BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7, French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.
6.00 pm Members’ Meeting conducted by Bro. Rustom Dalal on C. W. Leadbeater’s book “The Text Book of Theosophy’
6.00 pm Members’ Meeting conducted by Sis. Aban Patel on C.W.Leadbeater’s book ‘Clairvoyance’ 6.15 pmTalk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (in Lobby)
6.00 pm Members’ Meeting conducted by Bro. Rustom Dalal on C. W. Leadbeater’s book “The Text Book of Theosophy’
6.00 pm Members’ Meeting conducted by Sis. Aban Patel on C.W.Leadbeater’s book ‘Clairvoyance’
BLAVATSKY
LODGE
The
Theosophical Society
[Registered
under B.P.T. Act, 1950 - No.F/344(B)] ▪ [Founded in 1879]
7, French Bridge, Chowpatty
Mumbai 400007 ▪ Tel: 2368 5026
134th ANNUAL REPORT
(2013-14)
BLAVATSKY LODGE
The
Theosophical Society
7, French Bridge, Chowpatty, Mumbai
400007. Tel: 2368 5026
notice
Date: 8th June 2014
Dear
Sister/Brother,
The
134th Annual General Meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S. will be
held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 20th
July 2014
in the Blavatsky Lodge premises when your presence is earnestly solicited.
Yours
fraternally,
K.B. Khambatta
HON. SECRETARY
AGENDA
1. To read the circular convening the Meeting.
2. To read and confirm the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting
held on 1st September 2013.
3. To receive and adopt the Managing Committee's Annual Report for
the year ended 31st March 2014.
4. To receive and pass the audited Statement of Accounts of the Lodge
and Book Depot, as on 31st March 2014.
5. To appoint Auditors for the year 2014-15 and fix their remuneration.
6. To receive the report of Election Officer
regarding election for Managing Committee for 2014-16.
7. To invite suggestions and
views of members to spread Theosophy, increase membership of TS and make the
Blavatsky Lodge, more vibrant and active.
8. Any other matter with the permission of the Chair.
PS:
The General Body meeting will be followed by
lunch hosted by the Lodge for members and accompanying companions of Senior Members.
Senior Members of age 75 years or above will be reimbursed taxi
fare upto Rs.200/-. All members are requested to confirm participation to
the Lodge Assistant, Sister Asha (Phone 022 23685026) or the Hon. Secretary, Sis
Kashmira B. Khambatta (Phone 9821459504) as soon as possible to facilitate
lunch arrangements.
ANNUAL
REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2014
We
pay our homage to the Masters and the Great White Brotherhood for their
invisible guidance and assistance. We also thank our members and sympathizers
and hope that they contribute their knowledge, talents and skills for the
betterment of the T.S.
MEMBERSHIP:
We
invite prospective new members to attend our Friday meetings and study classes.
All interested persons could be put in touch with suitable existing members who
could guide them in matters of appropriate Theosophical material to be read and
help resolve their queries.
|
MEMBERSHIP
DETAILS
|
Regular
|
Associate
|
Total
|
|
LIFE MEMBERS
|
|
|
|
|
As on 1-4-2013
|
52
|
1
|
53
|
|
Transfer from Ordinary Membership
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
|
Expired
|
(3)
|
--
|
(3)
|
|
As on 31-3-2014
|
51
|
2
|
53
|
|
|
|
ORDINARY MEMBERS
|
--
|
|
|
|
As
on 1-4-2013
(Including Associate Members)
|
87
|
6
|
93
|
|
New Members
|
5
|
--
|
5
|
|
Renewal of Membership
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
|
Expired
|
(2)
|
--
|
(2)
|
|
Resigned
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
|
Lapsed
|
(2)
|
--
|
(2)
|
|
Transfer to Life Membership
|
(3)
|
--
|
(3)
|
|
Transfer from other lodges
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
|
As on 31-3-2014
|
85
|
6
|
91
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MEMBERS
(as on 1-4-2014)
|
136
|
8
|
144
|
Obituary:
The following members passed to peace during the year:
Sis. Damayanti H. Mehta (Ganesh Lodge) 25-12-2013
Sis. Hansa H. Shah (Vasanta Lodge) 18-2-2013
Sis. Mani Bharucha (Shanti Lodge) 12-3-2013
Bro. Madhusudan
Champaneria 25-6-2013
( Past President & Stalwart of Gujarat Theo. Federation)
Bro. Anirudh Desai (Vasanta
Lodge) 27-6-2013
Dr. VidhuKumud K. Mehta, 15-7-2013
Founder & Life Member of Jyoti Lodge) .
