Khordha, May 18: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday visited Barunei in Khordha district to review the progress of the ambitious Paika Bidroha Memorial project.

The memorial, being constructed at the foothills of Barunei, is dedicated to the historic Paika Rebellion of 1817, led by Buxi Jagabandhu against British colonial rule.

During his visit, Union Minister Pradhan held discussions with officials overseeing the project and emphasized the importance of completing the memorial with grandeur and dignity. He described the Paika Rebellion as a “golden chapter” in India’s freedom struggle, highlighting its role in inspiring subsequent movements across the country.

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“The Paika Bidroha is an unparalleled symbol of Odia pride, identity, and valour. The sacrifices of the brave sons of this soil ignited the spirit of independence across India,” Dharmendra Pradhan said.

“The upcoming memorial will stand as a testament to Odisha’s indomitable courage and will inspire generations of youth to embrace patriotism and cultural pride,” he added.

ଖୋର୍ଦ୍ଧା ଜିଲ୍ଲା ବରୁଣେଇ ଠାରେ ‘ପାଇକ ବିଦ୍ରୋହ ସ୍ମାରକୀ’ ସ୍ଥଳ ପରିଦର୍ଶନ କରିବା ସହ ପ୍ରକଳ୍ପ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟର ଅଗ୍ରଗତି ନେଇ ଦାୟିତ୍ୱରେ ଥିବା ଅଧିକାରୀମାନଙ୍କ ସହ ଆଲୋଚନା କଲି । ପାଇକ ବିଦ୍ରୋହ ହେଉଛି ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଜାତିର ସ୍ୱାଭିମାନ, ଅସ୍ମିତା ଓ ଗୌରବମୟ ଐତିହ୍ୟର ଅନନ୍ୟ ପ୍ରତୀକ । ଆଗାମୀ ଦିନରେ ଏହି ସ୍ମାରକୀ ଆମ ଯୁବପିଢ଼ିଙ୍କୁ ସର୍ବଦା… pic.twitter.com/lmR5kqeZOP

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 18, 2026

Union Minister Pradhan noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the “double engine government” is committed to presenting Odisha’s glorious history to the world stage.

He stressed that the memorial will not only honour the legacy of the Paikas but also serve as a cultural landmark showcasing Odisha’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle.

The Paika Bidroha Memorial is envisioned as a grand heritage site that will narrate the saga of resistance and sacrifice. Once completed, it is expected to become a centre of inspiration, drawing visitors from across India and abroad.

Dharmendra Pradhan expressed confidence that the memorial will remain a silent witness to Odisha’s bravery and continue to motivate the youth for centuries to come.

The Paika Rebellion of 1817, often regarded as the first armed uprising against British rule, holds a special place in Odisha’s history.

The construction of the memorial at Barunei is seen as a fitting tribute to the valour of the Paikas and their indelible mark on India’s struggle for freedom.