Bhubaneswar: The state government will set up a Paika Academy and Research Centre in Khurda district of Odisha.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved a proposal in this regard.

The proposed academy will be set up along the lines of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre under the department of Odia Language Literature and Culture, said an official.

The academy will work towards preserving and promoting Paika culture in Odisha. The academy will have specially-designed syllabi for its students. Besides, there will be adequate facilities for research work. The state government will provide scholarships to the students of the Paika Academy, added the official

“The academy will start operation from a temporary campus at Gada Khurda. The Chief Minister has directed the Collector of Khurda to identify a suitable place for the permanent campus of the academy and prepare a detailed project report (DPR) in this regard,” said the official.

Notably, the Paikas of Odisha under the leadership of Buxi Jagabandhu had launched an armed rebellion against the Britishers in 1817. Many researchers believe that it is the first rebellion against the British rule in India.

“The state government is committed to preserve and promote Paika culture in Odisha,” added the official.