Paika rebellion bi-centenary: Odisha CM seeks train after Buxi Jagabandhu

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 31:

While the state has been celebrating the bi-centenary of the historic event, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today wrote to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to introduce a new train from Bhubaneswar to Mumbai named after the torchbearer of Paika rebellion— Buxi Jagabandhu.

Naveen sought a Humsafar type new AC Express train to be introduced from Khurda Road station.

“In view of the historic significance of the bi-centenary of the Paika rebellion, I would like to convey the feelings of Odia people to commemorate his contribution to our history by introducing a Humsafar type new AC Express train from Khurda Road station, the epicenter of the rebellion, to the maximum city of Mumbai. As there is a huge unfulfilled demand for a daily train in the route of Puri/Khurda Road to Mumbai via Sambalpur, the introduction of Buxi Jagabandhu Express train in this milestone year of 2017 will be a fitting tribute from Railways to the iconic leader as well as the monumental event of Odisha,” Patnaik said in his letter.

He further said: “Paika rebellion had occurred in Odisha in the year 1817. This year, we mark the bi-centenary of this epic event in Odisha’s history. The people of Odisha still remember Buxi Jagabandhu with reverence and awe. His indefatigable courage, leadership, war strategy, patriotism and sacrifice has made him a legend of my state.”

Notably, Paika Rebellion was the first awakening of nationalism in the pre-independence era under the leadership of Buxi Jagabandhu. This uprising united the people of Odisha against the oppresive policy of the East India Company, which had adversely affected the socio-economic condition of the people of Odisha.

Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mohapatra was the commander of the forces of the king of Khurda. The Paikas fought relentlessly against the British in 1817 much before the sepoy mutiny in 1857.