JULY 2018
BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge, Mumbai 400007 Tel: 23685026 (M): 9821459504 (M): 9819334333
DAY
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TIME
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DETAILS
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Sun 1
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10.0 am
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Bharat Samaj Pooja
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Fri 6
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6.00 pm
6.15 pm
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Study of book ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ conducted by Bro. Arni Narendran
Talk by Dr. Darius H. Umrigar (in Lobby)
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Fri 13
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4.30 pm
6.00 pm
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BTF Council Meeting
BTF President Bro. Vinayak Pandya to share ‘Impressions of TS international Strategic Planning Meeting’ called by International President Mr. Tim Boyd
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Fri 20
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6.00 pm
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Mystic Star Ritual
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Sun 22
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10.45 pm
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Maitreya Round Table
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Fri 27
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4.30 pm
6.15 pm
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Blavatsky Lodge MC Meeting
Asala Purnima Meeting
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Tues 3,
10, 17, 24 & 31
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5.45 pm
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Study of CWL’s book ‘The Masters & The Path’
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JULY 2018 CONTENTS
Quote Dhammapada
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Cover
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News & Notes
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2 - 4
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Commemoration Meeting for Late Bro. Rusi Toddywalla by TOS, BTF,
Blavatsky Lodge TS & Maitreya Round Table
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5 - 9
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‘My Daily Meditation’ by Villoo Adajania
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10
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BTF& Lodge Programmes July
2018
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11 - 12
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NEWS &
NOTES
WHITE LOTUS DAY MEETING jointly by BTF & Blavatsky Lodge on 8th
May 2018 at Besant Hall: The Meeting was opened with recitation of Prayers of All Religions
and the Universal Prayer. Blavatsky Lodge Treasurer Bro. Arni Narendran
welcomed all and remembering Madam H. P. Blavatsky said:
“In
a painting entitled –The Messenger- the
famed Russian artist Nicholas Roerich
portrays a lonely woman (HPB)
knocking the doors of the Masters somewhere in the mystical Himalayan
Mountains. Lonely she wasn’t as her life was guided by two pole stars in the
form of the great Himalayan Adepts -
Master KH and Master Morya. They had handpicked this mystic seeker and
Occultist from among the millions among Humanity. Helena Petrovna von Hahn{ 12
Aug 1831 to 8 May 1891} born in Dnipro, Ukraine in the erstwhile Soviet
Union later known to the world as Madam H P Blavatsky on account of her
marriage to a military officer, was the chosen channel. Undaunted in spirit,
this Cossack spiritual warrior set upon a dangerous journey in the Occult
world. HPB ********************************************
Editor – Bro.
Rustom R. Dalal Cover Page By: Sis. Kashmira Khambatta Editorial
Committee – Sis. Mahazaver Dalal (Reporter & in charge of
Mailing List), Sis. Kashmira Khambatta,
Sis. Aban Patel and Ex-Officio:
President Bro. Vinayak Pandya. 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.Comments from readers are
welcome on these email IDs
Traversed the earth amidst storms,
wars and salvos of unreasonable critiques. She came to be called Mother of the
New Age Movement as she radicalized the Consciousness of the western mind
moving from the Material to the Spiritual, introducing concepts of Karma, Soul
and reincarnation. True, that the two great epics - The Secret Doctrine and
Isis Unveiled - are Divine revelations made possible by HPBs interface and
devotion to the Masters from Tibet and are well beyond Human authorship. Her
personal perseverance and grit matched the spiritual Hand holding in bringing
to the world this ancient body of knowledge known as THEOSOPHY. This was no
invention of the founders but a compendium of the ancient wisdom and universal
Truth unraveled to the world and documented for posterity by HPB. She not only
wrote but lived these spiritual experiences in understanding these ancient
Truths, spending time with the native Druze of Lebanon, Native Indians of North
America, Theravada Buddhists of Ceylon and the Hindus of the Hindukush, and in
the Bombay and Madras Presidencies. Referring to the powerful grace of the
Masters, Bro B.P.Wadia, the first Zoroastrian to embrace both Theosophy and the
Society, talks of his experience during the White Lotus Day celebration in
Madras. After his preparation he arrived at the Podium Blank in his mind but
after a few minutes found a round of applause from the attendees and realized
the Masters had intervened – the smell of sandalwood being fresh in his attire
as he returned to his room. The Hall mark of HPB‘s characteristic is
Selflessness, and this trait helped her in her expanded Consciousness. Along
with Col Olcott, a spiritualist, she founded the Theosophical Society in New
York in 1875. In the first editorial in the magazine ‘Lucifer’ she elaborates
on ‘Doing Good’ and the outcome of which is Compassion and Service - this is
one of the purposes for having founded the Society. Let every member prove his
own work within the Society she echoed in her message. Last week, as though
with a purpose, a letter arrived at the Lodge and it contained a withering page
from an archaic Book – an appeal by Bro Jinarajadasa imploring members, as
Madam Blavatsky wanted, to seek and connect with the Masters who are the
architects of Theosophy and the Society. It was for this purpose that the ES
was formed. May we on the White Lotus Day pay our Obeisance to HPB as well to
the Masters of Wisdom who have been instrumental in showing us the – Light on
the Path.”
