Open House (White Table Event) Organized By Lodge Gomantak No. 248 on 20th December, 2014

After the Regular Lodge Meeting of Lodge Gomantak No. 248 on 20th December 2014, an Open House (White Table) event was organized at which spouses of the brethren, non-masons and prospective masons were invited.

W. Bro. G. Richard Gould, the Worshipful Master gave a talk on Freemasonry.







The topics covered included  an explanation of what Freemasonry is and is not(emphasising that it is not a secret society), introduction of  Offices and Officers of the Lodge, the difference between Freemasonry and other organisations, a brief history of Freemasonry,  what does Freemasonry do, and the procedure and qualifications for admission into Freemasonry.



W. Bro. Devidas V. Borkar, the Lodge Secretary gave an overview of the ranks and regalia at the Lodge, Regional Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge level and the progress of a Freemason in the organization.





A question-answer session was also held where the questions and doubts of the guests were addressed.







After the presentation, all brethren, ladies and guests attended the Festive Board at which a short audio-visual giving the point of view of a new young Freemason was shown.





At the Festive Board, a cultural evening with a Karaoke DJ, excellent fellowship and a sumptuous dinner graciously sponsored by W. Bro. Jayantilal C. Patel in celebration of his 75th Birthday and 50th Wedding Anniversary concluded the evening's programme of interaction with non-masons and prospective candidates.  





Spouses of the Brethren of the Lodge, friends and a few probable candidates attended the White Table event, which was appreciated by all.

Information on the Diabetic Camp.

Held on the 3^rd and 4^th September, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, the total number of patients screened was 37, of which 26 were found to be Diabetic. This is a 70% positive hit rate. This Camp has been instrumental in improving and prolonging the life of 26 people in the local community and must be deemed a success. 

Dr. Shreekanth Hegde, the lead Diabetologist at this new facility in Goa was pleased with the result. He is the Doctor in Charge of this world class clinic which is run at a low charge rate for the patients. This Clinic, ‘Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre’ is the first of its kind in Goa. However, it is a pan India organisation and Dr. Mohan is highly respected in this field across the world. The Centre has links with the World Health Organisation and the International Diabetes Federation. The Goa Branch can be contacted on 0832 -2462811/2462911. Appointments can also be made via email to appointments-goa@drmohans.com  or via their website http://drmohansdiabetes.com .

On Wednesday, W. Bros. D.V. Borkar, J.C. Patel and G. Richard Gould attended along with Bros. Bhanu Patel and Prasad Borkar (as photographer) attended as Greeters.

On Thursday, W. Bros. Anastacio Colaco, J.C. Patel, Pankaj Saraf, G. Richard Gould along with Bros. Bhanu Patel, V.K. Manohar attended as Greeters.

The ‘lead’ for this Camp was W. Bro. J.C. Patel and the Worshipful Master thanks both him for his efforts, Bro. Prasad Borkar as photographer and all Brethren who helped in distributing flyers for the Camp.

Universal Brotherhood Day with Shanti Avedna, Loutulim, Goa

Lodge Gomantak No.248 celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day on 24th June, 2014 at the Goa Branch of Shanti Avedna, a Hospice for terminally ill cancer patients. Brethren of the Lodge, along with their families, interacted with the sisters and voluntary workers running the hospice and the patients at the facility. The august presence of W. Bro. Yazdi E. Shroff, ARGM of the area and member of Lodge Gomantak No. 248 added colour to the visit.

Hospital supplies and medicines were presented to the Sister in charge of the hospice. Three air beds were also presented to the Sister in charge of the hospice for the use of the inmates. W. Bro. Durganand Sawardekar, a senior brother of the Lodge also donated medicines and cash to the hospice. He also personally interacted with the patients. The total value of the charity is around Rs. 25000/-.

In his remarks, W. Bro. G. Richard Gould, the W. Master lauded the good work being done by the sisters who managed the hospice and expressed the pleasure of the brethren of Lodge Gomantak for the opportunity to do their bit to assist them in alleviating the sufferings and making bearable and happy the last moments of the patients. It was also suggested that Lodge Gomantak in particular and Freemasons of India in general would be pleased to assist in any permanent project of the hospice.


The Sister in charge of the hospice thanked the brethren of Lodge Gomantak for their generosity and concern. She expressed regret that many patients in need of the services provided by the hospice did not seek admission either due to ignorance or to the social stigma attached to the disease, and suggested that brethren of Lodge Gomantak could try to educate the public in this regard.  The W. Master suggested to the brethren to use social networking and similar media to pass the message.

After the visit to Shanti Avedna, members of Lodge had a get-together as a part of the celebration of Universal Brotherhood Day. Fellowship and Dinner concluded the day’s proceedings.

Area (Joint) Meeting of the Lodges in the North Karnataka and Goa Area

The Area (Joint) Meeting of the following Lodges in the North Karnataka and Goa Area under W. Bro. Yazdi E. Shroff, P. G. Br. Of VSL, ARGM, was held at Acacia Palms Beach Resort, Colva, Goa on Saturday, 7th   June, 2014. 

