Myagdi, Nov 22: A museum is to be built to the memory of Victoria Cross (VC) decorated late Tul Bahadur Pun in his birth place in Myagdi district. Victoria Cross is the highest decoration for valour in the British armed forces, awarded for extreme bravery in the face of the enemy.
Preparations have begun to build the museum at Tiplyang of Raghuganga rural municipality-1 in Myagdi district in the land provided by late Pun’s family. Pun’s son Arjun Tilija and his family provided 4 aana land for the same, it was shared. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for the museum, informed Bhava Bahadur Bhandari, Chairperson of Raghuganga rural municipality.
The museum will have pictures that will offer a glimpse into the life and times of late Pun as well as the memorabilia related to him, according to Chairperson Bhandari.
Products that reflect historical, original and cultural aspects of Myagdi would be put on display in the museum. “We have a target to attract tourists in the museum and are looking for investment to build the museum.” The British government had conferred the decoration to Pun for his gallantry in the Second World War.
The house where late Pun was born has been preserved as well as the site he was laid to rest, said ward member Balman Gauchan. “We are planning to impart training on the locals and equip them with skills and languages,” he said.
Late Pun had significantly contributed in the development of his native village through Gorkha Welfare Trust following his retirement from the British Gurkha service, recalled Gauchan.
VC Pun was born on March 4, 1923 at Banduk in Myagdi district and breathed his last in his own native village at the age of 89. The road linking Tiplyang to Banduk village has been named VC Road in honour of late Pun.
The Great Western Railway in the UK has named their inter-city express trains in honour of late Tul Bahadur Pun. Pun, who is one of 13 Nepali Gurkhas to have received the VC, was merely 21 years old when he was decorated with the VC. RSS