There were
Three Readings. Sis. Jasmine Cawasji from ‘The Light of Asia’ read out the verses about Prince
Gautama’s birth and prophesy about his becoming a Great King or Great Sage.
Sis. Ruby Khan
from ‘The Voice of Silence’ read out Stanzas about ‘There is but one road to the Path; at its very
end alone the Voice of the Silence can be heard.’
Bro. Navin Kumar recited Shlokas from ‘The
Bhagavad Gita’
having the Teachings: * As a man casteth out old garments, he casts out his old
body and wears a new one * The Truth is ultimate * In life one must take sorrow
& happiness, pain & peace, success & failure as one * One should
not worry about fruits of karma * When man abandons all pleasure, has no
desires and is free from passion, fear & anger, he is called a Sage.
Bro. Berthram
Redwood read out Three Fundamental Truths of the Secret Doctrine. White Lotus also signifies
that all colours together become white. In Secret Doctrine HPB has explained
the Trinity & Divine Consciousness. Nature, e.g. a tree teaches the cycle
of Life & death. When one comes to Theosophy he understands Brotherhood,
One Soul, Reincarnation, Laws of Karma and Love for all beings. The Masters
guide to live a better life and to advance to higher planes.
The Meeting
ended with offering of white flowers to HPB.
COMMEMORATION MEETING FOR
LATE BRO. RUSI TODDYWALLA
Commemoration Meeting for
Late Bro. Rusi Toddywalla, who progressed to the Higher Realms on 5th May 2018,
was held under the joint auspices of Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) Mumbai
Region, Bombay Theosophical Federation (BTF), Blavatsky Lodge-TS and Maitreya
Round Table on Sunday 27th May 2018 at the Besant Hall of Blavatsky Lodge-TS. The Hall was full with members of four organizations and those whose
lives Bro. Rusi had touched. The Meeting
was opened with the Universal Prayer. Sis.
Thrity Dalal, who is active on all the four organizations, conducted the meeting. She stated in her
opening remarks, “We have gathered today for a solemn occasion to pay tributes
to the last stalwart of TS in Mumbai.”
Sis. Meherangiz Baria,
Past President Blavatsky Lodge TS and T.O.S. Committee Member, read out the condolence
messages received from several quarters
including The Governor of Maharashtra CH. Vidyasagar Rao, who is also the
Patron-in-Chief of TOS Mumbai Region, TS International President Mr. Tim Boyd,
former International Secretary TOS Ms. Diana Chapotin, National Director TOS
India Mr. B.L. Bhattacharya, National Secretary TOS K. Sivaprasad, Former
General Secretary Indian Section TS Shri S. Sundaram, President TOS Maharashtra
Region Mr. Sanjay Potey, BTF President Mr. Vinayak Pandya, Distinguished
Patrons of TOS Mumbai Region - Former Attorney General Mr. Soli Sorabji,
Eminent environmentalist Dr. Pheroza Godrej, Chairman WZO Trust Funds Mr.
Dinshaw Tamboly, Former Chief Knights of the International Order of the Round
Table India C.V.K. Maithreya and Mr. Mahadeo Desai, kind and compassionate
sponsors of TOS sponsorship project from India, United Kingdom, Chicago, Canada
and New Zealand, dedicated
TS and TOS
members, other outstanding personalities and admirers.
