November 17, 2009.

The 134th anniversary of the Foundation of the Theosophical Society was commemorated at Adyar on 17 November 2009 with a well-attended function at the historical Headquarters Hall.  The Hall was recently renovated and the Founders’ alcove, which houses the statues of the Principal Co-Founders of the TS, Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, looked resplendent.    

The meeting was opened with the Hindi song Om Tat Sat, a celebration of the universal brotherhood of humanity which exalts the essential unity of all religions. It was followed by some introductory remarks by Mr Sriram Panchu, TS member and senior advocate of the Madras High Court.  The international President, Mrs Radha Burnier, welcomed the gathering, including the Guest of Honour, the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Honourable Justice H. L. Gokhale. 

Justice Gokhale spoke about Brotherhood as an essential principle for human society and which can only be attained if liberty and equality exist for all.  He mentioned distinguished Indian citizens who have been influenced by Theosophy such as Jawaharlal Nehru, at one time closely associated with Dr Annie Besant, whose contribution to India is an important one. He also mentioned the magnificent example of Mahatma Gandhi. Referring to the motto of the TS – ‘There is no Religion higher than Truth’ – Justice Gokhale said that in order to uphold truth one needs to be brave. He also drew the attention of those present that both Lord Buddha and Emperor Ashoka also preached equality to their contemporaries.

In her concluding remarks the President reminded the gathering that Universal Brotherhood continues to be the most important Object of the Society and that all the leaders of the TS had highlighted its importance for the progress of humanity. The meeting ended with an offering of flowers, by those who wanted it, in memory of Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott, who pioneered the work of the Society in the world.