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General Thimayya Museum at Madikeri, is one of the most visited attractions at Coorg. The museum houses images of the General, documents, weapons and other items, that the late illustrious General was associated with.
Gowdanda Thimmaiah at General Thimayya Museum
General Thimayya Museum at Madikeri, is one of the most visited attractions at Coorg. The museum houses images of the General, documents, weapons and other items, that the late illustrious General was associated with.
Subedar Major (Retd) Gowdanda Thimmaiah proudly wearing his medals.
Gowdanda Thimmaiah joined the Indian Army (8th Madras Regiment) in November 1987, and has seen multiple postings throughout India and also in Bhutan.
Thimmaiah has actively participated the following Indian Military campaigns:
1. Operation Rhino – Counter Insurgency operation in Assam (1990)
2. Operation Rakshak – Counter Insurgency operation in Kashmir (1990)
3. Operation Vijay – Kargil War in Kashmir (1999)
4. Operation Parakram – Military Mobilization on the border with Pakistan (2001)
The most challenging operation, Thimmaiah remembered was during his participation in counter insurgency operation in Kashmir. The militancy in Kashmir was at its peak and I have been witness to many casualties. If I recall correctly, from my battalion itself – around 10 to 15 casualties. It was tough to witness so many casualties of my brother soldiers, but we were not the be swayed by emotions and we were up for the challenge and ready to fight it out., he recalled.
The following is a list of medals that Gowdanda Thimmaiah has been awarded:
1. OPERATION VIJAY MEDAL
2. SAINYA SEVA MEDAL
3. SPECIAL SERVICE MEDAL(SURAKSHA)
4. HIGH ALTITUDE MEDAL
5. SAINYA SEVA MEDAL (ASSAM)
6. 9 YEARS LONG SERVICE MEDAL
7. 20 YEARS LONG SERVICE MEDAL
8. 50 YEARS INDEPENDENCE MEDAL
Gowdanda Thimmaiah retired from the Indian Army after serving 28 years and 28 days, with his character being judged by his superiors as exemplary.
Today, this illustrious soldier mans the museum of one of the most famous Generals of Indian Army. To quote Field Marshal Cariappa: “An officer is nothing without the soldiers”.
Lt General Dhiraj Seth presenting the certificate and medallion to Gowdanda Thimmiah
On the 24th of March, 2025, Lt General Dhiraj Seth (PVSM, AVSM) – Army Commander Southern Command, while on his visit to General Thimayya Museum, took note of Thimmaiah’s work as a curator and his dedication towards the museum.
General Dhiraj Seth, presented Thimmaiah with a commendation certificate and VETERAN HONOR MEDALLION in recognition of his contribution, post retirement.
True to the concept that a soldier never retires, Thimmaiah is also involved in every activity at Surlabbi village. The family is the Deva Thakka for the ancient temple and the Gowdanda family have the privilege of leading the sacred dance that takes place every year.
A hardworking farmer, beekeeper and sportsman. He played for the family in the ongoing Muddanda Hockey Namme, with his two accomplished daughters. One has recently completed her Aeronautical Engineering degree and the other is qualifying as a Dentist. His wife is currently serving in the Health Department as Taluk Nursing Supervisor at Madikeri.
Like Gowdanda Thimmaiah, in Kodagu – there are many such gallant soldiers. And all would have a story to tell. A story worth listening to and sharing. A story of serving the Indian Army and Nation with grit and determination.
source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles / by A S Aiyappa / April 19th, 2025