Several speakers
paid reverential tributes to Late Bro. Rusi -
Bro. Umesh Kashikar, P.R.O. to the Governor of Maharashtra,
spoke about Bro. Rusi’s compassion for the underprivileged, his meticulous
planning, intolerance of corruption, taking people to Vikas Mandir S CH.
Vidyasagar Rao, CH. Vidyasagar Rao, S CH. Vidyasagar Rao, School in order to
make them understand the difficulties of the handicapped, and his 70 years of
service to make better citizens for Mother India. Bro. Rusi showed us how to
live life rightly and the best tribute to him would be to carry his work
forward.
Sis. Mahazaver Dalal, BTF Secretary, said that Bro. Rusi had been a dynamic President of BTF and
Blavatsky Lodge-TS. He had been a key organizer of three memorable
celebrations: (1) Centenary of TS International 1875-1975 (2) Centenary of
Blavatsky Lodge and TS in India 1879-1979 (3) Golden Jubilee of BTF 1931-1981.
He thoughtfully gave books to speakers to help them prepare their tributes for
the annual Jamshed Mehta commemoration meetings. He was a great disciplinarian,
an excellent organizer and motivator to inspire others to work with accuracy,
punctuality, dedication and commitment. He knew how to groom youth and instill
Theosophical values in them. He worked for 8 to 10 hours a day till his last.
Cmd. Aspi Marker, retired senior naval officer who
commanded ships in the eastern and western fleets, stated
that he greatly admired Bro. Rusi’s strict adherence to Time and learnt
something new every time he met Bro. Rusi. He had felt that there was something
special about him the first time they had met. His power and control in
conducting administrative functions were also noteworthy.
Sis. Kashmira Khambatta,
Blavatsky Lodge President, shared that the Annual
Colloquia organized by Bro. Rusi were very popular with members and other
participants. She had a chance to meet him when he had come to meet
International President Tim Boyd at Blavatsky Lodge.
Sis. Arnavaz Jehani, Past
Leading Knight of Maitreya Round Table, said that
Bro. Rusi was an epitome of sincerity, courage, kindness, uprightness and
commitment to his words which were followed by action. Her experiences through
the Lotus Class, Round Table and annual T.O.S. Colloquia helped her to imbibe
the right values. Bro. Rusi always thanked the Greater Forces before starting
any program. A strong votary of vegetarianism, he urged her and others to be
fearless when treading the path of Righteousness.
Sis. Deepa Kapoor,
Director TOS -Tanzania, Africa said that Bro. Rusi
introduced her to the path of Theosophy. He encouraged and supported her for
TOS work in Tanzania. He shared Theosophical values with children and
considered the youth to be torch bearers. She shared a poem titled ‘Angel’s
Whisper’ in his memory.
Bro. Navin Kumar,
Blavatsky Lodge Vice-President, said that he had met Bro. Rusi few times only, but
that had left a deep impression on him. His mother remembered Bro. Rusi as a
young and handsome man who was the moving spirit of the groups he led during
the TS Conventions in Adyar. He described Bro. Rusi as a man of the First Ray.
Bro. Navin Kumar expressed that the best way to pay homage to him would be to
strengthen the TS in Mumbai. He recited Sanskrit Shlokas for immortality of the
soul.
Mr. Arvind Rathod,
Chairman of All India Disabled Rehabilitation Educational Institute, recollected Bro. Rusi’s association with children of his school
since 1990. He was a
friend,
philosopher and guide to all. He stated that Bro. Rusi’s kind deeds and
excellent qualities have made him immortal and he also mentioned that all the
225 differently abled children of Vikas Mandir School have offered a special
prayer for his departed soul.
Mrs. Roxana Bhada, Trust
Secretary cum Chief Accountant, Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy Parsee Benevolent
Institution, said that she would remember him not only for the sponsorship grants
that he disbursed to deserving children but also Bro. Rusi’s graciousness and
smile. She learnt the quality of time management from him. She wondered whether
Bro. Rusi would rest in peace or keep working on the Higher Realms!
Bro. Arni Narendran,
Blavatsky Lodge Treasurer, recalled his experience
of being enveloped with the love of Bro. Rusi and his family, when he had the
good fortune of residing with the Toddywalla family for seven years. Once when
he returned late at night, Bro. Rusi was angry but he appreciated that the
anxiety was borne out of concern and expressed with love. He felt that Bro.
Rusi had paved a path through Theosophy to unite with Ahura Mazda.
