Programme for January 2017
BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.
DAY
|
TIME
|
DETAILS
|
Sun 1
|
10.00 am
|
Opening of Support Convention 2016-2017
(see programme above)
|
Fri 6
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Members’ Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (In Lobby)
|
Sun 8
|
10.00 am
10.30 am
|
Bharat Samaj Pooja
Impressions of 141st International TS Convention 2016-2017 by Dr. Ajay Hora and Bro. Vinayak Pandya
|
Fri 13
|
6.00 pm
|
Theosophical Readings followed by Discussion
|
Fri 20
|
6.00 pm
|
Members’ Meeting - Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted by Sis Aban Patel
|
Sun 22
|
10.45 am
|
Maitreya Round Table
|
Fri 27
|
4.30 pm
6.00 pm
|
Blavatsky Lodge Managing Committee Meeting
Theosophical Readings and Discussion
|
Tues10, 17,24,31
|
5.45 pm
|
Reading and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz Dhalla
|
THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF
THE BOMBAY
THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION
Volume
86
|
—
|
No.4
|
–
|
January
2017
|
CONTENTS
Quote with New Year Message
|
Cover
|
Pre. Bro. Vinayak Pandya’s New
Year Message
|
2 - 3
|
News &
Notes
|
3 - 7
|
Q & A by Int.
VP Dr. Chttaranjan Satapathy
|
7
- 8
|
‘Right Citizenship’
by Sis. Aban Patel
|
9
- 10
|
Support Convention 2016-2017 Programme &
BTF & Lodge Programmes January 2017
|
10 - 12
|
PRESIDENT BRO. VINAYAK PANDYA’S
MESSAGE FOR NEW YEAR 2016,
The New Year heralding the
Change…
It gives me
great pleasure in wishing all of us happy, prosperous, cheerful, peaceful,
healthy New Year. We all are destined to study / practice theosophy. Change
is the only constant thing in life. Theosophical Society (TS) was
formed in 1875. It has outwardly changed but purpose of formation is still
relevant. It was to create Universal brotherhood in mankind. It was to observe
& realise truth.
We observe
circumstances have changed a lot from then. Now we are in a technological
evolution. Distances have been curtailed. Use of modern technology with
internet has made world a global village. Our International conventions are
live telecast. Our present day challenges have changed. How do we cope with
this? Do our Principles of TS have any relevance today?
We get daily
knowledge & advice through social networking. In spite of this our
principles are still useful. Day by day man becomes lonely. In our last Bombay
Theosophical Federation’s Annual Session, our
******************************************************
Editor – Bro. Rustom R. Dalal
Cover Page By: Sis. Kashmira Khambatta
Editorial Committee – Sis. Mahazaver Dalal (in charge of Mailing
List), Sis. Kashmira Khambatta, Sis. Aban Patel and Ex-Officio: President Dr. Ajay Hora. Note: News, Notes and Programmes to
be printed in the Bulletin, be forwarded by e-mail to: rrpdalal@hotmail.com
or kashmirakhambatta@yahoo.com latest by 16th each month.
Chief Guest Mr. Mr.Chitranjan Satpathi
(International Vice President),
in response to
a question, told that TS gives freedom to everyone. It does not impose on
members to accept any book / person as authority. It is for an individual to
develop himself/ herself. TS helps us in achieving / reminding / recharging us
to follow the principles & find out truth. Truth is pathless. It is
difficult to define truth. When we as members meet in our Lodge meetings,
Annual Session, Study Camp & International Convention, we share the
experiences of other members. Experiences of other members help us in moving
towards right direction. It is the individual who has to move alone. Someone
can guide/give direction but ultimately an individual has to progress on its
own. When we are in a group of likeminded people that helps us in our progress.
Let me come
back to change. TS is observing change in its organizational system. We have a
new President in Mr. Tim Boyd after approximately 30 years when Radha Burnier
was President. Our Indian Section also will have a new General Secretary after
approximately 15 years. I wish in 2017 TS will reach its new height in Mumbai,
India & Globally with enthusiasm of our members. We all will spread divine
knowledge of TS to maximum people. We take pledge that we will not do anything
which will spoil / harm the image of TS. All the best to all of you for New
Year 2017 & the coming years. May I request Masters’ Blessings to be showered
on all of us.
