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The celebration at the International Headquarters took place after the completion of the painting of the Headquarters Hall, which will be known – at least through photographs – to many members world wide. The Hall was fittingly decorated with plants, particularly around the statues of the Principal Co-Founders of the TS, Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, and the atmosphere was uplifting.
Following some opening remarks by Mr Sriram Panchu, Mrs Radha Burnier welcomed those present including the Guest of Honour, the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Honourable Justice H.L. Gokhale.
Justice Gokhale spoke about Brotherhood as a fundamental principle, which can only be sustained if liberty and equality exist between all. He mentioned examples of some Indians who have been influenced by Theosophy such as Jawaharlal Nehru, who was associated closely with Dr Annie Besant and who contributed greatly to the life of India, as well as Gandhi.
After some concluding remarks by Mrs Radha Burnier, members present had an opportunity to offer flowers in memory of Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott, who were pivotal in pioneering our Society and making Theosophy known to the world in the modern era.
Foundation Day Significance
The Theosophical Society was founded in New York on 17 November 1875 when Col. Olcott delivered his Inaugural Address. This date is celebrated throughout the Theosophical Society as Foundation Day, when the thoughts of members turn to the significance of the foundation of the Theosophical Society.