Sis. Roshni Irani, Former
Principal of Gamadia Girls High School, said that
Bro. Rusi guided all to the path of charity through humility. He felt deeply
for ailing persons and hence held the monthly Healing Group Rituals. All learnt
many lessons at the T.O.S. colloquia like punctuality, charity, goodwill and
brotherhood.
Sis. Ruby Khan, Jt. Treasurer Blavatsky Lodge, shared
that Bro Rusi was an excellent social worker and a mentor to young and old,
rich and poor. The annual colloquia organized by him were always successful.
She reminisced that he used to state ‘Not even a leaf can fall without God’s
will.’
Sis. Ketayun Irani,
Blavatsky Lodge Member, stated that her late mother knew Bro. Rusi well. Sis. Ketayun came
in contact with him for a short time but cherished the opportunity he gave her
as a Guest Speaker for the Healing Group Ritual. She expressed that Bro. Rusi
lived up to the TS Motto ‘There is No Religion Higher than Truth’.
Sis. Parinaz Gandhi, TOS
President, speaking on behalf of the family said
that her father lived Theosophy. When all the family members were injured in a
car accident, to divert them from the pain, he impressed upon them: ‘We are not
the physical body, but the soul.’ Two days prior to his demise, when the family
was organizing his shift to the hospital following a fractured femur, he was
more concerned about giving a copy of the TOS Report to the Doctor attending to
him. When required, he did not hesitate to reprimand anyone, without any
distinction of rank or position held in society. He was a maverick who had the
confidence to do things differently. He always impressed, upon those who came
in his contact, the four qualities of discrimination, desirelessness, good
conduct and love stated in ‘At the Feet of the Master’ and presented this book
to countless individuals to inspire them on the path of Theosophy.
Devotional bhajans on the occasion
were rendered by Bro. Jamshed Kotwal who
sang Mana Tara Pata Hari Darshan Aaj and Jyot Sé Jyot Jagaté Chalo. Sis. Mani Mullan paid her musical
tribute to Bro. Rusi by rendering Jaankho
Jaankho Divo Maro Jojé Ré Bujhaié Na.
Sis. Thrity Dalal read out
the Resolution and all stood in silence sending out
thoughts of love, peace and gratitude to the departed soul.
==================================================
MY DAILY MEDITATION
By
Sis. Villoo Adajania
I
acknowledge my true identity as soul. I
sit for a few minutes in awareness of the soul within, and not lose myself in
the matter. I deliberately draw myself
away from my lower nature, recognize it as an instrument and not myself; centre
myself in the highest consciousness I can reach, and feel it as my real self – Life, Light and Love that I am. My
essential nature is divine, and the
effort to realize it helps its growth and manifestation. To this ennobling and peace giving
contemplation of my divine destiny, I may fitly rise, by worshipping with the
most fervent devotion of which I am capable, the Father of the World and the
Divine Man whom I look upon as Messenger, both of whom I revere and Whose
divine help and guidance I seek in the conduct of my daily life. My Father, from Whom I have come and to Whom
I will go, and in the confidence of realized Sonship, I murmur: I and the
Father are One, I am That.
[When you practice Meditation in full
awareness (within) through your higher consciousness, then thereby you are said
to be progressing in your search of the Divine Light or the Light-Eternal]
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Be true, be loyal to your
pledges, to your sacred duty, to your country, to your own conscience. – KH
The best corrective of
error is an honest and open-minded examination of all facts, subjective and
objective. – KH
Those who try in their walk
of life to follow their ‘inner light’ will never be found judging, far less
condemning those weaker than themselves.
– M.
Courtesy: ‘Daily
Meditations’ by Katherine A. Beechey
BTF & LODGE PROGRAMMES JULY 2018
ANANDA LODGE: Theosophical Colony, Juhu,
Mumbai 400049. Contact Ananda Lodge Secretary Sis. Zenobia Khodaiji (M):
9820308163 or Ananda Lodge Representative to BTF Sis. Anjoo Narain (M):
9820132473 for Meeting of July 2018
2. BLAVATSKY LODGE: 7 - French Bridge,
Mumbai 400007 Tel: 23685026 (M): 9821459504 (M): 9819334333
DAY
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TIME
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DETAILS
|
Sun 1
|
10.0 am
|
Bharat Samaj Pooja
|
Fri 6
|
6.00 pm
6.15 pm
|
Study of book
‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ conducted by Bro. Arni Narendran
Talk by Dr. Darius H.