With warm
fraternal regards,
CA Vinayak Pandya
*******************************************************
NEWS
& NOTES
DANI NOTE BOOKS DISTRIBUTION: Bro. Ram Kalra reportsthat
on Friday 9th December 2016 sets of 6 Dani Note
Books, printed with the Universal Prayer & inspiring quotes were
distributedto about 110 students of 1 Municipal School at Nana Chowk & 2
Seva Sadan Society schools at Gamdevi.
ANAND LODGE, JUHU
RE-VITALIZED AT MEETING on 21st November 2016 evening: Anand Lodge members with their family members & friends gathered
in a freshly painted Anand Lodge premises in Juhu Theosophical Colony. Bro.
Navin Kumar, who had taken an initiative in activating Anand Lodge convened the
meeting. The Prayers of All Religions & the Universal Prayer were recited.
Bro. Navin Kumar welcomed all to the meeting of Anand Lodge, which had received its
Charter on 14th December 1928. He spoke about The Theosophical Society,
Theosophy, and Freedom of Thought which are always printed in ‘The Theosophist’.
He added that one has to study and endeavor to live Theosophy. The spirit of
Theosophy has to be shared with family & friends. There are Theosophic
Vibrations in Juhu Theosophical Colony and it is good that children of members
want to join Anand Lodge. Sis. Farida
Lalan, a senior member, was requested to Chair the Meeting.
BTF President Bro. Vinayak
Pandya in his address said that at the Lodge
Meetings at a specific time punctually persons with similar thinking gather to
think together for spiritual pursuits and for good of humanity. Give
responsibility to a member to read or give a presentation followed by
discussion. Inquirers should be encouraged to attend the Lodge Meetings and
when they are ready make them members. A person has to do his duty. He quoted
Dr. Ajay Hora’s train journey experience, when despite a TC harassing Dr. Ajay
Hora, he was the first to rush to give medical help to the TC, when he was
injured due to a train accident. TS
members should have concern for human and all other beings.
Bro. Noor Baig offered to reach out to persons interested in Theosophy and even to
organize a camp at a convention centre in the midst of Nature. He suggested
that the Meetings should have more dialogue.
Sis. Aban Patel spoke about rich heritage of Theosophic Literature given to
humanity by The Masters through the Light Bringers HPB & HSO, Annie Besant
and other Leaders. To study Theosophy lot of reading is needed, but it is better to read little at
a time and ponder over it.
Bro. Rustom Dalal sharing his personal experiences said that Theosophy comes to you,
when you are ready. Late Sis. Mehra Dhalla made me a member, but gave him
the duty of Librarian. That gave him a
chance to ready many books of Theosophy.
Sis. Tatiana Lozhaeva shared her experiences of the study of HPB’s ‘Secrete Doctrine’.
Sis. Farida Lalan proposed to make meetings interesting with discussions. She also
said that one needs to learn about HPB, a human being, yet so perfect.
Bro. Nilesh Mehta appreciated the good start and asked the members to keep it up.
Sis. Mahazaver Dalal spoke about the purpose of Juhu Theosophical Garden Society,
which was later named after Annie Besant as ‘Vasanta Theosophical Co-operative
Housing Society’. She also explained the role of Anada Lodge to make the VTCH
Society vibrant with the Theosophic Life.
Young Nimit Mehta said book knowledge is not enough; I want to learn from the
experiences of TS Members.
Bro.
Navin Kumar proposed the Vote of Thanks,
especially to Sis. Zenobia Khodaiji
for organizing the Meeting, getting the room painted and hosting the evening
with Tea & Dinner.
********
INVITATION OF M.P.
/ RAJASTHAN & U.P. FEDERATION to Study Camp on ‘Philosophy of the
Bhagvad Gita in light of Theosophy’ on 24-27 March 2017 at Gwalior. Contribution
of Rs.300/- will
include boarding & lodging from 23rd March Evening to 26th March afternoon.
Contacts for further details:
Bro. H.S. Dwivedi of M.P./Rajasthan (M):+91-9425119409
Bro. U.S. Pandey of U.P. Federation (M): +91-9451993170
ANAND LODGE JUHU
CELEBRATION OF 88TH FOUNDATION DAY on Sunday 11th December 2016 morning was attended by 35 members of Anada, Vasanta, Ganesh, Jyoti
& Blavatsky Lodges & interested friends. The Meeting was opened with The Universal Prayer. Sis. Farida Lalan was requested to take the
Chair. Bro. Navin Kumar conveyed the Greetings of International
Vice-president Dr. Chittaranjan Satapathy & Indian Section General
Secretary Bro. S. Sundaram. He distributed a pamphlet prepared by him with
Objects of the TS, Theosophical Society, Theosophy & The Truths conveying
that ‘Theosophy guides the Evolution, opening the gateway to a fuller and more
radiant existence’. BTF President Bro.