Sis. Perviz S. Unwalla (Blavatsky Lodge) 17-8-2013
Bro. Ar. Merzban Sukhadwalla (Shanti Lodge) 30-9-2013
(Instrumental in upgrading BTF Bulletin Cover Page)
Prof. Krishna Gosavi (Blavatsky Lodge) 18-11-2013
Dr. Phiroz Antia
(Blavatsky Lodge) 27-11-2013
Bro. Vispi Bharucha
(Blavatsky Lodge) 29-11-2013
Radha Burnier, 7th International President of
Theosophical Society (1980-2013) breathed her last at
9.00 p.m. on 31st October 2013.
May their Souls be blessed with eternal peace.
Managing Committee:
At the Annual General Body meeting held on 1st July 2012,
the following members were elected unanimously as Office-Bearers and Members
for the years 2012-14:
President
Bro.
Navin Kumar
Vice-President
Sis. Freny Pagdiwalla
Hon. Treasurer Bro. Rustom Dalal*
Hon. Jt. Treasurer Sis. Ruby Khan
Hon. Secretary Sis. Kashmira Khambatta
Hon. Jt. Secretary Bro. Janardana
Sherigar S.
MEMBERS Sis.
Meherangiz Baria
Sis. Bana Mehta
Sis. Ketayun Irani
Sis. Jasmine Cawasji
Sis. Navaz Dhalla
Bro. Cyrus Pastakia*
(*elected at Spl AGM held on 27-1-2013)
Following
Sub-Committees were formed for the year:
Library
Sub-Committee:
Sis Kashmira Khambatta (Hon. Librarian), Sis. Aban
Amroliwalla
(Asst. Librarian) Bro. Janardana
Sherigar (Member).
Book
Depot Sub-Committee:
Sis Freny Paghdiwalla (Book Depot Manager), Sis Nawaz Dhalla
(Asst. Book Depot Manager) & Sis Bana Mehta.
Housekeeping Sub-Committee:
Sis Nawaz
Dhalla, Sis. Ketayun Irani, & Sis. Jasmine Cawasji.
Building Supervision Sub-Committee:
Bro. Rustom
Dalal & Sis Nawaz Dhalla.
Programmes
Sub-Committee:
Sis Nawaz Dhalla, Sis. Jasmine Cawasji & Sis. Ketayun
Irani.
The
President and the Hon. Secretary were ex-officio members of all the
Sub-Committees.
Managing
Committee Meetings: During the period from April 2013 to March 2014, 14 meetings of the Managing Committee were held and the
details about members’ attendance at the meetings are as under:
No. of meetings attended by the
Managing Committee Members
(April 2013 to March 2014)
[Out of 12
meetings]
President Bro. Navin Kumar 8
Vice President Sis. Freny Pagdiwalla 9
Hon. Treasurer
Bro. Rustom Dalal 6
Jt. Hon
Treasurer Sis. Ruby Khan 9
Hon.
Secretary Sis. Kashmira
Khambatta 11
Hon. Jt.
Secretary Bro. Janardana Sherigar 9
MEMBERS
Sis. Meherangiz Baria 8
Sis. Bana
Mehta 7
Sis. Ketayun Irani 4
Sis. Jasmine Cawasji 9
Sis. Navaz Dhalla 9
Bro. Cyrus Pastakia 9
LODGE MEMBERS’ MEETINGS,
THEOSOPHICAL TALKS & DISCUSSIONS which took
place during the year, included:
Members’ Meetings:
·
Members
Study Sessions on “Dhammapada” were conducted under the
guidance of Bro. H. K. Sharan, followed
by group discussion (Open to Members, Sympathizers & Public).
·
In
addition to weekly members’ meeting, SS Meetings
of about one hour duration were held on every Tuesdays, beginning and ending with prayers, on topics
relevant to daily life. Every First Timer in this meeting is also requested to
tell his/her life story, lessons learnt & unique experiences in brief.
·
A Special Members’ Meeting was held
on 12th January 2014 at Vipassana Centre-Dhamma Patana at Gorai,
Mumbai”.
