General Thimayya’s birth anniversary on March 31

The 113th birth anniversary of General K S Thimayya will be observed on March 31 at his residence ‘Sunny Side’, said Colonel (retd) Subbaiah, General Thimayya and Field Marshal Cariappa Forum president.

Speaking to reporters in Madikeri on Tuesday, he said that the district administration has joined hands with the forum to conduct the event.

Elected representatives will not be part of the event owing to the model code of conduct.

“A discussion has been carried out with the district administration towards the preparations for General K S Thimayya’s birth anniversary. Grants were sought from the government on the occasion,” said Col Subbaiah.

He stated that Rs 3.50 crore out of Rs 5.50 crore grants has been released towards the development of the ‘Sunny Side’ residence of General Thimayya into a museum.

The remaining Rs 2 crore grant has been awaited. The work needs to gather pace. However, it has been planned to inaugurate the museum next year.

The Indian Army has already sent the ammunition to be displayed in the museum. General Thimayya’s life and achievements will be featured in the museum.

Major B S Nanjappa (retd) said that the project cost of General Thimayya museum has escalated during the last 10 years. When the project was proposed, the estimated cost of the development of the museum was rupees two crore.

Had the grants been released then, the project costs would not have increased, he added.

He said that the records related to General Thimayya such as his photographs and documents related to his school education have been procured.