Vinayak Pandya said the purpose of Lodge Meetings is individuals’
development with study of Theosophical books, discussion and sharing of
thoughts. He requested BTF
Vice-President Dr. Ajay Hora to
conduct the study of HPB’s book ‘Key to Theosophy’.
Dr.
Ajay Hora before starting the study of the First Chapter of the book, speaking
about the formation of VTCHS, said that
where the TS Emblem is today, i.e. at the entrance from the Sea Shore, sitting
at that very spot Dr. Annie Besant had said, ‘Aura
of this Land belongs to the Masters. Dr. Hora advised us to start &
end the day with Meditation, even of 2 minutes, as it will guide us to serve
humanity and help the Great One in evolution of humanity. About the study he quoted Radhaji’s words, “I keep ‘At the Feet of the
Master’ near my bed. Before going to sleep I read 3-4 pages and then ponder over
it.’ He invited youngsters to meet him even at his residence to ask
questions and learn Theosophy.
In
latter half of the meeting thoughts were
shared: Bro. Navin Kumar quoting from Taimini’s book said that before a
meeting preparations for the study are required. Bro. Noor Baig urged to have dialogue pertaining to Theosophical
Guidelines for current scenario. He also said from Student (with knowledge) one
has to become a Disciple (Live Theosophy). Bro.
Rustom & Sis. Mahazaver Dalal reported about an enquiry of a Unity
Youth Lodge member said that TPH magazine ‘Wake Up India’ can facilitate youth
to view current affairs in light of Theosophy. Bro. Dalal added that I response
to Bro. Tim Boyd’s question ‘What is the concept of Theosophy’ Radhaji’s
answer was ‘It is to help
create better human beings’. Sis. Farida Lalan asked Brethren to prepare short presentations on
HPB’ life, personality, books/writings and work for the next meeting. Young Inquirers wanted to learn about
TS & Theosophy with relevance to present day life. Bro. Taral Munshi said that as for a gardener knowledge of
Horticulture is not enough, but he has to put his hands in the soil to plant
& nurture plants and flowerbeds, so also one has to live Theosophy. His
message in Hindi was, ‘Insan, Insan se
kare Insaniyat ka vada’. The meeting ended with the Vote of Thanks by Sis. Farida Lalan. All enjoyed cutting the
88th Foundation Day Cakes and lunch hosted by organizer of the event Sis. Zenobia Khodaiji.
********************************************
Dr.
Chittaranjan Satapathy
The
Chief Guest of BTF 85th Annual Session
Answered
Questions at an Interactive Session at Juhu
On
‘Theosophy for New Inquirers’
Q of Bro. Purvez Patel: Is
there a difference between Philosophy & Theosophy?
A. by Dr. CS: There is no official definition of Theosophy, but its literal
translation is ‘Divine Wisdom’ –
‘Brihmavidya’. Annie Besant had given series of talks on 7 Great Religion
ending with a talk on Theosophy. Whatever be one’s Religion or even if no
religion, one can become a member of Theosophical Society and understand deeper
aspects of one’s own religion. One has to practice the religion according to
its essence and not just following outer forms of customs & rituals. All
Religions have same values & ethics and Divine Wisdom exists in Nature.
Annie
Besant was sorry that Religions instead of uniting people, are dividing people.
In the name of the Religion things are done which none of the Religions
instructs to do. Today there is unrest and conflict in 65 countries of the
world.
Second
Object of TS is encourages the study of Comparative Religion, Philosophy &
Science. Third Object is to investigate unexplained laws of Nature and to
realize potential in oneself and understand the powers latent in man.
The
First Object is to form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity,
without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. Acceptance of this
object is the only requirement to join TS as it does not exclude anyone or any
cause. United Nation has accepted this in UN Charter 50 years after TS had
adopted it. TS gives Freedom to Think and encourages Liberal Mindedness. Today
TS is in 70 countries.
Q of Sis. Zenobia
Khodaiji: Which books do you advise us to start study of Theosophy?
A by Dr. CS: There is nothing like a unique book on Theosophy. Bhagavad Gita is
Theosophy. All Religious Books are Theosophy. Anything which teaches Divine
Wisdom is Theosophy. E.g. slum dwellers had painted on their community wall
‘Sabka Malik Ek’ means that they knew the Greatness of one Reality.