The 82nd Annual Session of Bombay
Theosophical Federation
was opened on 5th October 2013, which was graced by Smt. Avantikaben
Mehta, Past-President, The Gujarat Theosophical Federation. Smt. Avantikaben
Mehta also conducted an evening session on 7th October 2013 on “What
is Right Living?”,
Allied
Activities:
·
Bharat
Samaj Pooja on 1st Sundays of every month.
·
Mystic
Star Ritual on 2nd Sundays of every month.
·
Maitreya
Round Table on 4th Sundays of every month.
Red Letter
Days were celebrated jointly with B.T.F. through talks, readings and
audio visuals as under:
1.
White
Lotus Day jointly with BTF on 8th May 2013
2.
Dr.
Annie Besant’s Birth Anniversary on 1st October
2013.
3.
Founders’
Day on 17th November 2013.
4.
Adyar
Day on 17th February 2014.
Special Ceremonies
which took place included the following:
o WESAK BLESSINGS OF LORD BUDDHA
conducted on 24th May 2013 by Bro. Keki Palkhiwalla, who described described the Wesak
Purnima Ceremony taking place in the Wesak Valley, where takes place the
Divine Outpouring by Lord Buddha. He explained the Three Verses, which were
taught by the Lord Buddha to the school boy Chatta. A special
ceremonial table was prepared by Sis. Kashmira Khambatta before the statue of
Lord Buddha on the occasion.
o CELEBRATIONS OF THE MAITREYA ROUND
TABLE held on 26th May 2013 with First time ceremony of THE SEASONS, the Round
or Cycle of Life, which has originated in Austria, was beautifully performed.
It covered the Course of the Day, the Seasons, Life developing in Nature, Life
developing in Plant, the Cycle of Human Life and the Stages of evolving Human
Being..
o ASALA POORNIMA MEETING
was conducted on 22nd
July 2013 by Bro.
Keki Palkhiwalla and commenced with Buddhist Prayer. Bro. Palkhiwalla explained
the significance of the day and the four noble truths, viz., Sorrow (there is
more misery then happiness), Cause of Sorrow (Desire), Ceasing of Sorrow and
Escape from sorrow (by following the noble eight-fold path).
o Foundation
Day Meeting on 17th November 2013 Sunday
morning at Besant Hall with Sis. Tania playing joyous music of
Great Composers Beethoven and Rachmaninoff played on piano to welcome TS
Members and Brothers & Sisters of 7, French Bridge, i.e. of Blavatsky
Lodge’s Neighbourhood. The meeting started with the Prayers of All Religions
and the Universal Prayer. Blavatsky
Lodge President Bro. Navin Kumar opened the meeting welcoming the
neighbourhood friends in the spirit of Brotherhood, the First Object of TS.
SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
held included:
·
Mystic Star Ceremony was performed on Sunday 14th
April 2013, in memory of Late Bhikhu
Mehta, Music Teacher of Sis. Freny
Pagdiwalla.
·
A
Full Day Session on “DHAMMAPADA” was conducted by Shri H.K.Sharan. National
Lecturer & Author of “Light of Asia” in Poetic Hindi & English
Prose On Friday 19th April 2013.
·
On 25th April, 2013 a Power Point
Presentation “How to improve Mumbai –
Practical Suggestions” was shown by motivated studentsNidhi Kaku, Aditi Kaku
and Harsh Gada. Sis. Soonoo Vesuna, is in charge of Unity Youth Lodge. The
Presentation was shown on the Big Screen at Blavatsky Lodge.
·
On Friday 31st May, Bro. Princey Mehta
showed a CD presentation “On understanding a life before incarnation or birth
an entire karmic perspective”
·
On Fri. 5th July, a talk by Bro. Keki
Palkhiwalla on “Reincarnation and Relationships” and was followed by group
participation
·
On Fri.16th August, a talk by Bro. Keki
Palkhiwalla on “The thirst for reincarnation
of the human soul – Its Karmic relationship with past lives and the kingdoms of
Nature …..An Akashic Review”
·
Mystic Star Ritual of Sunday 10th
November 2013 was dedicated to Respected Radhaji. This ceremony, with all offices attended by
regular and also interested new members with Sis. Freny Paghdiwala playing
piano was solemnly performed with reverence and devotion.
