Dear Brethren,

This issue will be with you on the eve of my laying down office as your Grand Master. I must express my sincere thanks to one and all for the wonderful opportunity that you gave me to be serviceable to you all, and also for the love and affection that you showered on my wife Heena and me during our visitations to various Masonic Centres.

As a last piece of my message, I thought I will dwell upon the Masonic Properties, its management and its upkeep.

Our Masoinc Symbolism is based around the construction of King Solomon’s Temple. The Rituals in all the three Degrees are built around the construction of the Temple of King Solomon, and the skill, effort and money required for such construction. Are not all the Masonic Buildings only replica of King Solomon’s Temple? Big or small, grandeur or simple, in a large city or in a small village, these are all Temples of King Solomon. These Masonic Buildings may have been acquired by a grant from the Collector, or by way of gift from a large hearted Freemason, or by collecting funds from members or in any other manner, these Masonic buildings finally belong to Freemasons and in the ultimate analysis to Freemasonry. Who has a claim over these properties? Only Freemasons. There are instances where more than one Lodge meet in the same Masonic Building in the same town, but the Masonic property stands in the name of only Lodge. Can such Lodge claim any right over the Property larger than the other Lodges in the town. Can any person claim a right over the temple of worship, larger than the others visiting the temple? Birla Foundation has built temples of worship all round the country, can any member of the Birla clan claim more proximity to God Almighty, than a poor man, who visits the temple every day? My Brethren, all these Masonic Temples are open for any Freemason to visit, and every Freemason has as much right over them as the others.

Why then, this bickering over the ownership, management, maintenance and use of these King Solomon’s Temples? Why should any Freemason feel that he has higher right over it than the others? Is it merely because, fortuitously it stands in the name of one Lodge, or in the name of Freemasons of one Constitution presently operating in India, or that one set of Freemasons have spent monies to purchase it, or that one set of Freemasons have spent a large amount to renovate it? What right - what authority does any one have over any Masonic Property. Let those in management of Masonic Property remember that they are only Trustees of the Property for the benefit of Freemasons, and nothing more nothing less. If one has spent something to buy it, that is his contribution to Freemasonry, if one has spent huge amounts for renovation of the Property, that is only a gesture of goodwill for themselves as also for Freemasonry generally, Freemasonry teaches us never to expect anything in return for what you give. Then why this struggle for recognition, power, management and authority? If that is the approach, these seekers of power are unfit to call themselves Freemasons.

Let us all keep one thing in mind, we all have joined this noble Institution to seek wisdom and give our heart nay, give everything that we have to unite in the grand design of being happy and communicate happiness. Spread the message of love when the other hates you. Get away from petty squabbles over ‘mine’ and ‘yours’. Let all Masonic Properties be for Freemasons, be it managed by A or B. leave it to A and B to find out how best to manage, and let A and B realise that the management is service to Freemasons and to Freemasonry not the exercise of right as authority over Freemasons or Freemasonry.

I would like to see the day when all Masonic Properties in India are vested in a truly Masonic Body as Trustees for Freemasons of India

Grand Manster

Dear Brethren,

During the last three years, Freemasonry in India under the benign and brilliant stewardship of M.W. the Grand Master, M.W.Bro.D.D.Udeshi, OSM, scaled some remarkable and memorable heights. He could bring about the much coveted amity between our Grand Lodge and the United Grand Lodge of England and Grand Lodge of Ireland, our erstwhile parent Grand Lodges and restoration of amity with the Grand Lodge of Scotland is on the cards. The VI World Conference of the Grand Lodges may be styled as a matchless attainment, more so, as it was conducted in an excellent manner, winning acclaim from all and sundry, as expressed by them in the Conference as well as in their communications to us, showering us with every conceivable praise and approbation. Indeed as our leader, M.W. Grand Master, M.W.Bro.D.D.Udeshi, OSM brought laurels to freemasonry in India. As a leader he had complete faith and confidence in all of us – his brethren, and this inspired him to vie with other Grand Masters of the World in the V Conference held at Madrid, to host the mega event in our country, With his magnetic and winsome personality he won the honour for us. While addressing the dignitaries in the Conference at Delhi, he very firmly but in a charming way declared that in the organisation of the Conference and its arrangements, whatever is good – the credit goes to his team of workers and “if there is any failure, I take all the blame on myself”. This expression of genuine concern for us – his brethren, accompanied by his cool and collected demeanour, the real hall marks of true leadership, readily places him amongst the best of our species. In fact he gave the Conference a personal touch boosting the moral of every one directly or indirectly involved in the organisation of the mega event. With his sympathetic, lovable, affable and affectionate approach, he could win the hearts of all the brethren he met. Though, our Grand Master, in fact, he was a Grand Companion to all of us.

