Charity, his calling

Chennai recently played host to a distinguished visitor. Lord Cornwallis, great grand nephew of his famous ancestor, was in the city on route to Bangalore to inaugurate a home for the elderly named after him at the invitation of the District Grand Lodge of Madras. Punctual for the interview, he was immaculate attired in a black suit and bow tie, ready for a Masonic meeting later in the evening. Now in his 80s, he answers the predictable question regarding his better-known forefather with, "He was as much loved and respected in England as he is here," and says has visited his burial site at Ghazipur near Varanasi.

No stranger to India, he talks about the purpose of his visit, recalling how fund raising for the Cornwallis Homes began with the signing of dinner menus by him for a modest fee of Rs. 15 per card, which he says "goes to show how big things can take off from humble beginnings."

Lord Cornwallis is especially qualified to speak on the virtues of charity. In the 1970s, he chaired a committee, which oversaw the formation of several key British charities. The four main ones he was associated with support the elderly, care for needy children and oversee the education requirements of orphaned children up to university age, besides a Samaritan fund for Mason's health set up by him. As he says, "I have been associated with charities for over half my life."

Together with the Duke of Kent, he was also the key trigger in promoting a more open Masonic culture in Britain. Under his direction, masons were encouraged to play a more integral role in the community, especially since the sect was often considered secretive and insular, and in need of a more sociable and accessible image; an image which many feel still persists. Freemasons consider that, in the 21st Century, they have become less of a secret society and more of a "society with secrets."

Reputed to date back to the time of Solomon, Masonry is a vast transcontinental organisation, with fraternal brotherhood and a firm belief in God as central tenets. Charitable activities mostly concentrate around indigent Masons, with Masons expected to offer material and spiritual assistance. In true spirit of brotherhood, masons also rally around the families of deceased fellow Masons and considerately provide the families with generous grants, educate the children, assist with medical facilities and help to look after the support needs of elderly survivors. The charitable activities of the District Grand Lodge of Madras mainly involve assisting deserving students through scholarships to pursue higher studies and providing medical assistance to underprivileged people. In the last 30 years, the charity aspect of Masonry has increased dramatically, with Masons spending vast amounts to build hospitals, homes and schools.

"I have just returned from a trip to Hyderabad where Masons are supporting a school for the blind, a free evening clinic, and a home for the disabled" says Lord Cornwallis.

He adds that in England alone, "Masonic charities raise in excess of £30 million a year, more than any other private charity, with a substantial part of it going to non-Masonic causes."

So where does Masonry stand in the world today? According to Lord Cornwallis, the association is thriving, and favoured greatly in Europe and Russia where pre-war Masonic families are now coming back into the fold. "People who value decency, truth and integrity will take to this culture" he says, pointing out that Masonry is religion free, disciplined, open, builds character and promotes brotherhood.

On his fifth visit to the city, accompanied by his wife Lady Stephanie, Lord Cornwallis considers Chennai special. "It's like coming home to old friends, the warmth and openness is wonderful. I am greeted by people I have known for over 30 years."

DEVIKA NATARAJAN