A museum dedicated to the legendary war hero and recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), Ganju Lama, which his family set up in their native Sangmoo village near Ravangla in Namchi district, Sikkim, was inaugurated on Monday.
Ganju Lama VC Museum is located in his sprawling ancestral property and houses a collection of assorted items associated with his life. They include medals, uniforms, artefacts, various souvenirs that he received from the people and institutions from all over the world. besides other memorabilia.
Lama was conferred the VC, Britain’s highest and most prestigious gallantry award, on this day in 1944 for displaying extraordinary valour against the Japanese army in the north-eastern frontier during the Second World War. He was also the recipient of Military Medal for his exploits in the same war.
The statue of war hero Sourced by The Telegraph
Born on July 22, 1922 at Sangmoo, Lama had joined the 7th Gurkha Rifles of the British Army in 1943. After India gained independence in 1947, he joined the 11th Gurkha Rifles of the Indian Army. Promoted as honorary captain in 1968, Lama was appointed aid-de-camp (ADC) to the President for life on his retirement in 1972. He died on June 30, 2000.
Sikkim chief minister P. S. Tamang (Golay), who inaugurated the museum, hailed Lama as the “prodigious son” of Sikkim. “This museum will be a source of inspiration to many people and will also enlighten them with the values of defence services, sacrifice, discipline, and dedication,” he said.
The chief minister also congratulated Pema Chuki Kazini, Lama’s wife, and the entire family members on conceptualising the project that, he said, would immortalise the valour and memory of Lama. Golay also inaugurated the life-size of Lama on the occasion.
Ugyen Chopel, film director and a close associate of the Lama family, said the museum would remind generations to come about the legend named Ganju Lama.
“Victoria Cross meant so much not only to Sikkim but the whole of India because it is the highest British honour, and on top of that, he was awarded the military medal as well,” he said.
