En: 51th Grand Festival of Grand Lodge of India

Freemasonry is Universal, being spread over the four quarters of the Globe, spreading the message of Love of God and Love of all created Beings. The message of Brotherly Love transcending all barriers of race, creed, colour, religion and nationality is unique to this Fraternity which is probably the only truly Secular society of men in the world. Although established as small units to protect the secrets of the trade and ensuring fair treatment to all its qualified men in the phase of Operative Masonry, this movement later transformed into a Speculative or rather Free and Accepted Fraternity tends to make good men better by its teachings and Symbolism. The tenets of the Craft drew eminent men to its fold thus giving credibility and convincing evidence of the goodness of its basic principles. It is not only the elite in the society who provided the sustenance to the Craft through the ages but the deep-rooted commitment, attachment and enthusiasm of the Millions of its members, although not so advanced in their personal lives, yet thought it fit to give their utmost to spread the message of Brotherly Love and through it, the Message of Freemasonry to the whole world. These foot-soldiers of Masonry were responsible for the propagation of the Craft throughout the world.

51th Grand Festival of Grand Lodge of India

Because of such widespread prevalence of the Craft we are able to enjoy the Brotherhood across many Nations. It is this bonding that calls for an interaction between the Members of the Craft in different parts of the Globe from time to time. Hence the idea of a World Conference at periodic intervals for the Brethren of the various Grand Lodges to come together and exchange their views on various aspects of the Craft and its nuances.

It is an honour and privilege for the Grand Lodge of India to have been given the chance to host such a conference for the second time in ten years. Freemasonry in India is growing steadily, albeit at a rather slow pace. We have a lot many young Brethren deeply committed to the ideals of Freemasonry who are its torch bearers today. So Freemasonry is bound to progress in this Country.

India is a vast country with diverse cultures, languages and customs. Freemasonry transcends such barriers and brings such men together under the umbrella of the Grand Lodge of India. We cordially invite the Brethren of all the Grand Lodges in Amity with us to travel to India and participate in this Historic event. I am confident that our visitors will cherish the memory of their visit to this Great Country with a Civilisation which dates back to more than 5000 years and carry very pleasant memories of their visit. I am confident that they will also establish lasting friendship with our Brethren who they would interact with.

WELCOME TO INDIA! M.W.Bro. Capt. Dr. B. Balaram Biswakumar