Donation of Spectacle Frames To Sankara Netralaya  

The first charitable project undertaken by our Lodge this year - Collecting Old Pairs of Spectacles - was launched on the day of the Installation Meeting. A number of Brethren generously donated quite a few items. Since then, many more Brethren have come forward with their own contributions, including W.Bro. S. Ramasubramanian of Lodge Harmony No.217 and W.Bro. Rajan Sekri. But the most significant donation so far has come from Bro. S. S. Mehta of Lodge Montfort No.249, Yercaud, courtesy of Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Charitable Trust, Khatau Mansion, Oomer Park, 95-K, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai - 400 036, their family charity arm. He has sent not one or two, but 160 pairs of spectacles. Our most humble thanks to him for this monumental act of benevolence and charity. Brethren, he is truly a shining star in the firmament of Masonry. I request you to search your attics, your drawers and other forgotten nooks and crannies. Track down that odd pair. Donate it to this humanitarian cause. I humbly request you to ask your family members, your relatives, your friends, your business colleagues and others for donating as many pairs of spectacles as possible. These may or may not have any lenses. Each one will be find a grateful end user.

 
  The Ashmolean Society - The Literary Association of Masons  
 

Yet another proposal to sponsor a literary society, to be tentatively entitled "The Ashmolean Society - The Literary Association of Masons", was also passed unanimously by the Brethren in the open Lodge at the Regular Meeting held on Saturday, 19th January 2002. Our Lodge will sponsor this new organisation, modeled on 'ACACIA - The Madras Masonic Study Circle'. While 'ACACIA' is concerned with the study of Masonic subjects, 'The Ashmolean Society' will be dedicated only to non-Masonic literature. Membership to this society will be open for all Masons and their families who are interested in meeting at regular intervals to discuss various subjects of literary interest, including authors, books and plays.

  
 

The above name is just one among many that have been suggested for this society. (The final name will be decided shortly in consultation with some of our eminent Brethren.)It takes its name from Elias Ashmole (1617 - 1692), a Freemason of great eminence. Among his many contributions is the founding of "The Ashmolean" - the world's first museum - located at Oxford University. Ashmole was an antiquarian and was responsible for the exhaustive study of a number of esoteric subjects. He brought in the modern concept of museums where subjects and objects of interest could be studied in a modern and scientific manner. In our proposed Society, we do not plan on any scientific study or the presentation of monographs. On the contrary, we wish to provide an additional opportunity for like-minded Masons and their families to have evenings of fun discussing matters literary!

 
 

Whatever, be the final name chosen for this novel endeavor, I encourage all those Brethren with a literary bent of mind, or, those who enjoy reading good books (by authors such as P. G. Wodehouse, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Premchand, R. K. Narayan, John Le Carre, etc.) to sign up as Founding Members of this new society. For further details, kindly contact me at the earliest.

  
  Grand Master's Rupee Club  
 

Grand Master's Rupee Club: M.W. the Grand Master, M.W.Bro. D. D. Udeshi, OSM has appealed to all the Brethren to consider joining the "Grand Master's Rupee Club" by donating a small sum of only Rs.1/- per day, i.e., Rs.365/- per year. He has assured that this entire amount will be earmarked for worthy causes only. I, therefore, appeal to all our Brethren to donate to this noble cause. There is an option of making a one-time donation of Rs.4,000/- and becoming a 'Life Member' of the "Grand Master's Rupee Club". All those who opt for this will receive a lovely jewel from the Grand Lodge of India. Please contact the undersigned for further details.

 
 

I am glad to report that already three of our Brethren have become 'Life Members' of this club. They are:

a) W.Bro. Bharat V. Epur
b) W.Bro. Dr. G. V. Ramakrishna Rao
c) Bro. Mahendra N. Jogani

Thanks for your thoughtfulness. May your tribe increase!

