We’re no secret organisation, say Freemasonry

To dispel notions of it being a secret society, the Freemasonry is conducting a three-day exhibition on its origins and working at Goshamahal

Regional Grand Master Retna Raj Sushil Raj (right) along with others members during an exhibitions on 'Freemasonry and Masonic Activities' at Goshamahal Baradari Masonic Building in Hyderabad on Saturday. — Photo: Nagara Gopal

What is common to Socrates, Henry Ford, Swami Vivekananda, C. Rajagopalachari and Ashok Gajapathi Raju?

All of them are apparently part of the Freemasonry — one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies.

To dispel the notion that the society is secretive in nature, the Freemasons of Hyderabad are organising a three-day exhibition highlighting the ‘Masonic activities’ and ‘Origins of Freemasonry’ here at the Goshamahal Baradari Masonic Building.

“There is a common misconception that we are a secretive organisation. Certain aspects of our society like teachings and rituals are not open to the public. We are more of a private organisation,” said Regional Grand Master Retna Raj Sushil Raj, who inaugurated the exhibition here on Saturday.

The exhibits comprised Masonic literature, posters, photographs, regalia, stamps and cutlery.

“The people featured on the stamps, issued by Indian Government, are directly or indirectly related to the Freemasonry.

Famous members

For instance, noted playback singer Kishore Kumar, though not a freemason, is featured because he was a leader for a meeting organised by his freemason brother Ashok Kumar,” claimed K.P. Achar, Member and in-charge of the Goshamahal Bardari Study Circle.

Others featured on the stamps include Swami Vivekananda, Neil Armstrong, Mozart, Beethoven and Motilal Nehru among others.

The photographs illustrate various Masonic symbols built into the monuments and the origin of Goshamahal Bardari Masonic Building, which was gifted by the Nizam of Hyderabad to the Freemasonry in 1933.

The posters throw light on the history and working principles of the Freemasonry. A separate section on Sir Salarjung the Mason was also on display.