Huge investment in Odisha by Centre: President Ram Nath Kovind

Bhubaneswar: President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday said huge investment has been made for infrastructure development in Odisha as the Centre is focusing on the development of the eastern part of the country.

The President said Odisha is blessed by nature with abundant natural resources.

The President laid the foundation stone for the Paika Rebellion Memorial at Brunei Hill in Khordha.

Paika Rebellion of 1817 was India's first organized armed rebellion against the oppressive rule of the East India Company.

He said the memorial will be an inspiration for the people in the future.

"The memorial, after getting established, will play a major role in making youths and tourists aware of the legends of paikas. I thank Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their efforts towards the establishment of the memorial," he added.

The President also remembered the sacrifices of Jai Rajguru and Buxi Jagabandhu, who fought against the East India Company.

Paikas were essentially the peasant militias of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha who rendered military service