News of a visit to Africa
In April 2009, Mr Chaganti V.K. Maithreya and Dr Sunita Maithreya had the pleasure of visiting Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Zambia in support of the work of the Theosophical Society, Theosophical Order of Service and Order of the Round Table. The 44th Convention of the East & Central African Section, together with the 2nd Conference of the Pan-African Theosophical Federation was held in Kampala from April 10th to April 12th, 2009. Kampala was the host city for the gathering after a lapse of a few decades. The convention witnessed a substantial increase in the membership of the Nile Lodge, Kampala. The theme was ‘Unity in a Changing World’ and Mr Maithreya was the Guest Speaker. Dr Sunita Maithreya was the speaker at the TOS session.
Delegates from Uganda with Maithreya and family
During their four-week visit, Maithreya and Sunita were delighted to see the fine work being carried out in East Africa by the Theosophical Society and the Theosophical Order of Service. They were particularly impressed with the way the work of the two organisations is integrated, study and service being seen as twin elements in the life of Lodge members.
Maithreya, accompanied by Sunita, spoke and interacted on a variety of subjects of theosophical and related interest in about 33 sessions, which included gatherings of the Theosophical Society in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Kampala (Uganda), Nairobi (Kenya), Kitwe and Muflira (Zambia), the International Order of the Round Table in Dar es Salaam, the television Channel TEN in Tanzania, the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kampala, the Kampala University, a healing group in Kampala, the Indian Women’s Association in Kampala, a radio station in Livingstone (Zambia) and the Lechwe International School in Kitwe. An important event was the workshop on the subject, ‘Path of Discipleship’ in Nairobi, conducted by Maithreya, in which the essential role that service plays in the life of the aspirant was naturally explored.
The audiences included TS members and sympathisers, Round Tablers, Rotarians, a minister, judges, social workers, businesspersons, teachers and students of different age-groups.
Visiting the Ermani Home
The Theosophists had also arranged for Maithreya to visit the Emani Home for orphaned children, the Daphne Sheldrick home for abandoned elephants and the KSPCA in Nairobi. Cheques were presented at the latter two places on behalf of the local Theosophical group.
Maithreya and Sunita were able to identify several potential opportunities for collaboration between the TOS in Kenya and TOS members around the world. These include the possibility of supporting medical and educational work and other projects in areas such as animal welfare.
They were also very happy to have the opportunity to encourage the work of the Round Table, a ceremonial movement aiming to develop idealism, good character, spiritual aspiration and commitment to service in children. The first Table in Africa was established by Mr CVK Maithreya and Dr Sunita Maithreya in Dar es Salaam and named ‘Round Table Blavatsky’. The Theosophists there are pleased that there is now an activity through which their children can learn basic Theosophical principles. At the first meeting held subsequent to Maithreya and Sunita’s visit, Mrs Deepa Kapur reported that 21 new members were enrolled!