Army weapons to add sheen to Gen K S Thimayya Museum

Weapons used by the soldiers of the Indian Army have been donated to General K S Thimayya Memorial Museum on G T Road in Madikeri, Kodagu district.

The weapons were sent by General B P Rawat, the Chief of Indian Army, to Thimayya’s residence, which is being developed as a museum. The weapons received on the premises of the DC’s office were placed in the strong room on Friday.

Army officials said preparations are underway to assemble the spare parts of 50 to 60-year-old light mission guns, medium mission gun, self-loading rifles, 7.62 and 303 barrel rifles, rocket launcher, 32 mm rifle and point 38 rifles and restore them to their former glory, at the museum.

General K S Thimayya forum convener Major A Biddanda A Nanjappa said that the visitors will get to see a canon used by the Indian Army which is being transported by the soldiers of Madras Regiment of Indian Army.

“Army Chief Bipin Rawat had provided a list of 1,200 guns. The forum members were asked to choose any 24 arms from the list. Major General Kodanda P Cariappa who is working in the military regiment of the President of India was instrumental in getting the arms to the museum,” said Nanjappa.

The old residence of General Thimayya is being renovated. Artworks featuring the valour of Indian soldiers on the battlefield will be occupying centrestage in the museum.

The main attraction of the museum will be the articles used by General K S Thimayya, military uniforms, books and information on Indian Army, Navy and Air force.

Forum members also said that there are plans to design a park and instal a statue of K S Thimayya on the two-acre plot.

The state government in its recent budget had announced the opening of General K S Thimayya Memorial Museum. Accordingly, the district administration had submitted a Rs 5.5 crore proposal for government approval. So far, Rs 3.5 crore out of the total budget of Rs 6 crore has been utilised towards the museum, stated officials.