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.
During my recent visit, my attention caught a man with a trademark handlebar moustache guiding the visitors and manning the museum. A quick chat with this retired solider and I was impressed to learn about his service in the Indian Army. Born in 1967, in Surlabbi village, the service record of Subedar Major (Retd) G T Thimmaiah (Gowdanda Thimmaiah), who presently serves as the curator of the Museum, is in itself an adventure to be told.
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”.
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.
CLN invites retired ex- servicemen for stories and anecdotes – you make the community proud!
As conveyed by Mr Ponnanna:
We are proud that many members of my Okka have served in the Armed Forces with remarkable service record. Foremost is Lt Gen B C Nanda who missed becoming the Army Chief for reasons best known to politicians at that time. He was the perfect Officer and Gentleman who showed humane care for his soldiers and the community post retirement. He mentored a porject team of capable volunteers including Major Biddanda Nanjappa, to set up the General Thimmayya Museum at Sunnyside.
This is not to take away any credit from Gowdanda Thimmaiah for the wonderful work he does at the Museum to maintain it so well.
Last but not the least, the Biddanda Okka has a long lineage of martial tradition with the venerable Military Chief Biddanda Bopu and his son Somaiah hailing from our family. The Raja – Dodda Vira Rajendra was very much moved by Bopu passing away, and he commissioned Bopu’s tomb at Gaddige(a place reserved for the tombs of royalty), with an epitaph inscribed.
The Raja ends the epitaph at Bopu’s tomb, by stating – The applause of the king about the valour, service and devotion of that sirkarekar(Bopu), who served faithfully with body mind and soul, was written on stone and, for the knowledge of all, was erected in front of his tomb.
Going back over 50 years, almost every Kodava family had one member of the family in the Armed Forces – particularly the Indian Army. For the size of the community, their representation in the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces and the Police is unparalleled and second to none. Not sure that tradition is being maintained given the attractiveness of other professional opportunities. But Gowdanda Thimmaiah’s story is remarkable and a perfect role model for youngsters from Coorg – and for that matter across the country.
There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing firsthand experiences from the Army—it reminds us that behind every uniform is a brave soul who’s givevn so much for others. The emotions in these stories hit deep—makes you appreciate every soldier’s journey, knowing that freedom and peace often come with silent battles we’ll never fully understand.
This article has aroused my curiosity to visit Madikeri and the General Thimayya Museum. I look forward to meeting Gowdanda Thimmaiah in my next visit to Madikeri.
Superb handle bar moustache – a sign of grit, passion, courage, commitment, loyalty, pride … all rolled into one!!
Delighted to see this post on CLN Online – a strong message with a “difference”.
My ambition was to join the Army but my plans were foiled due to the clash with my academic commitments. Wearing a uniform means so much to the soldier – bore witness to their selfless service and pride in my many visits to army outposts – even in the furthest of places at the Chinese border at Leh.
I have interacted with Thimmaiah on several occasions. Full of energy, upright, dedicated and a proud soldier and Kodava!
Absolutely wonderful to see the write-up about Gowdanda Thimmaiah – a true soldier; making the Kodava community proud. Soldiers are the people who bring life to the various strategies that are ordered by the Officers for execution. They are the backbone of the forces.
I was most touched to see the manner in which Thimmaiah involves himself with all aspects of community life in his village and then finds time to run the Museum.
Perhaps our officers need to take a lead out of his book and become more visible in the community. After all they are best equipped in terms of logical thinking, getting work done with integrity and in a disciplined manner. The secular and inclusive nature of our existence in Kodagu was under threat with the recent events incited by divisive forces. There couldn’t be a better moment for retired Armed Forces personnel to intervene to restore peace and harmony.
Thimmaiah comes across as an excellent role model for other retired armed forces personnel and to all member in the community – selfless service. We are relatively young when we retire and can make a major difference in the communities that we live in.
Regular updates by Ex defence association will open the eyes of we Civilians, to understand the service rendered by soldiers to safeguard our BHARATH MATA and ultimately for us to live in peace .
SALUTE TO THE SOLDIERS