 
  The Millennium Lodge Annual Snooker & Billiards Tournament  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2) M.W.Bro. D. D. Udeshi, OSM, M.W. the Grand Master inaugurated a new activity launched by our Lodge, namely, "The Millennium Lodge Annual Snooker & Billiards Tournament" on Monday 27th May 2002 at the Cosmopolitan Club, Chennai. When we heard that M.W. the Grand Master was visiting Chennai in connection with some other Masonic duties, we requested him to kindly inaugurate this new venture of our Lodge, which he readily agreed to do, for which we are greatly beholden. We are also truly indebted to R.W.Bro. Dr. B. Biswakumar, R.W. the Regional Grand Master for so graciously accepting our request to be present at this function, and, to unveil the trophy, which he did. Additionally, V.W.Bro. G. K. Selvarajan, GD of C, PDyRGM, and W.Bro. Dr. John Reginald, AGStBr, PDyRGM, ARGM were not only present at this function, but, also helped immensely in ensuring its success. Once again, we are indebted to them. Brethren, our Lodge is truly blessed in having these four distinguished and eminent Masons as its Honorary Members. May the G. A. O. T. U. shower on them the continual dew of His Blessings.

The entire event was organised with impeccable precision by the Organising Committee consisting of W.Bro. Abbas Laila, W.Bro. N. Ganesh, Bro. Soora Ramgopal and Bro. Bhagwan Keswani. They performed their task with utmost fidelity. After M.W. the Grand Master inaugurated the tournament, R.W. the Regional Grand Master unveiled the trophy, which was generously donated by our own Bro. Anil Chopra. The trophy is shaped like a miniature snooker table. We trust that this tournament will become an eagerly awaited annual affair attracting a large number of participants each time.

The inaugural match was played between our own W.Bro. K. V. Krishna Prasad and Bro. Venkatesh Mahadevan of Lodge Veeraswami No.200. Thereafter, Mr. Syed Habib, a ranked-player, demonstrated some spectacular trick shots, which left the audience blinking in absolute amazement.

The Organising Committee is hopeful of completing the inaugural edition of this tournament as early as possible in order that the winners may be awarded their prizes on the Lodge Ladies-Cum-Children's Night, scheduled to be held on Sunday, 23rd June 2002, which happens to be the first anniversary of the consecration of our Lodge
The Millennium Lodge Vintage Car Rally 2002

The first anniversary of the consecration of our Lodge - Sunday, 23rd June 2002 - was a red-letter day in the relatively short history of our Lodge. Once again the day dawned bright and sunny - a harbinger of hope and joy. The day's activities began with the "AIRTEL VINTAGE CAR RALLY 2002". This unique event was organised by our Lodge, thanks to the generous support extended by Airtel, India's leading cellular communications service provider, which agreed to be the title sponsor of this show. We were also fortunate to obtain support from Rolon Chain of Coimbatore as co-sponsor of this event. Without their corporate support, this venture would never have taken off. I am profusely thankful to them for their spontaneous support.

I have been told that this was the first time ever that any Masonic Lodge had organised such an event in our country. If true, we can take some joy in this singular achievement. Brethren, this event was first mooted by our W.Bro. V. S. Kylas who worked tirelessly to make it happen. His efforts were amply supported by those of W.Bro. P. S. K. Chari, W.Bro. Abbas Laila, W.Bro. Bharat V. Epur, W.Bro. Devesh J. Patel, W.Bro. N. Ganesh, W.Bro. Kartik M. Patel, W.Bro. Prem Behl, Bro. M. Govindarajan, Bro. Soora Ramgopal, Bro. P. Srinivasan, Bro. Vivish George and Bro. Baljit Singh Sethi. Also, Bro. Prashanth Behl of Lodge Mount Charity No.232 was very helpful at the venue during the event.

This event, open to Vintage and Classic Cars and Bikes, drew a tremendous response. A total of 22 cars and 8 bikes participated in this show held at the Freemasons' Hall premises. These vehicles were from a bygone era, the earliest, dating from 1927 onwards, took part in a trip of nostalgia. Augusta, Austin, BSA, Chevrolet, Ford, Hindustan, James, Matchless, Mercedes-Benz, Morris, Norton, Standard, Triumph and Volkswagen were some of the marquees on display. The drivers and their crewmembers came dressed in their period costumes adding considerable colour and charm.

