Of late, Indian women have started having a larger say in the way society functions and projects itself.
An example of this is Sadhana Rao, the first woman member of Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), London. In a first of a kind initiative, she is laying the foundation of 'Women Freemasons of India' (WFI), through a series of ceremonies at the DLF City Club-3 in Gurugram, Haryana, from November 26.
Freemasonry has existed in India since 1729, and some eminent persons who have been a part of this movement are Swami Vivekananda, Dr. C. Rajagopalachari and Dr. Rajendra Prasad et al.
Speaking to ANI over phone, Sadhana Rao revealed her reasons for launching a similar sort of movement with women in India.
She said, "I have been associated with my husband, who is an active free mason and used to help the male fraternity. A question then arose as to why don't we get our own identities as woman freemasons in India like there is an existing one in the U.S. and the U.K. That made me say, why not bring it to India and involve other active ladies. There were many, who were quite eager to do this work for their own identity."
She informed that the function will be a grand eleven-day event, from November 26 to December 6, and will include 'Initiate,' 'Pass' and 'Raise' 20 Indian women to the 'Sublime Degree of a Master Mason.'
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The first Lodge in India-Lodge Bharati-56 will also be consecrated, she added.
Rao said, "I think there will be 20 ladies, who will be groomed to become future master masons or active masons. A series of ceremonies- first degree, second degree and third degree will take place, and at the end of which, the candidates will be raised to the level of master masons and ultimately they will form the lodge. The ceremonies will be conducted by 20 delegates, who will be coming from the U.K, and who are active grand launch officers."
Sharing her vision for WFI, she said the motto is "to spread Freemasonry because ultimately we will be making the community more pleasant place to live in."
"To begin with, we plan to have four meetings in a year. The place and time will be decided by the members. There is a dress code- a black skirt, white blouse, black stocking and shoe, and white gloves, Regalia and robe for a master mason is needed," she said, adding, "The main principles in Freemasonry is charity. We are going to highlight girl education that is the theme for the coming year.