| ADYAR has its own atmosphere-
powerful, peaceful, beautiful-especially perceptible when all is quiet.
The annual international Convention adds its own special flavour,
familiar to residents and regular delegates and yet unique every year.
The influx of members from different parts of India and from many
other countries brings added vitality. This year 1,177 delegates registered
for the Convention.
The event itself is preceded by weeks of preparation.
Much has to be planned and executed in advance. When Convention
begins, things should run smoothly, unobtrusively, seemingly of
their own accord. It is a good sign if some delegates are astonished
when they hear, in the vote of thanks at the closing session, how
many Departments have been involved before and during the event.
But the outer organization (although indispensable)
is a background for what is built up during the Convention week
itself. The theme, and the lectures and talks based on that theme,
contribute largely to the uniqueness of each Convention. The 2002
keynote was 'The Spiritual Regeneration of Humanity'. All the contributions,
without exception, highlighting that theme in different ways, profound,
sometimes unexpected or humorous, were of excellent quality. Such
subjects as 'Witness the Dawn', 'To Be Forever Young', 'The Rule
of Law and Religion' (the Besant Lecture, by Mr Justice C.S. Dharmadhikari),
'Teachers, Interpreters and Teachings' and 'To Know is to Serve',
cast light on the theme from different angles.
Convention provides an opportunity for various
business meetings: The General Council (the governing body of the
Society worldwide), the Indian Section Council (the Indian Section
Convention also being held at this time) and other bodies convene
then.
Art always adds beauty to the Convention, and
delegates and guests enjoyed the singing of Devashish Dey and a
fine dance drama on 'Akbar-the Theosophical Emperor', specially
prepared for the occasion. There was an opportunity to participate
in community singing and attend ceremonies of the Mystic Star and
the Round Table. A meditation session and a devotional meeting each
created a very profound atmosphere.
As usual, the Social Welfare Centre welcomed
delegates to touching performances by some of the 'tiny tots' who
spend their days there. Delegates also visited, during lunch hours,
the Olcott School, the Library, the Museum and the Archives, where
a special exhibition had been organized.
It was a most successful Convention, thanks
to the participation of all, including the many delegates who encouraged
us with their appreciation.
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