The event started off with breakfast for all the participating owners/drivers. All the food arrangements were organised by W.Bro. Abbas Laila with his characteristic elan and flair. Then all the vehicles were lined up one behind the other. They were flagged-off at 9.30 AM by Mr. S. George, I. P. S., the Joint Commissioner of Police (Central), Greater Chennai. W.Bro. Dr. John Reginald, AGStBr, PDyRGM, ARGM (& Honorary Member of our Lodge) and W.Bro. P. S. K. Chari, PPrGStwd, PRGChap (& D of C of our Lodge) also graced this ceremony and presented a memento and a gift, respectively, to the chief guest. A very large media contingent was present, including newspaper reporters and TV journalists and cameramen. Some of the members of the fourth estate even followed the cars in a specially arranged van throughout the rally down the city streets. This event was widely reported in the newspapers and TV subsequently.

W.Bro. V. S. Kylas's Morris led the rally. The vehicles took a 10-km round trip along some of the main thoroughfares of Chennai, including Anna Salai and the Beach Road, before returning to the Freemasons' Hall, where they were kept on display until 1.00 PM for general public viewing. A fairly large number of people from all walks of life came to view these beauties.

A written quiz on cars, compiled by W.Bro. Bharat V. Epur was then distributed to all those present. This drew an enthusiastic response, especially from the children present. All the answer sheets were then collected and evaluated. Prizes were then awarded to the top three scorers.

Finally, a prize distribution ceremony was conducted at 1.30 PM, where the Chief Guest, Mr. P. H. Rao, the Managing Director of Airtel, gave away lovely, specially designed mementos to all the participants. Each participant was also given a fuel subsidy of Rs.300/- per car and/or Rs.100/- per bike. A delicious lunch followed thereafter. W.Bro. Dr. John Reginald, AGStBr, PDyRGM, ARGM, and W.Bro. Y. Sathiamurthy, PGIG, PDyRGM, ARGM also graced this ceremony and presented a memento and a gift, respectively, to the chief guest.

This event was appreciated by all concerned - the participants, the general viewing public, the sponsors and the media. It also helped achieve the following objectives:

a) Raised public awareness of our ancient and honourable movement.
b) Raised public awareness of our recently restored heritage building - the Freemasons' Hall. It served as the ideal setting for the display of equally beautiful automobiles - classics in their own right! Such events reminded us of the need to appreciate our history, to value our heritage and to preserve it.
c) Provided an opportunity to the passionate vintage-car owning community to bring out their vehicles from long hibernation for the enjoyment of the general public.
d) Raised some funds for our Lodge's charitable activities.

I am indeed very grateful to all concerned who helped make this event a grand success. We are hopeful of repeating this event soon.
The Millennium Lodge Family Night

The first anniversary celebrations continued in the evening and then into the night when we conducted our first ever "The Millennium Lodge Family Night". This gala affair was conceived, organised and executed by the following Brethren and their wives: W.Bro. Susheel Bhalla, Mrs. Neeta Bhalla, W.Bro. Bharat V. Epur, Mrs. Rohini Epur, W.Bro. Abbas Laila, Mrs. Fathema Abbas Laila, W.Bro. Devesh J. Patel, Mrs. Raksha Patel, W.Bro. Kartik M. Patel, Mrs. Sonya Patel, W.Bro. N. Ganesh, W.Bro. Prem Behl, Bro. M. Govindarajan, Bro. P. Srinivasan and Bro. Soora Ramgopal. I am very grateful to them all as well as to those who contributed in kind as well as in cash to help make this an event to remember.

30 of our Lodge Brethren with their families attended this celebratory event. We also had the privilege of the presence of 5 of our Honorary Members, including, R.W.Bro. Dr. B. Biswakumar, R.W. the R. G. M., R.W.Bro. Arun Chintopanth, OSM, PDyGM, IPRGM, R.W.Bro. Lodd Narendradas, PJGW, PDyRGM, V.W.Bro. G. K. Selvarajan, GD of C, PDyRGM, and, W.Bro. Dr. John Reginald, AGStBr, PDyRGM, ARGM. Mrs. Asha Arun Panth, Mrs. Narendradas and Mrs. Mahalakshmi Reginald also graced the occasion.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming the following guests: W.Bro. Y. Sathiamurthy, PGIG, PDyRGM, ARGM, W.Bro. N. Pandurangan, GBrVSL, PDyRGM, ARGSecy, Bro. Venkatesh Mahadevan (of Lodge Veeraswami No.200), Mrs. Venkatesh Mahadevan, Bro. Rajesh Mani (of Lodge Veeraswami No.200) and Mr. Habib (of Snooker trick shots fame).

