[ We have received numerous requests for posting
speeches and orations by eminent freemasons, so that we can draw
inspiration from those speeches. We are collecting the materials from different
sources. Late R.W.Bro. Dr. Jaya Chamaraja Wadeyar
Bahadur Past Deputy Grand Master, the Late Maharaja of
Mysore, Former Governor of State of Madras was a great scholar in
Philosophy, Sanskrit and several other subjects. His speeches exhibited great
erudition and depth of knowledge. He was initiated on 9 th June 1956
in Lodge Mysore (No.34), one of the
oldest Lodges in India having obtained the Warrant dated 23-8-1879. His speech responding to the toast of the initiate
is a masterpiece. We are commencing the series of Famous Speeches and Orations with the Late Maharaja’s
speech, reproduced below-
Moderator]
“ In responding to the toast proposed by W.Bro.Mallradhya,
I am called upon this evening to make a speech, quite unlike and absolutely
different from the post prandial
speaking to which I have been accustomed to, during the last twenty years. It is
just over two or three hours, since I passed through the ceremony of initiation.
I have had a most exciting, curious and unexpected experience. Every movement
within the Lodge and every word spoken during the ceremony must have doubtless a
meaning and significance. Naturally, one would require adequate time to
comprehend its true import. I am grateful to the W.M and Brethren of
Mysore Lodge to have made it possible for me to be admitted to the
mysteries and privileges of the Craft. Need, I say, that I have been greatly
impressed by the Ceremony, which perhaps
marks the first stage of my
Masonic career. I look forward to greater enlightenment and inspiration in the
higher degrees of the Craft.
I have been attracted to Freemasonry of my own freewill
and accord, because it is an International Brotherhood with worldwide interests
and its spirit appears as comprehensive and embracing as the globe itself. This
brotherhood represents
an idealism in which national and racial boundaries find no place.
Freemasonry places the fact
of God, the Great Architect of the Universe, the Creator of all things in the
forefront of its teaching. It recognizes no specific religion, but emphasizes
the Universality of all religious faiths. From the limited experience, I have
had of my formal admission to the Fraternity
this evening, I see that there is a religious spirit underlying the whole
symbolic teaching of Masonry. It seems to me that apart from the rituals and
symbols peculiar to it, the object of Masonry
is generally to make the world a better, brighter and happier place to
live in. These are some of the more important and characteristic features of the
institution, which have had the greatest appeal to me and that is how I find
myself to be one with you from now onwards.
This is a happy occasion on which many members of the
Masonic Fraternity are assembled. The quintessence of all religions Viz, the
Fatherhood of God and
the Brotherhood of Man form the creed of every Mason and I see that
the true spirit of Masonry pervades the entire atmosphere in this delightful
festive board.
Light—Light—and more Light
is what all of us need in
abundant measure. Most of us would remember the story of that Greek Philosopher
Diogenes, who used to walk about the streets of Athens with a lighted lantern in
his hand even during the day time. Children used to follow him about and make
fun of him for doing that. But, when intelligent and grown up folk asked him why
he carried a lighted lantern, Diogenes used to say “ what we need in the World
is intellectual illumination”.
Many of our students including
girl pupils, either being too careless or too lazy, get caught by the
Police for riding their bicycles without a light. As a matter of fact, 80% of
the people in cities ride without a light, even though they are fully conscious
that they will get caught. Light is essential for one’s own self protection,
for, the law merely emphasizes that we need light for our own safety. We refuse
to carry a light or shall I say, we prefer to remain un-enlightened
intellectually and metaphorically. This is the tragedy of human existence.
We were all at one time in darkness and we sought the
eternal light and the enlightened ones among us got that light. The light that
we got is not merely the light of intellectual illumination that Diogenes
referred to, but also the light of ethical perfection, a better set of morals, a
higher code of ethics and better living standards based on charity, helpfulness
and sympathy.
As members of this great and Universal Fraternity, we
should indulge on occasions like this in a little introspection and ask
ourselves , “ Do we have light in the Masonic Brotherhood?” Echo answers
“Yes”, if we are true Masons. If we
have light, we have fellowship. I can not forget this glorious night when I
first saw the light of a new ideal, the thrill of a new inspiration and I shall
pledge myself to see that the vision splendid does not fade into the light of
common day. It is my first conviction that our frequent
contacts in assemblies like this would help to keep that light just as
bright as when I saw it, if not brighter.
If we think for a moment of the historic past of
Freemasonry, one would realize that it is a most wonderful institution. It is
not merely because of its glorious past that Freemasonry claims our loyalty, but
also because , it has a great mission to fulfill in the
present age and a contribution to make to the future of humanity, as
stated by W.Bro. Mallaradya. Here within
the fold of our Fraternity, men differing in language in modes of thought, in
dress and in habits of life, are able to meet around a common altar, share a
common hope and seek a common ideal.
We, Masons have a great task to perform. We are builders of
a great city yet to be. Since the dawn of civilization, many cities have been
built-some have been selfish and sordid, none has been perfect. Jerusalem has
been termed the city of faith, Rome, the city of law, Athens, the city of
Philosophy, London, the city of Liberty and
Mysore, the city of Beauty. There is still one city yet to be built. The
building of that city is our special task, our sacred responsibility and our
rare privilege and that city is the City of Fraternity.
Masonically we are heirs of past. Our Masonic ancestors
gave the craft devotion, loyalty and faith and made it an illustrious
institution in the world. It should be our religious duty to appreciate and
conserve the rich inheritance. In view of the increasing complexity of life and
the maintenance of the best and highest traditions of the Craft, great care and
concern should be displayed, if Freemasonry has to function in the best
interests of humanity. It has been truly said, that an inspired and inspiring
dedication to service should be the part of every Mason’s life. Let us not
give in to skepticism. There is all the difference between a pessimist and an
optimist, in any field of human endeavour. One looks at his glass and cries
“My glass is half empty”. The optimist looks and exclaims “My glass is
half full”.
Brethren, let me close with a note of buoyant optimism and
also a word of caution that masonry is not always on trial, but we, as Masons,
are perpetually on trial. Let us remind ourselves that Masonry represents
Manhood at its best and let me venture to express the hope that in building the
City of Fraternity or what
W.M Mallaradya more appropriately calls it, the Ideal Temple of Humanity
and in fostering its growth, we shall be able to qualify ourselves to be
men of true enlightenment, character, integrity, gentility and sympathetic
understanding and Masons with a burning desire to dedicate ourselves to the
service of humanity in our own limited sphere of activity.
I thank the W.M. Mallaradya for the generous references
made to me personally and to you all for the very kindly honouring that
toast with great warmth and affection”.
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