Open House & Medical Camp – Pune 2023

On Sunday, 28^th May 2023, the Leslie Wilson Lodge No. 4880 EC under the aegis of The District Grand Lodge of Bombay organized an Open House and Medical Camp for the benefit of Freemasons, their families, friends and members of the public.

3 sessions on introduction to Freemasonry, the Temple, principal officers of the Lodge and other important implements used within the Lodge were explained. These sessions were conducted at 10.30am, 1pm and 3.30pm

The setting of the Temple and the seating arrangements were of a mock meeting. The Masons were dressed in their full Masonic Regalia. Various implements such as Charity Box, Ballot Box, Working tools of all 3 degrees, Aprons of all 3 degrees, rough & perfect ashlar, VSL, chequered pavement, Letter ‘G’, All seeing Eye etc were displayed with signages explaining each of these as relevant to Freemasonry.

After the members of public and officers of the Lodge were seated, the District Grand Director of Ceremonies announced that the Deputy District Grand Master VWBro. Devesh Hingorani was outside the door of the Lodge and was requesting admission. The Dy.DGM was then received and welcomed into the Lodge.

The Master of Ceremonies – WBro. K Balasubramanian (for 2 sessions) and Bro. Renson Vas (for 1 session) provided the introduction as mentioned above. After the introductions, the WM provided his short address and then handed over the chair to the Dy.DGM. The Dy.DGM then went on to explain the hierarchy of Freemasonry – the United Grand Lodge of England and the District Grand Lodge of Bombay. A short video was then played capturing some photos of the Grand Lodge & MW Grand Master, District Grand Lodge & RW District Grand Master, temples of Khadki, Devlali, Nagpur, Bhusawal etc. charity projects undertaken ending with a video of a Mason talking about his journey in Freemasonry. After the video, explanation of the working tools was provided (1^st degree WT in the 1^st session – by Bro, Yezad Dumasia, 2^nd degree WT in the 2^nd session – by Bro. Col. Kaizad Bhaya and 3^rd degree WT in the 3^rd session – by Bro. Mandar Gadre respectively). The floor was then open for question and answers and the members of the public asked pertinent questions related to charity, how Freemasonry is relevant in modern times, women as Freemasons etc. The session ended with all singing the National Anthem.

The visitors then moved around the Temple to view and observe various implements that were on display. Members of the Lodge were available to interact with the visitors and answer any queries that they had.

After the open house, the visitors were asked to proceed to the Medical Camp wherein Bro. Dr. Amol Talaulikar (Urologist) and Bro. Dr. Himanshu Bapat (Allergist & Immunologist), both members of the Leslie Wilson Lodge No. 4880 EC were present for consultation. The Lodge had a tie up with a laboratory who conducted tests such as Haemogram, S. Creatinine, HbA1c, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). While no charges were applicable to Masons and their families, members of the public had to pay a nominal charge of Rs. 100 which was added to the Benevolent / Charity Fund.

Refreshments like sandwiches, tea, coffee and fruit juice were provided to all attendees.

The attendance for the Open House & medical camp was very encouraging, with over 70 persons including family members attended in addition to over 35 Masons and their families.

The local newspapers covered the pre-event write up, provided below –

https://www.punekarnews.in/pune-open-house-on-may-28-to-spread-awareness-about-freemasonry/

https://maharashtralokmanch.com/2023/05/22/organizing-an-open-house-to-reduce-the-stigma-about-the-organization-freemasonry/

https://mpcnews.in/pune-organized-an-open-house-to-reduce-the-stigma-about-the-organization-freemasonry-351751/