 LODGE OF GOODWILL NO. 5, BELLARY, LODGE VICTORIA NO. 9, BELGAUM, LODGE HUBLI NO. 44, HUBLI, LODGE DHARWAD NO. 54, DHARWAD, LODGE GOMANTAK NO. 248, GOA, LODGE LYONS CENTENARY NO.274, HUBLI, LODGE VIJAYNAGAR NO. 279, HOSPET, KARNATAKA MASTERS’ LODGE NO.325 and LODGE KRITAPURA NO. 357, GADAG.


The Meet was hosted by Lodge Gomantak No. 248, Goa.

About 110 brethren and families from the area and Southern Region, including 8 ARGM’s, and R.W. the Regional Grand Master of RGLSI graced the occasion by their presence.



W. Bro. G. Richard Gould, W. Master of Lodge Gomantak No. 248 occupied the Eastern Chair as Pro-tem W. Master.

The Pro-tem W.M. accorded a warm welcome to R. W. Bro Arvind P. Chitra, P. Dy. G. M., R. W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India, the officers of his deputation, the distinguished recipient of the LTSJ, visiting brethren and the gracious ladies and families attending the meeting.

He expressed the hope that all present would enjoy the proceedings of the Meet, the sylvan surroundings of Goa and the fellowship and entertainment to follow, as also the overnight stay at the Resort. He placed on record his grateful thanks to each and every one of the brethren of Lodge Gomantak who have toiled hard to make the event a success. He thanked R.W. the Regional Grand Master and W. Bro. Shroff, W. ARGM for their advice and encouragement which motivated lodge brethren to put in their best efforts. He thanked the Management of Acacia Palms Beach Resort for coming up with a truly especial package for the event and extending their full cooperation in making impeccable arrangements for the Meet.

W. Bro. Yaxdi E. Shroff, ARGM of North Karnatak and Goa Area welcomed R. W. Bro A. P. Chitra, P. Dy. G. M., R. W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India, the officers of his deputation, the distinguished recipient of the LTSJ, visiting brethren and the gracious ladies and families attending the meeting, and expressed his happiness at the overwhelming response of all brethren from the area and the region to our invitation for the area meet and the excellent arrangements the host Lodge had made for their comfortable stay and convenience.

The Pro-tem W.M. then conducted the ceremony for the presentation of Long Term Service Jewels to the distinguished recipient W. Bro. Mahesh Gajanan Nagarsekar - 25 years (L248) .

The prayer was said by the Chaplain W. Bro. Pankaj Saraf. The Pro-tem Secretary W. Bro. D. V. Borkar read the detailed Masonic Bio-data of the distinguished recipient.




R. W. Bro Arvind P. Chitra, P. Dy. G. M., R. W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India for and on behalf of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of India ceremoniously presented the Long Term Service Jewel to the distinguished recipient.

W. Bro. Anastasio Colaco felicitated W. Bro. Mahesh Gajanan Nagarsekar on receiving the award.

W. Bro. Mahesh Nagarsekar responded warmly to the felicitations.

R. W. Bro Arvind P. Chitra, P. Dy. G. M., R. W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India then addressed the Meeting. In his address, he congratulated the distinguished recipient for the well deserved honour conferred on him. He expressed his happiness at the fact that over 110 brethren and their families, including 8 ARGM’s had graced the occasion by their presence. He complimented W. Bro. Shroff and the brethren of Lodge Gomantak for the impeccable arrangements for the Meet.



The Pro-tem W.M. then presented R. W. Bro Arvind P. Chitra, P. Dy. G. M., R. W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India with a memento on behalf of the Area Meet and the host Lodge, Lodge Gomantak No. 248.

Secretaries/W.M.s/Brethren of the Lodges in the Area presented Reports of their respective Lodges.

In his address to the Brethren, R. W. the Regional Grand Master complimented the Lodge Secretaries on their excellent reports and the performance and projected activities of each Lodge. He also made specific suggestions to each Lodge and advised the brethren to emulate and adopt the best practices of other Lodges. He exhorted all Lodges to seriously undertake the task of increasing their membership.



In the evening, the brethren and their families participated in a variety entertainment programme of dance & music, excellent fellowship and a sumptuous dinner. They also participated in a raffle organized by the Lodge in the cause of charity.

An arrangement for the overnight stay of all delegates and families was made at the Resort, which was appreciated by all.

Early the next morning, delegates and their families participated enthusiastically in a “Zumba Dance” session under the guidance of Zumba Instructor Miss Zaver Shroff, daughter of W. Bro. Yazdi E. Shroff, ARGM.

Later, after a sumptuous breakfast, delegates attended a Workshop for Lodge Directors of Ceremonies” led by R. W. Bro A. P. Chitra. W. Bro. M. Padmakumar, P. Dy. RGM was the Principal faculty for the workshop. The workshop helped clear many doubts and misunderstandings about conduct of Lodge meetings and ceremonies and the role of Directors of Ceremonies therein.