His is a multi-faceted personality- a scholar, philosopher, jurist, thinker,deeply religious but totally secular in his attitude, impartial, just and honest, wearing almost an imperceptible smile irradiating pleasantness and joy. He is the very epitome of our principles – Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth. He is always ready to help people in distress and feels happy when their miseries are addressed effectively. Goswami Tulidas in his ‘Manas’ had such characters in his mind, when he wrote

ij nq[k nq[k lq[k lq[k ns[kdj

(They feel sad when they see some one in distress, and feel elated when they find others happy).

No doubt, he is laying down his office on 15th Nov.2003 handing over the gavel to R.W.Bro.Arun Chintopanth,OSM – a scholar of ancient scriptures, philosopher thinker, a man of deep insight with a very pronounced aesthetic sense, a lover of music, endowed with all the attributes of a true leader - and transferring this onerous responsibility from his stout shoulders to his(R.W.Bro.Chintopanth’s) strong shoulders, who like Atlas is sure to carry it to greater lengths, but his(Grand Master D.D.Udeshi’s ) benign presence among the luminaries of the masonry would continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to us all. In Freemasonry the blazing torch in its full glow changes hands just to burn brighter and still brighter.

his change of guards is a sacred but inevitable event meant to carry ourselves onwards and still onwards with love towards all and malice towards none.

Brethren, now allow me to come to ground realities. During the last three years M.W. the Grand Master had been perhaps kept more busy than a bee. The list of his activities(given else where in this journal) is an eloquent proof of it. He was here, he was there and he was every where. With his deep sense of devotion and dedication he performed his part in an immaculate solemn and dignified way adding grace and luster to it.

It will be in the fitness of things to pay our respectful thanks to his”better half” Ms.Heena Udeshi, always pleasant, amiable and wearing an innocent and capitivating smile. How much strength and inspiration our Grand Master derives from her can better be understood, if we carefully weigh the words ‘Better Half’. With her charming and all winning ways she would change the atmosphere with gaiety and vibrancy. Indeed, she has always been a source of great encouragement and inspiration to us all.

In the end, brethren, let me once again repeat that M.W. the Grand Master, M.W.Bro.D.D.Udeshi, OSM has left his mark on the sands of Freemasonry in India and our M.W Grand Master elect, R.W.Bro.Arun Chintopanth, OSM is there to add yet more and still more to what has been attained thus far.

Dr. Harish Gupta

I consider it a great privelege and honour to have been called upon by M.W. Bro. Dilip D. Udeshi, M.W. The Grand Master to deliver an oration on the nature and purpose of our institution on this auspicious occasion of consecration of a new Mark Lodge to function at Chennai and I am greatly beholden and thankful to you sir, for giving me this opportunity.

One is not a complete mason unless he is also not advanced in this important degree. The lessons of the degree, I feel, are freemasonry for practical living man. I am sure you must have felt that it is applicable in a direct and intimate way to the everyday life of each one of us.

At present Mark degree is given only after a brother becomes M.M. Generally Mark degree is deemed to be an extension of FC degree, and I request it may be considered to be given after a brother has his second degree and later on the MM degree and Holy Royal Arch.

