Odisha Paika Academy & Research Centre: In the Khurda district, the state government will establish the Odisha Paika Academy and Research Centre. According to official sources, this institute will promote and disseminate Paika culture and tradition on a national and international scale.
This proposal was authorised by the chief minister here on Friday. The department of Odia language, literature, and culture will establish this centre for the comprehensive development of Paika’s rich tradition. It will be established using the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre as a paradigm.
According to a press release issued by the office of the chief minister, a special curriculum will be developed in order to teach Paikas and their martial arts tradition. There will be a development of research facilities for Paika. Students enrolling in courses on Paika will be awarded scholarships.
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Odisha Paika Academy & Research Centre
According to sources, this centre will be provisionally operated in Khurda. Later, a location will be designated for the centre. The chief minister has instructed the Khurda collector to select a location for the centre and create a detailed project report (DPR) for this endeavour.
During 5T secretary VK Pandian’s visit to Khurda last month, various Paika organisations implored him to promote and disseminate Paika culture and tradition. They had discussed with the Pandian the safeguarding of this magnificent culture. He had pledged the Paika leaders of assistance.
Against British authority, the Paika rebellion was organised in 1817 by Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mohapatra. It is referred to as the initial conflict of independence. “The academy and research centre will aid in the study of Paika culture and tradition, as well as Paika resistance. It will also strive to preserve Paika culture, according to an official statement from Naveen.
The Centre has also begun construction on the Paika Rebellion Memorial in Barunei, Khurda district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued coins and postage stamps commemorating the Paika Rebellion on December 24, 2018. On December 8, 2019, former President Ram Nath Kovind lay the foundation stone of the memorial at Barunei.