Q of Bro. Rustom Dalal:
Please elaborate on book ‘Theosophic Life’.
A by Dr. CS: To pay Dues of TS does not mean that one is a Theosophist. In the book Annie Besant highlights what is
the life as a Theosophist. As she says Service purifies one as one stops
thinking about oneself. Altruism should be the aim of life.
Q of Bro. Purvez Patel: Tell us about ‘Clairvoyance’.
A by Dr. CS: TS does not encourage psychic powers as they are lower Siddhis,
which are often used wrongly. When a pure person gets this Siddhi, his life
will be for helping others. A person can be liberated in his daily life. A
Queen, who was a simple housewife but liberated, had pleaded to her husband not
to abandon his Kingdom to be liberated.
Q of Sis. Namita Bodaji:
Can Theosophy be activity oriented with Performing Arts, Literature etc.?
A by Dr. CS: HPB has said that Theosophy is Study, Meditation & Service.
Theosophical Order of Service is an activity oriented arm of Theosophy. Annie
Besant has said that children are not young souls. They may have more wisdom
than their elders. They need flowering with Theosophical concepts, which are
very relevant even to Modern Life.
RIGHT
CITIZENSHIP
Sis. Aban Patel’s Thoughts
on the Symposium Theme
at the BTF 85th Annual
Session 2016 at Juhu
According
to the Oxford Dictionary a ‘Citizen’ is a legally recognized member of a state
with associated rights and obligations. Dr. Annie Besant, the great Theosophist
considered to be ‘Mahatma’ for many
of us has added one more thought which is “Right Citizenship”.
Right
Citizenship is the Key Word. Every child or
person has a citizenship of one or the other nation or country. To start
with, the seeds of good citizenship are sown from the young days, when a child’s
character can be molded in the right direction, so that as he grows up he
realizes the value of the ideals that have gone in making him a good citizen.
What
does the word ‘Ideal’ means? It is a
thought, an idea that is constantly in the mind, which rules
our conduct and that which shapes our character.
This ideal continues to live with us till the end to make us good citizens.
From
a larger angle and from the Theosophist’s View point, we can say that we are
not only citizens of this nation, but of this world and the entire Universe. We
are the children of this Great Creation which covers the Sun, Moon, Stars, Planets, minerals,
trees, plants, animals etc. and human beings. As it is our right to enjoy these
beautiful creations of Brahamand, we
have many fold obligations also to preserve them. It is our bounden duty to
keep these creations as healthy and beautiful as they are created.
This
now brings us to the true meaning and the gist of our Universal Prayer: “Oh!
Hidden Life Vibrant in Every Atom” Every creation has life which is
vibrant and pulsating but not visible to our naked eyes. These creations are
for us to enjoy, use and appreciate their Maker. The vibrations that every atom
creates are to be protected and enhanced and not destroyed. This is our Right
duty & obligation, which goes to make us good citizens.
“Oh! Hidden Light Shining in Every Creature”: We see the Light of the Sun, Moon, Stars and Fire, but the Real
Light, the Spark of the Divine Light
which every living creature has, must be kept clear and burning all the time.
It is the Light of the Soul, of Isvara,
which illumines every creature and that Light helps man to enhance his
consciousness. Its spark shines and illumines the entire nature of man and
makes him a good citizen.
“Oh! Hidden Love Embracing all in Oneness; May Each Who Feels
Himself as One with Thee, Know He is Also One With every Other”: From the polarity of Life & Light now springs Love. Whenever
there is polarity, relationship between the poles comes into existence and the
purest relationship that comes out of it is that of Love. Out of Unity comes
Multiplicity. Yet, however great the Multiplicity, all is held in one embrace
of that pure relationship which arises when Life & Light come into
existence, leading to relationship
of Love.
To
good citizens of a Nation, the World and the Universe, ‘The World becomes One Family’ -
‘Vasudhaivya Kutumbkam’. Hence, it is our duty that we relate with all
the creations and create goodwill by our thoughts, words and deeds which will
spread all around us and resound in the atmosphere, making the entire world a
better place to live. And when that happens, we can say this is the Right
Citizenship.
