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Service work in Adyar
When members of the TS decide to visit the headquarters of the Society in Adyar, Chennai, India, they often go in December in order to attend the international Convention. In addition to listening to talks given by people from many different countries, they discover all the administrative buildings and the beautiful grounds of the estate. They can also discover the TS’s humanitarian service projects.
During their stay at the international HQ last December, George and Gailene Wester of the TS and TOS in Perth, Australia took a number of photos for us. We bring a first group of their photos here. Thanks for your excellent reporting, George and Gailene! You have sent us enough photos for at least four reports on the humanitarian work at HQ! |
George Wester (left) and Gailene Wester (right) at Adyar with
Singapore TS members, Sonne and Lily Chong |
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A number of information stands and sale stalls are set up during the Convention to raise awareness of social issues and projects. Here we see the booth of Beauty Without Cruelty, a company with a mission long supported by Theosophists – the production of ethical, cruelty-free personal care products that are made with natural, organic and safe ingredients. |
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The Social Welfare Centre is one of four activities run under the aegis of the Olcott Education Society. Each year it sets up a stall selling beautiful products made by the women of its Vocational Training Centre. |
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International President, Mrs Radha Burnier, opens the booth of the Social Welfare Centre. In addition to offering tailoring and weaving training to about 25 young women, the Centre runs classroom, outdoor activities and field trips for around 85 children aged between 2 and 5. |
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Another project operating under the umbrella of the Olcott Education Society is the Annie Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary. It too has an information stand at Convention. |
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All her life Radha has actively promoted compassion for animals. She takes a keen interest in the latest information provided on plant-based diets. |
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It is thanks to Radha’s love of animals and personal commitment that the Animal Dispensary at Adyar has been progressively renovated and equipped to serve not just the surrounding community but outlying areas too. |
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Every year at Convention, the TOS presents a programme. Last December, three speakers described the work of the TOS around the world.
Left to right: Dorothy Bell (Australia), Dr Cittarajan Sattapathy (chairperson), Sri Birendra Bhattacharyya (India) and Vicente Hao Chin, Jr (Philippines). We thank them for their contributions. |
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Another activity in which one can participate at our international headquarters is the work of the modern ceremonial Order of the Round Table. The Order aims to inspire the young with a vision of an ideal world. Every member of the Order is regarded as a pilgrim progressing toward perfection. The way of the pilgrim is through service to the ‘King’. |
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