No one could have imag­ed even in his wildest dream at a naive village boy who left s native place Sangmo, South kkim in early 1940s to join the

Idian Army under the Britishlie would emerge as one of the ~'eatest heroes of the Second 'orld War for which he was Inferred the then highest ilitary award, Victoria Cross by Ie British Govt.

Born in Sangmo Village in )lith Sikkim on 27th July, 1922, anju Lama left home at an early ~e and joined the Indian Army's rst battalion of the 7th GorkhaCap. Ganju Lama ( seated second from left) with his colleagues in Malaya. .ifles under the British rule. It was here that his original name Gyamtso Lama changed to Ganju Lama owing to ad pronunciation and spelling.

Soon after induction into the Army Ganju Lama was instrumental in destroying two enemy tanks from a very lose quarter when his unit ambushed a Japanese convoy during the Second World War ill, 1944. For this brave ;t, he was awarded the Military Medal (MM). Few weeks later though severely injured Ganju Lama destroyed tree more enemy tanks in the same manner in total disregard to his life and personal security which exemplifies is devotion of the highest order. From his position he kept on hurling grenades at the enemy and thereby bstructed the enemy from advancing. Taking advantage of this his comrades advanced and took up forward )sitions.

The London Gazette in its September 5 issue that year said "Throughout his action Rifleman Ganju Lama, though very seriously wounded, showed a complete disregard for his own personal safety, outstanding devotion I duty and a determination to destroy the enemy which is an example and an inspiration to all ranks. It was solely le to his prompt action and brave conduct that a most critical situation was averted. All positions regained and ~ry heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy."

When Ganju regained his consciousness three days later, he saw himself1ying in a military hospital in Manipur. e was confined for 10 days and was air dashed to Comila (now in Bangladesh) en route to Calcutta as his mdition was critical.

He underwent five operations on his left knee, "even then one bullet was extracted after 20 years" says anju Lama. The brave soldier was sent to Danapur in Bihar for his health recovery and finally to Lucknow lilitary Hospital.

For his exemplary bravery Ganjq Lama was decorated with numerous awards including the Victoria Cross. 1e brave soldier who was given the honorary rank of Captain in the Indian Army also served as ADC to the 'esident of India. The Sikkim Democratic Front Government has honoured him by naming the Temi Tarku­lvangla road and Ravong School after him and provided a vehicle with a VIP light embossed on it. A documentary m entitled "GaI1ju Lama, V.C." directed by U gyen Chopel has also been produced by the IPR department to pay ; homage to this distinguished son ofSikkim.