March 2008

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RW DGM' s MESSAGE FOR MARCH 2008

THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE

Over the last few weeks I have had cause to consider and ponder over the achievements of some of our people – by whom I mean particularly our Brethren in meeting some of our pre-set goals. I shall not mention any names so as to avoid missing any performers because of a lapse of memory, but readers familiar with our District will, I am sure, have no difficulty in placing names in the appropriate slots. Much the best practice of so called Masonic secrecy !

The Cornwallis Home had a short but chequered history. After purchase of the 3 acres of land in 1999, nothing much happened till February 2003 when a Task Force constituted to progress this project met in F.M. Hall at my instance. At the time we did not even have all the proper Title Deeds and therefore Objectives and Targets were set and it is a matter of satisfaction that the Task Force achieved all that was set before them leading to the inauguration in December 2006 by Lord Cornwallis.

Then for a whole year 2007 we had no applicants, despite all efforts and the various ‘negotiations’ to place our Cornwallis Masonic Home on the assigned Market – for the comfort and occupancy of Elders. After many fruitless searches, expense, and a considerable number of hours of consultation, over a period of twelve months, since the inauguration in December 2006, this Market had to be abandoned for total want of interest from the designated community. In the meantime, Bank interest and E.M.Is. had to be met, for which again on my request, Brethren sprang to our aid with donations and loans and commitments were met including final payments on all undisputed contracts for the building.

In the meanwhile, anticipating this lack of interest from our target market, we were investigating other possibilities of revenue and an obvious client in the Bangalore International Airport Ltd., (BIAL) at Devanahalli was approached again through the good offices of Brethren. Negotiations commenced about three months ago, and without too much fuss and bother a reasonable lease arrangement was arrived at by our representatives with BIAL who in turn were, we feel, appreciative of our charitable intent and objectives, gave us considerate treatment without detriment to their own interests.

The next cause for satisfaction was the District Investiture Meeting at Hyderabad last month where again people gave all of us reasons to be happy. First, the Brethren of Lodge Golconda, with just 29 members put on a grand show belying their small number, and totally erasing any misgivings one might have had before the event which was professionally managed. The meeting went very well, the refreshments were excellent and the festive Board unique in a Hyderabadi style its very own.

The Hotels could have been better, but here again one was impressed by the quality of the service staff who pleasantly made up for the deficiencies of the infrastructure – in other words the Capital was deficient but the Labour (the People) were excellent, despite the odds. Infrastructure or capital can be more easily built – the Team, takes time to build, to acculturate, and to understand the principles that should guide them.

So we salute our Brethren and all the People who make our lives more meaningful and pleasant, depending on what roles they are called upon to play, in and out of the Lodge.

This message, therefore, may be considered one conveying thanks to all those who have made my life and work more satisfying and successful. God Bless you all !