PUBLIC TALKS AND OTHER PROGRAMS
held were:
·
7th June 2013 - “The System of Seven, A Miracle in Manifestation” by Bro. Keki
Palkhiwalla.
·
28th June 2013 – Talk on “DHAMMAPADA” by Bro. H.K. Sharan.
·
Dr. Darius H. Umrigar’s Series on ‘Mind
Over Immunity’ – Part 100, was a special session on 8th November 2013 in the
Besant Hall. It was attended by TS members, people interested in Naturopathy, Alternate
Medicine & Holistic Living and persons, who benefited with his treatment
and started helping him in his crusade for healthy living. Quite a few of his
patients and people, who had benefited from his knowledge, shared their
experiences at this meeting.
IMPRESSIONS
OF THE 138th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION DECEMBER 2013, ADYAR: Bro.
Vinayak Pandya, Vice-President of BTF
and Bro. Noor Baig, of Vasanta Lodge had attended the Convention
from Bombay. Bro. Vinayak shared his impressions with Brethren of Mumbai on 3rd January 2014 at Besant
Hall, Blavatsky Lodge. There were inspiring talks based on the Theme of the Convention “New Mind for
New World”.
SUPPORT CONVENTION DECEMBER 2013
It was a Christmas
Spirit at Blavatsky Lodge with Xmas Trees and Trimmings and Messages of Peace,
Love & Joy by Sis. Navaz Dhalla.
On 26th December
evening the Support Convention was opened with
The Prayers of All Religions and welcome by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge
Presidents. The Opening Meeting was in tune with the Memorial Meeting for
Radhaji at Adyar at the same time. Dr. Ajay Hora shared the Audio Talk of Radhaji on “Seven Great Religions in the Light of
Theosophy”. In the beginning Dr. Ajay Hora said that during his Presidency
in 1999-2000, the Millennium Year, BTF had organized A Series of Lectures on Seven Great Religions by the Religious
Heads or Scholars, as all roads lead to One Divinity. The final talk was by Dr.
Radha Burnier on the First Day of Annual Session of BTF. It was also the 125th
Year of Theosophical Society (1875-2000).
As Dr. Ajay Hora was not well on that day his message was read out and
Bro. Khurshed Sanjana had presided.
Salient points of Radhaji’s talk were: * Soul
wants awakening, perfection, liberation, nirvana * Dogmatism or materialistic
theories are no solutions *
Religion is the bond not only of all people, but of all beings * As HPB said if
there is anything in the religion which does not have respect for others, it is
not a religion * Distortions & superstitions have penetrated into religions
* In Theosophy we have to look at religions with discriminative intelligent
mind * All religions have source in that Great Being * The teachings are same,
but in different measures according to the need of the time and condition of
people
* To open hearts to All Beings is the best religion * Laws of Nature &
Cosmos have to be respected * Do not harm anyone as Life is One * Religion is
important part of life as it shows how to go beyond towards Divine Intelligence
* Purify mind, de-condition brain and
from animal man become Divine Man. Bro. Navin Kumar proposed the thanks.
On 27th
December 2013 evening, Sis. Kashmira Khambatta welcomed and
introduced Shri Farokh Bardoliwalla,
who with his group presented a Musical Evening. With inspiring songs he conveyed
what life is, the inner urge of the soul to spread the light of Divine
Knowledge, to radiate Love and to completely surrender to the Lord (Ye Malik tere bande Hum).
On 29th
December 2013 morning, The Ritual of Mystic Star was beautifully performed with music
including young students and first time participants. Sis. Freny Paghdiwalla
read out the explanation about (1) Offices – five aspects of Power, Wisdom,
Joy, Beauty & Love representing five professions Ruler, Priest, Merchant,
Artist & Teacher with their reflex professions Judge, Scientist, Servant,
Craftsman & Healer. (2) Significance of the Alter with layers of different
Alter Cloths.
On 30th
December 2013, the closing day evening The Presidential Address delivered at Adyar
by International Vice President Mr. M.P. Singhal, received by BTF thanks to
Sis. Keshwar Dastur, was read out by Bro. Rustom Dalal.
Bro.
Princey Mehta showed three interesting and informative
videos with Power Point (1) The
Theosophical Society in America, which covered its history right from its
inception to this date with the Founders, the International Presidents &
Stalwarts, spreading of TS in America,
the centers of Crotona & Wheaton, Quest Publication House,
Presidents of American Section and their varied activities to spread Theosophy.
