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The Union Defence Ministry rejected Odisha’s tableau for Republic Day celebrations. This is the second consecutive year that Odisha’s tableau will not find a place in the Republic Day parade.
Notably, the tableau in 2020 showcasing the sculptural magnificence of Lingaraj Temple and the cultural richness of Rukuna Rath was highly acknowledged and won prizes too.
This year’s tableau was themed around the Paika Rebellion of 1817 which took place in Odisha’s Khurda against the Britishers. On December 24, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a commemorative stamp and coin recognising the Paika Rebellion.
Gajendra Sahoo of B K College of Art, who was in-charge of design and development of the tableau, told India Today that though the selection committee — comprising experts from the field of art, culture, literature and design — liked the idea of Paika Rebellion, they rejected it in the third round.
The state had sent five proposals for Republic Day celebrations, including the Paika Rebellion; the developing hockey infrastructure in the state and on the life and times of Chakhi Khuntia and Jayi Rajguru.
Meanwhile, the defence ministry’s rejection has come under criticism from all quarters.
In a conversation with India Today, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik said, “The issue of Paika Rebellion or Paika Sangram is not only a reflection of valour and the spirit of Odia and Odisha, but it is actually a matter of pride for the entire country, not only to the national movement but also generating the spirit of rebellion against the Britishers much before the admitted fact which is written in text books by Britishers as sepoy movement.”
Further, he said, “The mass movement happened 40 years before the sepoy mutiny of 1857, which is now considered as the first war of Independence and they challenged the Britishers. The rejection of the tableau is very painful, not only for all Odias but for every Indian.”
As per sources, a total of 56 proposals were received from states and central ministries for the 2022 Republic Day parade. Out of these, 21 have been shortlisted.