After a hearty fellowship and a delicious lunch, delegates departed in a happy and relaxed mood, carrying with them happy memories of the meet.

(Photographs of the Event are available HERE)

Invitation to Area Meet 2014

Our beloved R.W. the Regional Grand Master has accorded us the privilege of hosting the Area Meet of our Area (N. Karnataka & Goa) under ARGM W. Bro. Yazdi E. Shroff.

It will be held on Saturday, 7th June 2014 at Acacia Palms Beach Resort, Colva, Salcete, Goa.

The Invitation Letter and Registration form can be viewed from HERE or downloaded from HERE

Please Register by 30th May 2014 to ensure your reservation.

Please Note :
Brethren may pay their Registration fee directly in our Bank Account.

Please send the registration form along with details of payment to the Organizing Secretary.

BANK DETAILS:

ACCOUNT NAME: LODGE GOMANTAK NO. 248

BANK NAME: KARNATAKA BANK LTD., PONDA BRANCH

ACCOUNT NO. 2632500100228601

IFSC CODE: KARB0000263

Bro. Godfrey Richard Gould Installed In The Eastern Chair of Lodge Gomantak, And V. W. Bro. Prakash Gaunekar Presented With 25-Year Long-Term Service Jewel in a Twin Ceremony

The Twin Ceremony of the 33rd Annual Installation of Lodge Gomantak No. 248 and presentation of 25- year Long Term Service Jewel was held on Sunday, 2nd February, 2014, at Jai Kieran Hall, Ramnathi, Goa.








Bro. Godfrey Richard Gould was ceremoniously placed in the Chair of King Solomon by W. Bro. Pankaj V. Saraf, Past Master of the Lodge.







The Lodge had the privilege of the gracious presence of R.W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India, R.W. Bro. R. Sushil Raj at the ceremony. R.W. Bro. R. Sushil Raj also delivered the address to the incoming W. Master.

W. Bro. G. Richard Gould then appointed and invested his Officers for the year 2013-14.





After the ceremony of Installation, the Lodge was thrown open to ladies and non-masons in an open house ceremony for the presentation of 25 years Long Term Service Jewel to V. W. Bro. Prakash T. Gaunekar, P.Dy.R.G.M., G.Br. V.S.L., P.G.D of C.




R.W. the Regional Grand Master of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India, R.W. Bro. R. Sushil Raj presented the Jewel and Certificate to V.W. Bro. Prakash T. Gaunekar on behalf of M.W. the Grand Lodge of Free, Ancient and Accepted Masons of India.

W. Bro. Devidas V. Borkar felicitated the recipient on behalf of the brethren, and V. W. Bro. Prakash Gaunekar responded warmly to the feliciatation.






Mrs. Pushpa Gaunekar as well as family member and friends of V. W. Bro. Prakash Gaunekar witnessed the open ceremony.






Mrs. Hilary Gould, spouse of the Incoming W. Master, who is herself a Freemason in England, also
witnessed the open ceremony.






The twin ceremonies were attended by brethren of Lodge Gomantak in large numbers.





Visiting brethren from the Region as well as from abroad also attended the twin ceremonies.






These included  Bro. Austin Ellis (Salfire #1505 UGLE) W. Bro. Jason Malseed (Ostrea #8209 UGLE), W. Bro. Dennis S. Matthews (Belvedere #2505UGLE), W. Bro. M. C. Thakkar, ARGM (Lyons Cent#274), V. W. Bro. P. A. Singala (Lyons Cent#274), W. Bro. Yashkaran Singh (Dharwad#54), W. Bro Ujjval Joshi, ARGM (KML#325),


W. Bro. Dr. Navin Mankavi, Ruling Master of Lodge Dharwad#54, W. Bro. Vishal Chirania, , Ruling Master of Lodge of Goodwill #5 Bellari, W. Bro. Yashkaran Singh (Dharwad#54), W. Bro.Jayakar B. Malliah, , Ruling Master of  KML#325, W. Bro. Dr. V. G. Govekar (Victoria#9), W. Bro. S. V. Kittur (Victoria#9),W. Bro. J. K. Mehta (Victoria#9), V. W. Bro. A. G. Saraff (Victoria#9), W. Bro. D. B. Masur (Dharwad#54),

W. Bro. D. P. Dayanand (Dharwad#54), W. Bro.O. S. Mudareddi,  (Dharwad#54), W. Bro. Dr. H. L. Mankavi (Dharwad#54), W. Bro. C. V. Angadi (Dharwad#54), W. Bro. Ramesh Nikam (Dharwad#54), W. Bro. C. M. Aiyappa (KML#325), W. Bro. R. Narayan Rao Jadhav (KML#325),  W. Bro. D. V. Nagmule (Lyons Cent#274), W. Bro. Mohan Hulkoti (Kritapura (#357) and many others.

 
The evening ended with a festive board and fellowship which included a cultural programme and was enjoyed by all.

(Additional Photos Here)