By SUNIL SONKER
Mussoorie, 24 Jun: In a celebration of unity and compassion, Lodge Dalhousie No. 10, the Freemasons’ lodge based in Mussoorie, observed Universal Brotherhood Day with a display of community participation and social commitment. A Brotherhood Rally was taken out from Mussoorie’s Jhulaghar to the Dalhousie Lodge House, symbolising the Freemasons’ enduring message of peace, equality, and fraternity. Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal organizations, with its roots dating back to the early 1700s in Europe. It was introduced in India in 1730, with its first lodge established in Kolkata. Lodge Dalhousie No. 10, Mussoorie stands as one of the oldest lodges in the Himalayan region, boasting a heritage of nearly 300 years. Affiliated with the Grand Lodge of India, it continues to uphold the traditions of character-building, personal discipline, and social responsibility. The mission of Freemasonry is to Building Better Individuals for a Better Society. Freemasonry is neither a religious sect nor a secret society. Rather, it is a private brotherhood of individuals who strive for personal growth, ethical conduct, and humanitarian service. Members of the lodge participate in symbolic rituals and traditions designed to instil discipline, truth, brotherhood, and selflessness.
Senior Freemasons Ranbir Singh, Pramod Sahni, Man Mohan Singh Karanwal and Shailender Karanwal shared at the event that the core philosophy of the organisation is to shape individuals into more compassionate and responsible human beings, who can then contribute meaningfully to society.
In Mussoorie, the local chapter of Lodge Dalhousie has been actively involved in a wide range of community welfare activities, including providing educational support to underprivileged children, skill development and empowerment programmes for women, organising free medical camps and health awareness drives, environmental cleanliness and tree plantation initiatives, disaster relief and emergency aid during natural calamities. These initiatives are carried out both independently and in collaboration with local authorities and NGOs, making a tangible difference in the lives of the needy.
The Brotherhood Rally, carried out through the heart of Mussoorie, saw participation from Freemasons, civic leaders, and local citizens. Dressed in ceremonial regalia, lodge members carried placards and banners highlighting values like universal brotherhood, tolerance, service, and peace. Following the rally, a dialogue and tea session was organised at the Lodge premises. During this event, the lodge’s historical contributions and ongoing programmes were showcased. Speakers emphasised the need for ethical leadership, mutual respect, and community involvement in today’s world. “Freemasonry is not about secrecy, it is about sacred values — truth, charity, and fraternity. At Lodge Dalhousie No. 10, we work silently but consistently to make individuals better, and society stronger,” said Nitish Mohan Aggarwal senior member of the Lodge. Freemasonry’s quiet yet impactful presence in Mussoorie continues to grow through its time-tested values and forward-thinking community engagement. The celebration of Universal Brotherhood Day served not only as a moment of pride for its members but also as an inspiration for the broader community to embrace compassion, cooperation, and universal harmony. On the occasion Sharad Gupta, Suresh Aggarwal, Amit Vaish, Vinesh Sanghal, Suvigya Sabarwal, Vipul Mittal, Anshul Mittal, Arjun Kaintura, Feroz Ali, Shalabh Garg and many others were present.