(2) Theosophy in UK with Leadbeater
– an early black & white silent documentary showed Dr. Annie Besant and C.
W. Leadbeater in UK. (3) Who is Helena
Blavatsky? The author of her biography and other scholars spoke about her
magnanimity & complete dedication, how she wrote ‘The Isis Unveiled’ and
‘The Secret Doctrine’ and what her two volumes stand for. Sis. Freny Paghdiwalla gave a Vote of Thanks and closed the Support
Convention.
Gratitude:
Blavatsky Lodge
TS acknowledges with sincere thanks kind donations from:
(1) A generous donation
of Rs.1 Lakh from Miss Mani Sorabji Bhathena
in memory of Late Mehra Dhalla for education of poor school children and
inculcating ethical Theosophical values in them.
(2) General donation of Rs.25,000/- Mrs. Bacha Mowdawalla
(3) Donation towards corpus Rs.20,000/- Bro.
Navin Kumar
(4) Donation towards Unity Youth Lodge of
Rs.10,000/- - Sis.Thrity Dalal.
(5) General donation of Rs.5,000/- Bro. Janardana Sherigar
(6) General donation of Rs.5,000/- Bro.
Kantilal Patel
(7) General donation of Rs.1,000/- Bro.
Sunit Kanabar
(8) Donation towards corpus of Rs.1,000/- - Bro. Cyrus Pastakia
(9) Donation towards corpus of Rs.1,000/- - Sis. Pervin
Pastakia
(10) Donation towards corpus of Rs.1,000/- - Sis.Kashmira Pastakia
DATE : 07-06-2014
ELECTION
OF MANAGING COMMITTEE
MEMBERS 2014-2016
REPORT OF THE ELECTION OFFICER
A NOTICE
calling upon members to nominate the candidates for the New Managing
Committee for the year 2014-16 was published in the BTF Bulletin of May 2014
issue as well as on the Notice Boards of the Blavatsky Lodge with a request to
submit the nomination papers on or before May 26, 2014. The New Managing
Committee is to be appointed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting to be
held in July, 2014.
The Nominations received at the close of May 26, 2014
are given below:
|
Office
|
Name
|
Proposer
|
Seconder
|
|
President
|
Bro Navin Kumar
|
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
|
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
|
|
Vice President
|
Sis FrenyPagdiwalla
|
Sis Ruby F Khan
|
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
|
|
Hon Treasurer
|
Sis Aban P Amroliwalla
|
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
|
Bro Navin Kumar
|
|
Member 1
|
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
|
Bro Navin Kumar
|
Bro Jarardana Sherigar
|
|
Member 2
|
Sis Ruby F Khan
|
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
|
Sis Meherangiz D Baria
|
|
Member 3
|
Bro Rustom R Dalal
|
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
|
Sis Meherangiz D Baria
|
|
Member 4
|
Sis Aban Patel
|
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
|
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
|
|
Member 5
|
Bro Noor Baig
|
Bro Navin Kumar
|
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
|
|
Member 6
|
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
|
Sis Kashmira Khambatta
|
Bro Navin Kumar
|
|
Member 7
|
Sis Jasmine Cawasji
|
Sis Navaz R Dhalla
|
Bro Navin Kumar
|
The number of nominations received are equal to the
number of posts available. There being no other nominations received, the above
nominees are deemed to be duly elected for the period 2014-2016.
The Election Procedure as specified in the Rules of
the Blavatsky Lodge of Theosophical Society have been complied with and the
nominations slips handed over for posting on the Lodge Notice board.
Sd/-
Cyrus J Pastakia
ELECTION OFFICER
BOOK-DEPOT:
During the year books worth Rs.41,110/- were purchased. Sales amounted to Rs.51,115/-. At the end of the year closing stock at cost price was Rs.34,892/-. We thank TPH, Adyar. The Book-Depot displayed
books at their sales counter during workshops held at the lodge and BTF session
at Juhu.
LIBRARY:
1. Library Books
|
Books
|
Balance as on 1-4-2013
|
Purchased
(+)
|
Donated
(+)
|
Discarded
(-)
|
Balance as on 31-3-2014
|
|
English
|
8,471
|
--
|
27
|
149
|
8,349
|
|
Gujarati
|
370
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
370
|
|
Marathi
|
264
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
264
|
|
Hindi
|
529
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
529
|
|
Sanskrit
|
44
|
--
|
--
|
--
|
44
|
|
TOTAL
|
9,678
|
--
|
27
|
149
|
9,512
|
2. Library
Membership
Nos.
