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Born in Sangmo Village in South Sikkim on 27th
July, 1922, Ganju Lama left home at an early age and joined the
Indian Army's first battalion of the 7th Gorkha Rifles under the
British rule. It was here that his original name Gyamtso Lama
changed to Ganju Lama owing to bad pronunciation and spelling.
Soon after induction into the Army Ganju Lama was
instrumental in destroying two enemy tanks from a very close quarter
when his unit ambushed a Japanese convoy during the Second World War
in 1944. For this brave act, he was awarded the Military Medal (MM).
Few weeks later though severely injured Ganju Lama destroyed three
more enemy tanks in the same manner in total disregard to his life
and personal security which exemplifies his devotion of the highest
order. From his position he kept on hurling grenades at the enemy
and thereby obstructed the enemy from advancing. Taking advantage of
this his comrades advanced and took up forward positions.
The London Gazette in its September 5 issue
that year said "Throughout his action Rifleman Ganju Lama, although
very seriously wounded, showed a complete disregard for his own
personal safety, outstanding devotion to duty and a determination to
destroy the enemy which is an example and an inspiration to all
ranks. It was solely due to his prompt action and brave conduct that
a most critical situation was averted. All positions regained and
very heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy."
When Ganju regained his consciousness three days
later, he saw himself lying in a military hospital in Manipur. He
was confined for 10 days and was air dashed to Comila (now in
Bangladesh) en route to Calcutta as his condition was critical.
He underwent five operations on his left knee,
"even then one bullet was extracted after 20 years" says Ganju Lama.
The brave soldier was sent to Danapur in Bihar for his health
recovery and finally to Lucknow Military Hospital.
For his exemplary bravery Ganju Lama was decorated
with numerous awards including the Victoria Cross. The brave soldier
who was given the honorary rank of Captain in the Indian Army also
served as ADC to the President of India. The Sikkim Democratic Front
Government has honoured him by naming the Temi Tarku Ravangla road
and Ravong School after him and provided a vehicle with a VIP light
embossed on it. A documentary film entitled "Ganju Lama, V.C."
directed by Ugyen Chopel has also been produced by the IPR
department to pay its homage to this distinguished son of
Sikkim. |
