Bengaluru Freemasons celebrate Universal Brotherhood Day

Bengaluru: The Freemasons of Bangalore celebrated ‘Universal Brotherhood Day’ on Tuesday at the Freemasons’ Hall on Primrose Road.

Often perceived as a secretive society with rituals and coded traditions, Freemasonry observes Universal Brotherhood Day on June 24 to foster openness and share its activities with the public.

The first Grand Lodge, the governing body for Freemasonry in a region, was established in England on June 24, 1717.

This year’s event centered on a 'Say No to Drugs' campaign to raise awareness about drug abuse.

Freemason R Ramabhadran spoke about the fraternity’s core values — brotherly love, relief, and truth — and offered a glimpse into the workings of its lodges.

Bengaluru currently has 24 lodges, he said.

The programme also featured a motivational talk by Ramani Iyer, co-founder of Just Dial. Arun Chakravarthy, ADGP, Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, Bengaluru, was the chief guest.