The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Celebration of universal brotherhood

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Thursday, Jun 26, 2008
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Karnataka - Bangalore

Celebration of universal brotherhood

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: Freemasonry, considered to be one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal organisations, celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day here on June 24.

The organisation, which operates through eight “Lodges” (meeting places of the Freemasons) in Bangalore, is now involved in charity work.

The ceremony began with the ritual of five holy books being placed in the east of the room where the Master of the Lodge generally sits. S.S Revadi, Assistant Regional Grand Master of Bangalore Area, welcomed the Freemasons and the invitees. G.R. Shantaram, Regional Worshipful Brother and Deputy Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India, spoke about the organisation’s charity work and the tenets being followed by the institution. He spoke about their construction of Victoria Hospital, an old age home run by them in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and their midday meal scheme for children in the city. Somi Tandon, Consultant, National Disaster Management Authority, who was chief guest, explained to the gathering her understanding of the term “universal brotherhood.” “The society of Freemasons uses symbolism for the betterment of their personal lives and the people around them. The idea is to make a good person better,” Mr. Revadi said.

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