Membership as on 1-4-2013 47
Add:
New Members 4 -----
51
Less: Lapsed/Expired/Transferred, etc. -7
------
Membership as on 31-03-2014 44
====
We thank our donors
for their contribution of good books to the library.
We would
greatly appreciate the services of our members and sympathisers in our project of
rearranging the Lodge Library and for manning the Book Depot. Interested
persons may contact Bro. Navin Kumar for volunteering their services.
We also
request our members and sympathizers to devote some of their valuable time
towards attending our study classes, programs & allied activities and
assisting in programs, library, book depot, housekeeping and building
maintenance. Interested persons may contact the Secretary or other Committee
members.
AUDITED ACCOUNTS:
The Audited Income and
Expenditure Account for 2013-14
shows an excess of Income over Expenditure of Rs.1,77,689/- for the Lodge & gross profit of Rs.4,229/- for the Book Depot. Audited Accounts
are kept for perusal of members, with the Treasurer/Lodge Assistant. Abridged
Accounts are given below:
=============================================================================================
AGM 2014 MINUTES
BLAVATSKY LODGE T.S.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BLAVATSKY LODGE T.S. HELD ON 20th JULY 2014 AT BESANT HALL OF THE LODGE. ------------------------
The 134th Annual General Body meeting of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S., held in the Besant Lodge of the Lodge, was commenced with recital of Universal Prayer by members present. A total of 36 members were present for the AGM against the required Quorum of 18.
The President Bro. Navin Kumar welcomed the members present for the meeting and also thanked them for making it to the AGM.
The President thereafter requested the members to observe silence for a moment in honour of the members who expired during the year under report while gratefully remembering the committed services rendered by them to Blavatsky Lodge in particular and Theosophical Society in general and also with a special mention about Mrs. Radha Burnider, International President of the Theosophical Society, who breathed her last on 31st October 2013.
Thereafter, the agenda items were taken up and the deliberations were as under:
1. To read the circular convening the Meeting:
The circular dated 8th June 2014 convening the AGM, which was circulated to members earlier, was reckoned as read.
2. To read and confirm the minutes of the last Annual General Body Meeting held on 1st September 2013:
The minutes of Annual General Body Meeting held on 1st September 2013, copies of which were circulated to the members, were read by Hon. Secretary, Sis. Kashmira Khambatta and the same were confirmed unanimously.
Proposed by: Bro Navin Bhai
Seconded by : Sis Meherangiz Baria
3. To receive and adopt the Managing Committee's Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2014:
The President placed before the members the salient features of Annual Report including the programmes and activities during the year under report.
While expressing concerns about overall decline in T.S. membership, he called upon senior members of T.S. to come forward with innovative ways to sustain the membership, if not increasing, meanwhile keeping in mind the observations/intentions of founders of T.S. in this regard.
He mentioned about the Dhamma Pada sessions conducted during members’ Friday meetings by Bro. H.K. Sharan, who is also author/translator of several books on Buddha. He mentioned that the book “Clairvoyance” by C.W. Leadbeater is currently being discussed during the members Friday meetings, the sessions being held by Sis Aban Patel. He added that the study of another book will also be introduced shortly by Bro. Rustom Dalal for members’ Friday meetings.
While appreciating about the enthusiastic participation of members and their spouses in a day-long special members meeting held at the Pagoda in Gorai during the year, he called upon the members and their families to similarly take part in the proposed visit to Aarey Colony for a day’s special members meeting proposed somewhere in end-September/early October 2014 in association with Childcare Committee of Government of Maharashtra on the subject “our relationships with children”, details of which would be published in BTF bulletin in due course.
He appreciated the services of some of new members of the T.S. at Blavatsky Lodge. He expressed his deep gratitude to Sis. Mahazaver Dalal for her support and guidance at all times in the activities of the Lodge.
The annual report was thereafter accepted and adopted unanimously.
Proposed by : Sis Zena Rutomji
Seconded by : Bro Cusroo Pavri.
