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RW DGM' s MESSAGE FOR AUGUST 2008

RIGHT AND WRONG

I have come to believe, on observation of present-day events and behaviour, that most people have not been introduced to what’s right and what’s patently wrong.

This distinction and essential difference, needs to be inculcated in all of us from a very tender age by parents, teachers and elders, so that as one matures, it does not take more than a moment to perceive a wrong – motive, action or even thought. There will be instances where a very fine line divides the two and where, for instance, white lies or diplomatic diversions from the truth are justifiable.

Our sense of civic proprieties and behaviour has always been a bit on the weak side, but the pace of modern life has caused that awareness to deteriorate even further. Simple acts such as waiting for a lift to offload its passengers before barging in, as if the elevator with attendant will take off unannounced. Queues even at airports are meant to be side stepped, without as much as a by-your-leave. I mention airports as it is supposed to be a more elitist place but sadly there’s nothing elitist about the behaviour often noticed there. Masons, we hope, will reflect the right attitudes both publicly and privately, in keeping with the obligations we have taken.

This month we meet in Bangalore for our half-yearly District meeting, and more importantly even, to celebrate the Centenary of Lodge Southern Brotherhood. It is expected that more than 300 Brethren of our District will foregather there, and we look forward with keen anticipation to this fraternal get-together. Our meetings are always conducted in good order and with great decorum, thanks to the co-operation, discipline and patience of our Brethren. Let us continue to provide a good example.

Let me close by congratulating the brethren of the Centenary Lodge for their successful transit though the last 100 years and hope and pray that they will continue that progress through to the next ten decades and beyond.