While the craft teaches us the relative duties we owe to each other along with the practice of virtues etc., and the Holy Royal Arch, the relation we bear to the most High as adopted children of his mercy, the Mark degree brings us more close to God and face to face with relatities of life, its joys and sorrows and how to face them. Though it appears simple, Mark degree brings out the same principles and tenets of FM in a dramatic and effective or impressive manner without in any way belittling its importance.

Going back to the lessons of the degree, it teaches us the concept of Karma Yoga. It drives home the point that we cannot harvest paddy by sowing Barley. As you sow so you reap. The result of the Karma or action is directly related to what Karma or Action one has done. Also Karmayoga is total selfless action and there is no residue or leftover. The mind becomes crystal clear and pure. It is only such a mind that totally annihilates ignorance.

In this world every individual has to do some Karma or action and it is this action that binds him or releases him from further, Karmas. All actions done without any selfish intentions and for pleasing God, helps man to get rid of doing further Karmas and he realises the existence of soul of Atma and knowledge of universe which will again help him to get out of further Karmas or that state of mind which helps to realise Parmamta or Brahmagnan.

The declaration by God Yogakshmam Vahamyaham ensures that our existing privileges, rights and prerogatives He will protect and the one to which we are entitled, He will provide at the appropriate time.

All that we have to have is faith in Him. The lessons of Mark degree helps to reconfirm our faith in Him. If we do and continue to keep, leave the rest to Him.

Kavi says ...

xq# djkslh ok;kya] iaxq lRdeZ u ehjhA
;r Ñik uxM+ oUns ijekuUnu ek/kokAA

If we don’t, Lord Krishna in Bhagwad Gita says :

vga fg loZeKkuka HkksDrk p izeq[ks pkA
u rq xkrkfHKtkufUr rRos ukr'P;ofUr rsAA

Unfortunately we do not really put in enough effort and time to realise this or understand the great and practical lessons of life that this degree has to offer. Many join into Mark and without pursuing it seriously, feel that the organisation is a disappointment and drop out. Important point here is that we do not realise that ultimately what we get is what we are capable of absorbing and understanding to deserve. Unless we prepare ourselves mentally to absorb its teachins, the degree will naturally dis-appoint us. It is like the story of a disciple full of expectations who went to a particular Guru to seek his teachings. However, he felt totally unimpressed and disappointed by the commonplace words with which the learned Guru addressed him. “I came here in search of a Master” he told the other disciple “All I find is a human being not different from the others”.

Replied the disciple “The Guru is a shoe maker with an infinite supply of leather. But he does the cutting and stitching in accordance with the dimensions of your foot”.

Freemasonry in general and Mark degree in particular is like this Guru with infinite supply. But it will give result only in accordance with and proportionate to what we are capable of inhailing or absorbing or digesting. In other words it depends upon how we are geared to receive its teachings. If we feel commonplace with us, the teachings will also look common. If we feel and look upon us as special, and as potentially divine with a great mission to be accomplished, then the teachings of the institution will bear rich fruits to us. We must become active contributor to the order.

There are other features peculiar to this degree which I would like briefly to touch upon. This degree teaches us how to bear pain, how to take temporary set backs, or mistaken insults, how to deal with unreasonable attitudes of people etc., because all these cause pain. The answer is not to be disillusioned or burdened with pain but bear it with stoic dignityand patience, in the hope that all these will and have to pass away and eventaully will have to pave the way for higher and more precious re-wards. Pain comes gradually drop by drop in life or abruptly but we must keep faith in God until in our despair wisdom comes through His Grace, and enables us to pass through that phase of life also. The Oyster is a good example. When irritation gets into the shell, he does not like it, but then he cannot get rid of it and so uses it to produce the loveliest thing an oyster can produce a pearl.

In the charge to brethern at installation Meetings, this degree is referred to as a beautiful degree. The teachings of this degree is closely applicable to the day to day life of each one of us. The story of the key stone should be a guide to our conduct through life of which Palmer says “The most consumately beautiful thing in the universe is the rightly fashioned life of a good man”. The craftsman demonstrates this rightly fashioned life by not creating a scene, by not protesting but by accepting the wrong done to him with humility and silence, worthy of emulation. How beautiful is that life which knows not the ugliness of abrupt and rough behaviour or rudeness or arrogance.