4. To receive and pass the audited Statement of Accounts of the Lodge and Book Depot, as on 31st March 2014:
The President highlighted the income and expenditure figures of the year and expressed the satisfaction that the financials of the lodge are in order to carry out its objects. He said the overall annual expenditure of the Lodge is about Rs.5 lakh, mainly involving establishment expenditure and payment of taxes & dues. The receipts of the Lodge mainly depend upon the Besant Hall utilization by local residents for Prayer meetings and other institutions like Rotary Club, etc.. Other receipts of the Lodge being from donations, interests earned on an Term Deposits, etc.
The President appreciated and expressed gratitude to members for their generous donations to the lodge, which also contributed in enhancing the receipts of the lodge during the year. He appealed that members desirous of contributing to the lodge may do so by donating to Corpus Fund, proceeds of which will help the Lodge in conducting its activities and members would also be eligible for rebate in Income Tax under Section 80G of I.T. Act.
The Hon. Treasurer, Bro. Rustom Dalal, explained the salient features of the audited financial statements. The audited accounts were passed unanimously.
Proposed by: Sis. Nawaz Dhalla
Seconded by: Bro. Cyrus Pastakia
5. To receive the Report of Election Officer regarding election for Managing Committee for 2014-16:
The President referred to the Election Officer’s report dated 7th June 2014 printed in the Annual Report and explained that the number of nominations received are equal to the number of seats on the Managing Committee and as such members listed in the Election Officer’s Notice dated 7th June 2014 are deemed to be elected unanimously. He read out the names on the Managing Committee as under:
Office Name
President Bro. Navin Kumar
Vice President Sis. FrenyPagdiwalla
Hon. Treasurer Sis. Aban P Amroliwalla
Members Sis. Kashmira Khambatta
Sis. Ruby F Khan
Bro. Rustom R Dalal
Sis. Aban Patel
Bro. Noor Baig
Sis. Navaz R Dhalla
Sis. Jasmine Cawasji
He added that two more willing and eligible members would be co-opted to the Managing Committee by the meeting of the new Managing Committee after the AGM is concluded.
The President expressed appreciation of the meticulous and methodical work of Bro. Cyrus Pastakia as the Election Officer in connection with the election for Managing Committee of the Lodge for the years 2014-16.
Responding to a suggestion by a member, viz., _____________, the President expressed that expertise of any member is welcome in the affairs of the Lodge and such members would be welcomed to participate in the Managing Committee meetings as Special invitees, as and when such situations arise.
The Hon. Treasurer, Bro. Rustom Dalal, while referring to a query to him by a member, who was not present at the meeting, explained that any eligible member of the Lodge is welcome to send his/her nomination to be a member of Managing Committee as published in the BTF Bulletin well in advance. He added that the Lodge welcomes innovative thoughts and approaches of new members in the activities of the Lodge, which are practical/feasible and are within the ambit of TS objectives.
The report of the Election Officer was received and accepted unanimously.
Proposed by: Sis. Mahazaver Dalal
Seconded by: Bro. Arvind Sontakke
6. To elect Honorary Auditors for the year 2014-15 and fix their honorarium.
The President mentioned that current auditors, ___________________ are doing satisfactory accounting work of the Lodge. He expressed that the Managing Committee is of the view to reappoint _________________ as auditors for 2014-15 at a remuneration of Rs.______________.
The proposal of the Managing Committee was accepted unanimously by the General Body and the following resolution was passed:
“Resolved that M/s. __________________________ , Mumbai, be and hereby appointed as the statutory auditors of the Blavatsky Lodge T.S. for the Financial Year 2014-15 at a total remuneration of Rs._______________”
Proposed by: Bro. Satyaprakash
Seconded by: Sis. Ketayun Irani
7. To invite suggestions and views of members to spread Theosophy, increase membership of T.S. and make the Blavatsky Lodge more vibrant and active.
The President, while requesting the members to offer their feedback/suggestion, if any, towards improvement in the activities/programmes of the Lodge, placed before them some of the initiatives taken by the Lodge as discussed during the previous AGM as indicated below:
· It is seen that some of the members are accompanied by their spouses for lodge meetings, especially special meetings, etc. as suggested by Bro. Pastakia.
· Some of the members have been buying introductory books, such as “At the Feet of the Master” for presenting to their near and dear ones on special occasions as suggested by Bro. Rustom Dalal
· A donation of Rs.1 lakh received during the year has been earmarked for staff welfare and part of the same has been spent for the purpose. The need for a Staff welfare fund was stressed by Sis. Goolban Merchant.
