The Sikkim Chief Minister – Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) inaugurated the long-awaited ‘Ganju Lama VC Museum’ at Sangmo on Monday. It is an effort to commemorate the unmatched valor & sacrifice made by the ‘war hero’, in driving away the Japanese soldiers during World War II.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA) – Sangay Lepcha, cabinet ministers, Major General Gambhir Singh, GOC, 17th Mtn. Division, Officials from line departments, representatives from the Indian Army, spouse of late Ganju Lama – Pema Chuki Kazini, and his son – Pema Leyda, among others.

The museum commemorates and celebrates the life of the Sikkimese legend – Captain Ganju Lama. It will provide an experience for the visitors to take a closer look at the life of Lama through rare footage, collection of unseen images, historical texts, etc., to resonate with people and inspire positive change in society through the legacy and values of the Late Ganju Lama.

The collection in the display includes his medals, uniforms, artefacts, various souvenirs received from civilians, institutions from all over the world, and other memorabilia closely connected with the legend.

During the occasion, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries unveiled the effigy of the Late Ganju Lama.

It is worth noting that Ganju Lama was a young rifleman serving in Burma with B Company 1st Battalion 7th Gurkha Rifles, part of the 48th Indian Brigade, 17th Indian Division, advancing to recapture Imphal.

The battalion’s task was to clear a complex of bunkers and roadblocks, defended by components of the Japanese 15th Army. The 17th Indian Division’s progress had faltered on the Tiddim Road, northeast of Imphal, and it here that, unexpectedly, B Company found itself under intense fire from 37mm guns mounted on Japanese light tanks.

Armed with a Piat (projector infantry anti-tank), Ganju Lama fired at a range of some 60 yards, his second shot penetrating the side armor of the leading enemy tank and setting it on fire. Although his platoon ordered back, Ganju Lama remained in a position to cover his comrades’ withdrawal. Lama conferred with the Military Medal for his courage and resourcefulness.

Lama also served as Honorary ADC (Lifetime) to the President of India till he passed away on July 1, 2000. Victoria Cross (VC) was conferred upon him on October 24, 1944.