Exclusion of Paika Rebellion from NCERT Textbook: A Betrayal to the People of Odisha, Says BJD
- Dharmendra remains silent out of fear of losing his ministerial post.
- BJP only used Odia Ashmita slogans to garner votes.
Bhubaneswar, 24/07/2025: As widespread criticism mounts over the recent NCERT textbook failing to include the Paika Rebellion, 1817, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a sharp attack on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Addressing a press conference at Shankha Bhavan, BJD Spokesperson and Media Coordinator Dr. Lenin Mohanty came down heavily on the Centre, raising serious questions regarding BJP and Minister Pradhan’s role.
Dr. Mohanty stated that the Paika Rebellion of 1817 was the first strong resistance against British colonial rule. The rebellion is not just a proud chapter in Odisha’s history but a glorious aspect of India’s struggle for freedom. He pointed out that while earlier editions of NCERT books had acknowledged the Paika Rebellion, it has now been removed from the curriculum.
Despite Odisha’s long-standing demand to recognize the Paika Rebellion, 1817 as India’s first war of independence, the Central Government had previously ignored this appeal. However, assurances were made that it would find a place in NCERT textbooks.
Dr. Mohanty said that during elections, the BJP had extensively used slogans centered on Odia Ashmita and had promised that the Paika Rebellion would be included in the NCERT curriculum. However, the newly released textbook does not mention it, leading to widespread public outrage.
In response, NCERT has claimed that the rebellion will be included in the second volume of the textbook. But Dr. Mohanty rejected this explanation, saying it was unacceptable. He argued that until 2024, NCERT textbooks contained only one volume, and now suddenly claiming that a second volume will include it appears to be an afterthought to quell criticism.
He further pointed out that the newly published textbook already includes the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, so there is no logical reason why the 1817 Paika Rebellion, which predates it, has not been included. Dr. Mohanty called this a deliberate move and said the second volume claim is just a way to divert public outrage.
He added that it is extremely unfortunate for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha, to neglect the interests of his own state. This is nothing short of betrayal of the people of Odisha. Dr. Mohanty accused Pradhan of remaining silent due to fear of losing his ministerial position.
He demanded that Pradhan clarify whether he knew in advance that the Paika Rebellion was being excluded from the textbook. If he did, then why did he remain silent? Has he forgotten the promise he made to the people of Odisha? Or is making false promises a habit of his?
Dr. Mohanty questioned whether the Odia Ashmita slogans raised during elections were merely a political gimmick to win votes. He said that after winning votes, securing a ministerial post, and forming a BJP government in Odisha, the Odia identity has been completely sidelined.
