Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of Paikas (as Oriya warriors were called earlier) under the banner of Nikhila Orissa Paika Mahasangha took out a rally Monday from Ram Mandir Square to Master Canteen here, displaying ancient weapons and forms of war.
Earlier, they handed over a memorandum to Governor S C citing their various demands. Their demands include ‘Paika pension’ to the Dalabeheras, Dalapatis, Paika gurus, Sardars and Paika instrumentalists of Paika akhadas; assistance for resurrection of akhadas; introduction of Paika training at schools, colleges and universities and inclusion of Paikas in OBC category.
Talking to Orissa POST, Nikhila Orissa Paika Mahasangha vice-president Ramesh Chandra Pradhan said there are about 120 such groups scattered in Puri, Khurda, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Pallahara, Khamar and Kamakshanagar. However, most of these groups are on the verge extinction as the government is doing nothing for their resurrection and to carry forward the legacy.
PNN
