Kolkata: In continuation of the bicentenary celebration of the historic Paika Rebellion of Odisha of 1817 and as a befitting tribute to the glory of this inspiring saga of India’s first uprising against the British, Odia Samaj, a leading non-profit, socio-cultural organization in Delhi in association with Utkala, Kolkata and Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) organised an mesmerising dance drama titled “Odia Paika” at Kolkata.
This celebration was graced by His Excellency Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal as Chief Guest of the evening and amongst others Shri Babul Supriyo, Hon’ble Minister of States, Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Govt. of India and Shri Biswa Bhushan Harichandan, former Minister, Govt. of Odisha were also present as Guests of Honour of the occasion.
A coffee table book titled “Valour in the veins- The saga of the Indomitable Spirit of Odisha” was also released by the Chief Guest which gives insight to the glorious past of Odisha and its freedom struggle against British rule.
Enthralling Odishi dance performance by the renowned Odishi dancer Smt. Dona Ganguli, presentation of dance drama Odia Paika, Paika Akhada display by Kalinga Paika from Khurda and presentation of a short film on Paika Rebellion and other rebellions in Odisha against British Rule from 1803-1947 were special attractions of this magnificent evening.
Delivering the welcome address Shri Hiranya Mohanty, Trustee, Odia Samaj said, the “Odia Paika” dance drama performed in Kolkata was fourth of its kind, the earlier three having been organised in Lucknow, Delhi & Gurgaon. Plans are afoot to make it an all India event by having such functions in other states too.
The vote of thanks was given by Shri Ramesh Pradhan, Secretary, Utkala, Kolkata. Members of Utkala, Kolkata & ECZZ and many historians, educationists, intellectuals, students of different educational institutions in and around Kolkata were present on this occasion.
The dance drama ‘Odia Paika’ was performed by students of Nrutya Naivedya, Bhubaneswar, Odisha led by Guru Shri Pravat Kumar Swain. It unfolded the story of Martyrs like Jayee Rajguru who initiated the revolt against the British as early as 1803. The dance drama narrated the role of great freedom fighters of Paika Rebellion of 1817 such as Buxi Jagabandhu, Madhav Chandra Routray, Pindiki Bahubalendra and Krutibasa Patsani besides many eminent Paika heroes of Khurda Gada who sacrificed their lives in their fight against the British forces in Odisha. The content and script of the dance drama Odia Paika was a narration by Shri P. K. Das, IRS & Shri Shyamapada Chatterjee and music composed and directed by Prof Dhaneswar Swain & Sukant Kumar Kundu.
It may be noted here that, “Bicentenary celebration of the heroic Paika Rebellion of Odisha” was inaugurated by the former President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 20th July 2017 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
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