***************************************************
BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES JANUARY 2017
SUPPORT CONVENTION 2016 - 2017
v
The 141st International TS
Convention at Adyar will be from 31st December 2016 to 5th January 2017
v
BTF & Blavatsky Lodge
Joint Programme of Support Convention at Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai as under:
Sunday 1st January 2017:
10.00 am Get-to-gather with Tea
10.30 am Opening of Support Convention with the
Prayers of All Religions
10.45 am Mystic Star Ritual
12.00 Noon Pooled Lunch
1.30 pm
Inaugural Address of International President Tim Boyd
Screened by Bro. Navin Kumar
Tuesday 3rd January 2017:
6.15 pm Cultural Evening
with songs, music etc.
by Members & Friends
Thursday 5th January 2017:
6.15 pm Overview of the
141st International Convention,
Adyar screened by Bro Navin Kumar
8.00 pm Closing of the
Support Convention 2016-2017
1. ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical
Colony, Juhu, Mumbai 400049. Contact
Sis. Zenobia Khodaiji (M): 9820308163 for programme of meeting on Sunday 15th January 2017 at 11.00
a.m.
2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 French Bridge, Mumbai 400007.
DAY
|
TIME
|
DETAILS
|
Sun 1
|
10.00 am
|
Opening
of Support Convention 2016-2017
(see programme above)
|
Fri 6
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Members’
Meeting – Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither” conducted
by Sis Aban Patel
Talk
by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (In
Lobby)
|
Sun 8
|
10.00 am
10.30 am
|
Bharat
Samaj Pooja
Impressions
of 141st International TS Convention 2016-2017 by Dr. Ajay Hora and Bro.
Vinayak Pandya
|
Fri 13
|
6.00 pm
|
Theosophical
Readings followed by Discussion
|
Fri 20
|
6.00
pm
|
Members’
Meeting - Study of AB & CWL’s Book “MAN.. Whence, How and Whither”
conducted by Sis Aban Patel
|
Sun 22
|
10.45
am
|
Maitreya
Round Table
|
Fri 27
|
4.30 pm
6.00 pm
|
Blavatsky
Lodge Managing Committee Meeting
Theosophical
Readings and Discussion
|
Tues10,
17,24,31
|
5.45 pm
|
Reading
and discussion on Lives of Alcyone by AB and CWL presented by Sis Navaz
Dhalla
|
3. CENTENARY LODGE:
Please contact Sis. Najma Dewan (M):
9987204038
4. JYOTI LODGE: C/o Bro. Taral Munshi, C/101, Building
No.19, New Mhada, Garden Hill C.H.S., New Mhada Colony, Behind N.P.A., Goregaon
(East), Mumbai 400065
5. SHANTI
LODGE:
C/o Bro. Rustom Dalal, Vijay Niwas, 2nd Floor, Plot 5, Sleater Road, Mumbai 400007
Thursdays at 6.15 p.m.
5
|
Support Convention 2016-2017 at Blavatsky
Lodge
|
12
|
Study of book ‘Invisible Helpers’ or
‘Thought Forms’
|
19
|
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (at Blavatsky Lodge)
|
26
|
Theosophical Readings followed by
discussion
|
6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: C/o Blavatsky Lodge
Wed 18
|
5.30 pm
|
Theosophical readings guided by Sis. Soonoo
Vesuna at her residence Vijay Niwas, 4th Floor, Sleater Road
|
7 & 8 VASANTA LODGE & GANESH LODGE: Please note NEW ADDRESS: C/O Dr.
Ajay Hora, Kamla Sadan 1st Floor, Pherozsha Mehta Rd., Santa Cruz West, Mumbai
400054.
Wednesday 4, 11, 18 & 25 Meetings at
6.30 pm.
9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE:
Family House, Parsi
Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014.
Thurs
5
|
6.00
|
Lodge
Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
|
Thurs
12
|
6.00
|
Lodge Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
|
Thurs
19
|
6.00
|
Talk by Bro. Rustom
Chothia
|
Thurs
26
|
6.00
|
Lodge Meeting by Sis. Armaity Tirandaz
|
*************************************************************
Price: Rs. 1/- Annual Subscription: Rs. 10/-
*************************************************************
Edited & Published by Editor Shri. Rustom R.
Dalal, The Bombay Theosophical Federation, c/o Blavatsky Lodge, 7 – French
Bridge, Chowpatty, Mumbai – 400 007. (Tel: 23685026) and Printed at Vijay Copy
Centre, 48/A, Saidunnisa Building, Sleater Road, Opposite Grant Road Station
(West), Mumbai - 400 007 (Tel:23865137)
Blavatsky Lodge
THE
THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
7, French Bridge, Rangnekar Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai-400 007
Minutes of the
Managing Committee meeting held at 4:30 pm on Friday, the 27th of January, 2016
at Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai.
