Bhubaneswar: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan letter to Union Culture Minister Dr. Mahesh Sharma to identify land for Paika Bidroha Memorial.
Full Text of the letter
At the outset, I would like to thank you for organizing the 200th year celebration of Paika rebellion at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 20th July 2017. The then President of India addressed the gathering on the occasion as the Chief Guest along with hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha and yourself. This will be a year-long activity of Government of India, as pronounced in the Budget Speech of the Hon’ble Finance Minister on 1st February 2017.
2. At the inaugural event on 20th July 2017, I had emphasised that the Paika rebellion of 1817 AD be given its due recognition in the history of Indian freedom struggle. I had also urged that the Government of India along with the Government of Odisha should erect a befitting memorial at the Barunei Fort near Khurda Town as a national monument. It may be noted that the Barunei Fort was the seat of power of the Gajapati King of Khurda and the epicenter of Paika rebellion.
3. I would request to send a team from the Ministry of Culture to identify a suitable place in the Barunei Fort in coordination with the Government of Odisha for erection of the proposed memorial to commemorate the Paika rebellion.
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