By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, February 1, 2017 : Union Budget – 2017 has something special for Odisha with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday announcing that the Central Government will celebrate completion of 200 years of Odisha’s Paika mutiny – which is also known as the first freedom struggle in the country against the British.

Presenting the union Budget 2017, Jaitley said, “200 years ago in 1817, a valiant uprising of soldiers led by Bakshi Jagabandhu took place in Khordha of Odisha. We will commemorate it appropriately”.

“Besides, the Government of India will commemorate the centenary year of Champaran Satyagrah in Gujarat this year,” he added.

Briefing reporters further on the announcement, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the decision to celebrate the 200 years of Paika mutiny is a huge appreciation of Odias by the Union Government.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, MPs and MLAs cutting across party line welcomed the FM’s announcement.

In the history book, the 1817 revolution against the British has gone down as first of its kind rebellion against Britishers. Led by Jagabandhu Bidyadhar Mohapatra Bhramarbar Rai — popularly known as Bakshi Jagabandhu, in Khordha district as many as 400 Kandhas of Ghumusar marched towards Khurda protesting against the British and were joined by the Paikas, Daleis and Dalbeheras of Khurda later in March 1817.

It led to temporary retreat by the British and had long standing effects on the freedom movement in the country, especially in Odisha.