The meeting chaired
by the President Sis. Kashmira Khambatta began with the Universal Prayer.
Members Present: Bro. Navin Kumar,
Bro. Arni Narendran, Sis Jasmine Cawasji, Bro.
Rustom Dalal, Sis. Nawaz Dhalla,
Rustom Cooper, Sis Aban Patel. Sis. Ruby Khan, Bro.
Noor Baig and Bro. Roy Mathews.
Leave of Absence: Sis.Freny Pagdiwalla,
The deliberations
of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation
of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC
meeting held on 30th Dec.2016, which were distributed to members in
advance to facilitate careful reading beforehand, were considered and confirmed.
2. Matters Arising From The Minutes:
None
3. Hon.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report for the
month of December 2016 was read and taken note.
4. Ganpat Jadhav’s Sickness
President Sis Kashmira stated that Ganpat Jadhav Peon/Watchman had
developed some difficulty in passing urine on 2nd January and had to
be taken by his son to hospital, where he was operated. The operation was
successful and Ganpat Jadhav is now convalescing at home with his son’s family.
Sister Kashmira also stated that she had visited Ganpat at his home along with
Bro Dalal, and handed over a cheque of about Rs 38000/-, which was collected by
way of donations from members and friends of Blavatsky Lodge, to cover fully
the expenses that were incurred by him for hospitalization and treatment at
four different hospitals.
Sis Jasmine added that Ganpat Jadhav has been treated with care and
utmost compassion. Every now and then members gave him monetory help by way of
tips which became a goodly sum in addition to his salary. Despite frail health
his service was extended beyond the age of 60 years and he was allowed to
continue to work for more than 12 years after the retirement age just to help
him financially
Sister Aban Patel added that on the day of the Cultural Evening she had
made an announcement seeking donations for the medical treatment of Ganpat.
About Rs 38000/- had been collected in a few days time due to generosity of
members.
Bro Noor Baig stated that he had expressed his full solidarity with the
President by sending her an email to that effect.
5. Retirement of Ganpat Jadhav
The President then stated that Ganpat
Jadhav is working as a peon/watchman with Blavatsky Lodge since many years. He
is more than 70 years old and may be very near 75 as mentioned in his medical
bills.
Early this
month he fell ill due to some problem with his prostrate and had to undergo
surgery. An Exgratia Payment of around Rs 38100/- has been made to him.
Due to age
he has become very frail and weak. It is dangerous to keep him employed with us
as it will harm his health and moreover any mishap within the lodge building
can embroil the Lodge in legal complications. We could also be blamed employing
such an old man for work knowing well that retirement age is 60 years.
The
following Resolution was proposed by The President, Seconded by the Vice
President and carried Unanimously
“Resolved
that Sri Ganpat Jadhav who is working at the
Blavatsky Lodge for many years is now more than 70 years of age, ie well
past the age of retirement, and whose health has become weak, may not be given any
extension in service and may be retired from the Service of Blavatsky Lodge
with effect from 31-01-2017.”
All the
members approved the resolution by signing the same as approved so that this
decision could be implemented in time without waiting for the confirmation of
minutes. Bro Dalal also approved on behalf of Sister Frenny.
The
President further stated that a letter informing Sri Ganpat Jadhav about his
services coming to a close from 31-1-17 would be sent in Marathi so as to reach him by 31-01-17.
6.Post
Retirement Benefits for Ganpat Jadhav:
(1)The
President stated that The Lodge gives a post retirement benefit by giving a sum
of 10 % of the salary to its three employees every month which is supposed to
be invested by the employee by adding 10 % from his side in a suitable account
so that at the time of retirement this accumulates to a good sum for help
needed at the time of superannuation. Passbook and cheque book for this account
(jointly with Bro Zinoo & Sis Meherangiz) is with Ganpat and it is
understood that the balance is of the order of Rs 200000/-. This sum will be
available to Ganpat immediately for his post retirement period.
(b) Bro
Navin Kumar stated that the Lodge will be allowing the encashment of
accumulated leave at the credit of Ganpat upto the date of his retirement. This
amount is likely to be about Rs 21000/-.
(c) He further stated that the Lodge is not covered under the Gratuity Act but as a moral
obligation the members of BTF should try
to raise some funds to be paid as Ex Gratia Payment .
The
meeting ended with Zoroastrian prayer.
Hon. Secretary President
