Ganju Lama War Museum of the Brave Heroes
After our visit to the Baba Harbhajan Mandir, we headed over to the Ganju Lama War Museum. I think this is one of such places in Sikkim the internet doesn’t know about. As I don’t have any resource for the construction of the place. Maybe no one even knows about this place except the tour guide and the driver who took us there. You can get the best glance at the beautiful Hangu lake and towards your left is the Nathula Pass. Our driver showed me the mountain which separates us from China.
The Ganju Lama War Museum
Built in the honour of Captain Ganju Lama, VC, MM. The Ganju Lama War Museum is the only museum in Sikkim conceptualised as a tribute to the brave soldiers of India who gave their lives for the country. As you enter the gates you will see that there are two buildings one in the left which consists of the history of the Army and the battles fought by them. You are not allowed to take any photographs and videos of these buildings. As you enter this building you will see the statue of Captain Ganju Lama. The other building has the theatre where they screen a documentary throughout the day. It was I think of about 30mins long where you get to know about the history.
Captain Ganju Lama
He joined the British Gurkha army in 1942 at the age of 17, when the Second World War was at its pinnacle. During that time the British Government appointed Gallawals, who were enlisted to recruit all the eligible people to join the British Army. It was then one of the Gallawal took Ganju to Ghoom at Darjeeling where Ganju Lama was appointed as a rifleman in the Seventh Gurkha Rifles.
During the battle of Imphal-Tediem Road, he was able to demolish Japanese Tanks from a distance of 60 feet with his anti-tank PIAT gun. Later he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest Gallantry Medal of the British Force. For his courageous act at the 1944 battle at the place called Ninthokhong (Burma). Even after getting wounded heavily and with a broken left wrist, he managed to reach the enemies area and destroyed their tanks with hand grenades.
Around the Museum
They have the Amar Jawan(Long Live Soldiers) Memorial at the top of the Museum complex which can be seen from far if you are crossing the Museum. Again there is an old tank exhibited outside the place.
After spending some time walking around the memories of the Brave Heroes we headed back as we had to cross the Checkpost before time. As you are not allowed to be there after its dark. We were little late and it was dark till we reached the place. And we encountered a pack of wolves on the way so if you are coming here on a bike be responsible and leave the place at least before 2-3 hours to be on safe side. As sometimes it may get dark little early depending on the weather at hilly areas.
And yeah guys this is the end of our Sikkim Trip hope you liked the whole journey. I will be back with a new adventure next time so see you then. Bye Bye.
Glad you covered this; not many people talk about this museum. Nice pictures.
Thanks