Exciting games were organised by W.Bro. Susheel Bhalla for the children, ladies and Brethren. These included Tombola, Raffle, Musical Chairs, Dances, etc. The top three winners in each game were given lovely prizes. Besides, every lady and every child present received a lovely gift.
Educational Charity Project

3) The "Educational Charity Project" organised by our Brethren was conducted successfully at the Chintadripet Corporation School on the morning of our Independence Day, 15th August 2002 in the august presence of our R.W. Bro. Dr. B. Biswakumar, R.W. the R.G.M. (and, Honorary Member of our Lodge). A number of other dignitaries were present, including, W.Bro. Dr. John Reginald, AGStBr, PDyRGM, ARGM (and, Honorary Member of our Lodge), W.Bro. Y. Sathiamurthy, PGIG, PDyRGM, ARGM, W.Bro. B. Kamakoti, PVPrGStwd, PRGChap, RGSecy, W.Bro. N. Pandurangan, GBr of VSL, PDyRGM, ARGSecy, Rotarian AL. Murugappan (President, Rotary Club of Chennai East R. A. Puram) and Rotarian Ramanathan (President-Elect, Rotary Club of Chennai East R. A. Puram). 13 Brethren from our Lodge were present at this event.

The programme commenced with R.W.Bro. Dr. B. Biswakumar hoisting the National Flag on this Independence Day to the lusty singing of the 200 students assembled there. He then addressed the gathering comprising these children, their school principal and other staff members, as well as the Brethren of The Millennium Lodge. This was followed by the serving of a delicious breakfast to all the students. R.W.Bro. Dr. B. Biswakumar served the first few children with his own hands. After the children had had their fill, it was time for the distribution of other goodies for them. By the benevolent grace of the G. A. O. T. U. and with the united endeavors of our Lodge Brethren, we were able to conduct this unique camp to the satisfaction to all concerned, especially the 200 children of the school. There joyous faces said it all when they received their individual gifts of school bags, pencil pouches, geometry boxes, rulers, sketch pens sets, colour pencil sets, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, books, dictionaries, address labels, etc. The kids returned the favour by performing a rousing, patriotic dance for all the people assembled there.

All the above items as well as the free breakfast for the 200 children, all totaling approximately Rs.50,000/-, was mostly funded by the Brethren of The Millennium Lodge as part of their ongoing charitable projects. Our Bro. Mahendra N. Jogani sponsored the free breakfast for the children (costing Rs.3,900/-), W.Bro. S. Govindarajan the sets of erasers (Rs.1,326/-), and, W.Bro. Bharat V. Epur the sharpeners, address label sets and the colour pencil sets (Rs.3,000/-). W.Bro. Dr. G. V. Ramakrishna Rao and Bro. G. Sundar each contributed Rs.1,000/-. Bro. M. Govindarajan sponsored the logo printing on the school bags. Rotary Club of Chennai East R. A. Puram gifted 75 Tamil dictionaries. The geometry boxes and sketch pen sets costing about Rs.2,800/- were gifted by Jawahar Vidyalaya, courtesy of W.Bro. A. Suryanarayana Rao. The pens were gifted by Gowtham Medicon P. Ltd., courtesy of Bro. Mahendra N. Jogani. Almost 200 lovely storybooks of a minimum value of Rs.20,000/- were donated by W.Bro. K. G. Venkataraman of Lodge Ramaprasad No.200 - thanks to the initiative of our W.Bro. V. A. Ramash and W.Bro. S. Swaminathan. After the event was over, the Brethren dispersed with a sense of satisfaction and a strong belief that these truly deserving kids would remember this Independence Day for a long time to come.