Umrigar (in Lobby)
|
Fri 13
|
4.30 pm
6.00 pm
|
BTF Council Meeting
BTF President Bro.
Vinayak Pandya to share ‘Impressions of TS international Strategic Planning
Meeting’ called by International President Mr. Tim Boyd
|
Fri 20
|
6.00 pm
|
Mystic Star Ritual
|
Sun 22
|
10.45 pm
|
Maitreya Round Table
|
Fri 27
|
4.30 pm
6.15 pm
|
Blavatsky Lodge MC
Meeting
Asala Purnima Meeting
|
Tues 3,
10, 17, 24 & 31
|
5.45 pm
|
Study of CWL’s book ‘The
Masters & The Path’
|
3. CENTENARY LODGE:
Please contact Sis. Najma Dewan (M):
9987204038 for meetings
4. JYOTI LODGE: Contact 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 (M): 9820187317
5. SHANTI LODGE: C/o Bro. Rustom Dalal, Vijay Niwas, 2nd Floor, Plot 5, Sleater
Road, Mumbai 400007 Tel: 23800422 (M): 9833131216 Time: 6.15 p.m.
5
|
Study of ‘Thought Power’ by
Annie Besant
|
12
|
Study of ‘Thought Power’ by
Annie Besant
|
19
|
Dr. Darius H. Umrigar’s Talk (at
Blavatsky Lodge)
|
26
|
Study of ‘Thought Power’ by
Annie Besant
|
6. UNITY YOUTH LODGE: Sis. Soonoo Vesuna (M): 9619339787
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: C/O Mrs. Gita S. Parikh, Gokul Anand
Building, 4th Floor, Dattatraya Cross Road
(M):9920384140
Wednesday 4, 11, 18 & 25 Meetings at 6.30 pm.
9. VIMADALAL BILIA LODGE: Family House, Parsi
Colony, Dadar, Mumbai 400014. Goolcher
Manjra Tel: 24185510
5.45 pm. Healing Rituals.
Thurs 5
|
5.45
|
Healing Ritual
|
Thurs 12
|
6.00
|
Study of ‘The Masters and the Path’
|
Thurs 19
|
6.00
|
Lodge Members’ Meeting
|
Thurs 26
|
6.00
|
Theosophical Readings
|
**************************************************
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)
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Minutes of the Managing Committee meeting held at 4.30 pm on Friday, 27th July, 2018 at Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai.
The meeting chaired by the President Sis.Kashmira Khambatta began with the Universal Prayer.
Members Present: Sis. Jasmine Cawasji, Bro. Arni Narendran, Sis. Ruby Khan, Sis. Nawaz Dhalla and Bro. Rustom Cooper
Leave of Absence: Rustom Dalal, Sis. Ferny Pagdiwala, Bro. Navin Kumar , Bro. Roy Mathews, and Sis. Aban Patel.
The deliberations of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC meeting held on 22nd June 2018, were distributed to members at the meeting, were considered and confirmed.
2. Hon. Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report for the month of June, 2018, was read by Sis. Ruby Khan and approved by the Managing Committee Members present.
There being no other business, the Meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.
Hon. Secretary President
(Jasmine Cawasji) (Kashmira Khambatta)
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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, 27th July, 2018 at Blavatsky Lodge, Mumbai.
The meeting chaired by the President Sis.Kashmira Khambatta began with the Universal Prayer.
Members Present: Sis. Jasmine Cawasji, Bro. Arni Narendran, Sis. Ruby Khan, Sis. Nawaz Dhalla and Bro. Rustom Cooper
Leave of Absence: Rustom Dalal, Sis. Ferny Pagdiwala, Bro. Navin Kumar , Bro. Roy Mathews, and Sis. Aban Patel.
The deliberations of the Meeting were as under:
1. Confirmation of Minutes:
Minutes of the MC meeting held on 22nd June 2018, were distributed to members at the meeting, were considered and confirmed.
2. Hon. Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer’s Report for the month of June, 2018, was read by Sis. Ruby Khan and approved by the Managing Committee Members present.
There being no other business, the Meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.
Hon. Secretary President
(Jasmine Cawasji) (Kashmira Khambatta)