The Mark degree also stresses the importance of individuality of man. Tastes, likes and ability may differ from man to man but we, like the key stone, must be efficient, imaginative and proficient-something extra ordinary or special. It has its own value and place.

Encouraging nature is one of the important feature of Mark degree. It teaches, us not to be disheartened by temporary setbacks. There are many examples of this in real life. To quote one : B.C. Forbes says “History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heart breaking obstacles before they triumphed”. They won simply because they refused to become disheartened or discouraged by their defeats or failures.

When Thomas Addison invented the light bulb after about 2000 experiments a young reporter asked him how do you feel to fail so many times. He said “I never failed once. I invented the light bulb. It just happened to be a 2000 step process. In 1952 Edmond Hillary attempted to climb Mount Everet the highest mountain then known 29002 feet straight up. A few weeks after his failed attempt he was asked to address a group in England. Hillary just got up and walked to the edge of the stage made a fist and pointed at a picture of the mountain and said in a loud voice Mount Everest you beat me first time but I will beat you the next time because you have grown all you are going to grow but I am still growing. On May 29th the very next year Hillary succeeded in becoming the first man to climb Mount Everest.

What we have to do is to proceed and keep faith in God and leave the reward to Him. This is Karma or action without aspiring for results. I quote from Bhagwat Gita.....

deZ.;sokf/kdkjLrs ek Qys"kq dnkpukA
ek deZQygsrqHkwZekj~ ek rs l³~xlpdekZf.kAA

I wish this new Mark Lodge, consecrated by our beloved M.W. Bro. Dilip D. Udeshi M.W. The Grand Master, all the success and good luck in the years to come that it may grow in the hands of its worthy founders in strength and become a model for other Mark lodges to follow.

Thank you.

Today, I we stand at the beginning of a new millennium. What is the land that we leave behind for our children to inherit? Surely we will be judged.! and judged severely I in both moral and metaphysical terms. Today, we would leave behind a world of unimaginable terror and violence. Of aggression and inhumanity. Of tragedy and suffering. And most imporiantly, a world of indifference.

What is indffference? The dictionary meaning is “no difference”. A strange and unnatural state in which the lines blur between light and darkness, dusk and dawn, crime and punishment, cruelty and compassion, good and evil.

Of course, indifference can be tempting - more than that, it can be seductive. It is so much easier to look away from victims. It is so much easier to avoid such rude interruptions to our work, our dreams, our hopes. It is, after all, awkward troublesome, to be invoived in another person’s pain and despair. Yet, for the person who is indifferent, his or her neighbours are of no consequence. And, therefore, their lives are meaningless. Their hidden or even visible anguish is of no interest. Indifference reduces the other to an abstraction.

Rooted in our tradition, some of us feel that to be abandoned by humanity is not the ultimate. We feel that to be abandoned by God is worse than to be punished by Him. Better an unjust God than an indifferent one. For us to be ignored by God is a harsher punishment than to be a victim of His anger. Man can live far from God - not outside God. God is wherever we are .... Even in suffering.

In a way, to be indifferent to suffering is what makes the human being inhuman. Indifference, after all, is more dangerous than anger and hatred. Anger can at times be creative. One writes a great poem, a great symphony, one does something special for the sake of humanity because one is angry at the injustice that one witnesses. But indifference is never creative. Even hatred at times may elicit a response. You fight it. You denounce it. You disarm it. Indifference elicits no response. Indifference is not a response.

Indifference is not a beginning, it is an end. And, therefore, indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor - never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten. The political prisoner in his cell the hungry children, the homeless refugees - not to respond to their plight, not to relieve their solitude by offering them a spark of hope is to exile them from human memory. And in denying their humanity we betray our own.

My brethren, we talk of relief for the sufferings of those affilicted, but when someone is in distress, we are indifferent. Our Masonic teachings lead us to one goal, express Brotherly Love and give Relief. In short don’t be indifferent.

Contributed by : M.W.Bro. D.D. Udeshi, OSM