· The telephone number of the President is displayed prominently in the premises to enable any new visitors to the lodge to contact him for any assistance/information as expressed by Bro. Janardana.
Following feedback/suggestions were received from the members thereafter:
· To a query by Bro. Berryl Hirani as to why the TS books are not available in the book stores in the market, it was explained that the same could be due to lack of interest in those books as can be evinced from the fact that in response to a few attempts made in the past to sell the books during book fairs, through book stores, no much response was received. It was indicated that some efforts are still being made in this regard.
· Sis. Zena Rustomji’s suggestion to deliver introductory speeches on Theosophy at select social/spiritual organizations was appreciated.
· As regards TS Library, it was informed to the members that the library books/cupboards have since been re-arranged to have similar books in a particular order and also in single rows within the cupboard for the convenience of the borrower/member, which was accomplished by the Hon. Librarian Sis. Kashmira, assisted by Sis. Jasmine, Sis. Ketayun & Bro. Janardana.
· Sis. Mahazaver Dalal suggested to hold a workshop “Know Your Blavatsky Lodge Library” to enable members and general public to develop interest in the books of Theosophy.
· Bro. Satyaprakash suggested that the senior members of TS may once in a while meet to share their experiences and thoughts about TS with other seekers.
· Sis. Ketayun suggested that a monthly meeting could be convened to invite experts in Theosophy topics to deliver sessions of common nature right from basics.
· Bro. Bertie suggested that turning to emerging technology to promote Theosophy would be desirable to attract more seekers to the fold. He suggested that installation of wifi connection with 3-4 PCs and skype facility in the lodge could attract seekers and those undertaking higher studies on the subject. Such facility could be linked to online resources/programmes including YouTube and users could be charged for the facilities availed.
· Bro. Sontakke offered to show the video “God Delution” to the members on a suitable date at Blavatsky Lodge.
8. Any other matter with the permission of the Chair.
Distribution of TS Diploma Certificates:
The following members were handed over their Diploma Certificates on the occasion at the hands of Sis Freny Pagdiwala, Vice President of Blavatsky Lodge:
· Sis Pavri & Bro. Pavri
· Bro. Berryl Hirani
· Bro. Arvind Sontakke
Website for Blavatsky Lodge:
Bro. Rustom Dalal enquired whether it would be desirable to have a dedicated website for Blavatsky Lodge as suggested by some members for which majority of the members present expressed positive response.
It was informed to the members a blog pertaining to Blavatsky Lodge programmes has already been created by Bro. Navin Kumar, which also contains the library of e-books.
Sis. Mahazaver Dalal complimented the members for their record attendance in the AGM.
The President while complimenting the services of Sis Freny Pagdiwalla in respect of Book Depot, requested younger members to come forward to learn the work and takeover the responsibility gradually to lessen the burden of the elder member, who has been doing this for over 20 years now.
Vote of Thanks
The Vice President Sis. Freny Pagdiwala extended a vote of thanks to the President for his innovative ideas in managing the affairs of the Lodge by introducing new programmes, activities in the lodge. She also thanked the Hon. Secretary, Jt. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Jt. Treasurer and members of the Managing Committee for their dedicated service to the cause of Theosophy.
She specially thanked Bro. Ganpat (mascot of the Lodge) for his continuous untiring services to the Lodge, despite his deteriorating health conditions and Lodge Assistants Sis. Asha and Bro. Kishore. She thanked all the members present at the AGM for their enthusiastic participation.
HON. SECRETARY PRESIDENT
Objectives of Theosophical Society
- To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity without
distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or colour.
- To encourage the study of
comparative religion, philosophy
and science.
- To investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent
in man.
Golden
Stairs
to the Temple of Divine Wisdom
A clean life;
An open mind;
A pure heart;
An eager intellect;
An unveiled spiritual
perception;
A brotherliness for one's
co-disciple;
A readiness to give and
receive advice and instruction;
A loyal sense of duty to
the Teacher;
A willing obedience to
the behests of TRUTH, once we have placed
our confidence in and believe that Teacher to be in possession of it;
A courageous endurance of
personal injustice;
A brave declaration of
principles, a valiant defence of those
who are unjustly attacked; and
A constant eye to the
ideal of human progression and perfection,
which the Secret Science depicts.
