launch a rebellion against the British Rule and demanded the Paika rebellion be declared as the first freedom movement of India.
He further said Odisha has urged the Centre to run a special Express Train in the name of noted freedom fighter Buxi Jagabandhu and appealed to the President to consider the State’s demand.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said 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.
The centre, he said is committed to give ‘Paika Bidroha’, cult status in Odisha and a rightful place in history.
UNI DP RN