Skirret is the official newsletter of Lodge Srinivasa Gopala No. 190. This is the 4th Edition edition released in Aug 2020

1. WBro. G. Arul Selvam
EAdmin
RWBro. Bharat V. Epur OSM
Secretary
WBro. D. Manivannan
Editor
Bro. Rajesh Vincent
Layout Designer
Lodge Srinivasa Gopala No. 190 Magnum Opus Masonica
Monthly Newsletter | Issue 4 | August 2020
My dear Brethren and family members of Brethren of Lodge
Srinivasa Gopala,
Hope you must have read and enjoyed the third issue of our
monthly Newsletter - SKIRRET !
Having improved in contents, this fourth issue is going to be
more interesting with addition of "Ladies Corner" which will be
compiled by our Bro.Sureshkumar Chouraria. Ladies of our
Brethren’s families can post interesting activities from their side
apart from their thoughts on women upliftment, cookery recipes,
health tips etc.!!
On Lodge side, we did Charity of providing Handsfree Sanitizer
at the DGP Head-Quarters, which is sentimentally connected
with us Masons as having once been the Freemasons’ Hall. This is
a proud moment for us.
Apart from the current activities in SKIRRET, we look forward
to more contributions from our Brethren and their Families with
more Aroma to the Newsletter ". In spite of the Pandemic
lockdown, technology is in the forefront where many of us
Brethren are getting connected virtually, a lot is being explored
to enjoy the real Brotherhood in Masonry in Google platform
every fortnight. Thanks to WBro. Manivannan for organising all
the CIF activities and Bro. Rajesh Vincent for assisting him #.
My fraternal greetings to you all Brethren ".
Message from W. Master
WBro. P. K. Bhupathy
Message from Secretary
RWBro. Bharat V. Epur OSM
Dear Brethren, Fraternal greetings to all of you!
Our Lodge’s monthly newsletter – “Skirret” – now with this edition
is four issues old. I trust that you all continue to find it useful and
informative. Our ever-ebullient W Bro D Manivannan has
introduced yet another novel element in this issue, namely, a
“Ladies Corner”, which will be looked after by our Bro Suresh Kumar
Chouraria. I hope that our ‘better halves’ get the coverage they
deserve though this initiative. I wish them well. Our Lodge
undertook two further charitable projects, viz. sourcing, funding
and installing two Hands-Free Sanitisation Stations for general
public use. The first of these was installed and inaugurated at the
Headquarters of the Director General of Police of Tamil Nadu on
the Marina. The second was installed and inaugurated at Ripon
Building, the seat of Chennai Corporation. Incidentally, both these
landmark, historic buildings have Masonic connections! I thank all
the Brethren who contributed so generously to fund these two
ventures. Our virtual activities are continuing in full swing and
have registered increased patronage and involvement among our
members. I encourage all our members, especially, all our junior
Brethren to join in these activities. Under normal circumstances,
our Regular Meetings in September and October would be the
Election (Past Masters’ Night) and Installation Meetings. These,
however, look unlikely under the present grim circumstances. We
shall take a final call closer to the dates and inform one and all
about it. Until we meet again, stay safe!
WBro. P.K Bhupathy
Worshipful Master
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The weekly Quiz in Google Form with a video has been evoking the curiosity of our
Brethren. Every question is framed with considerable research and exclusively designed
to develop the Masonic knowledge of our Brethren. CIF 40 - 43 were completed in the
last one month. Toppers, Runners-up and Participants names are announced by WM
during the Virtual Meets and e-Certificates presented to them in Lodge WhatsApp
group. We congratulate all the Winners and participants !
CIF Quiz
Xp;
Plastic surgeon Maxwell Maltz wrote in his popular book about behavior, Psycho-Cybernetics
where he said that it takes 21 days to form a habit, and hence the 21-day Rule. Phillippa Lally,
PhD, a senior researcher at University College London, published a study that found it actually
takes 66 days to form a habit.
Our CIF daily Reading Voyage has been going on since the beginning of July and we are now
half way in covering the entire Ritual Book. With lockdown for Masonic Meetings extended till
31st Sep, we will complete the Ritual Book reading and move on to the Book of Constitutions.
Once the Regular Meetings are reopened, Brethren will be ready to perform the Ceremonies,
having gone through the Ritual Book by this CIF Reading Voyage model.
Reading Voyage
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Every week a Crossword Puzzle on Masonic
Education, consisting of 10 clues, to kindle the
curiosity of our Brethren on various topics. The
same is posted in our Lodge WhatsApp group in an
Interactive format to enable Brethren conveniently
solve the puzzle from their mobile phones. Answers
to the puzzles are explained during the weekly
Virtual Meet by younger Brethren like Bro Rajesh
Vincent, Bro Balasundaram Devaraj.
‘Polyomino’ means a polyform whose cells are
squares. Square is one the three greater Lights in
Freemasonry and hence the crossword puzzle
consisting of squares is relevant as a Masonic leisure
activity.
POLYOMINO - Masonic Crossword Puzzle
By WBro. D Manivannan

2. x
The Virtual Meets we have been having on a weekly basis on Saturdays at 6 pm have been rescheduled to
fortnightly basis on Fridays from 8 pm, to suit the convenience of our Brethren who have started going
to office after the relaxation of the lockdown. The two VMs on 31st July and 14th Aug were very interesting
in different ways. Brethren feel happy connecting through this channel in the absence of the Regular
Meetings. In each VM, after the introductory remarks by WM WBro P.K.Bhupathy, WBro D.Manivannan
gives the explanations/answers for the CIF Quizzes, WM announces the names of Toppers, Runners and
Participants, younger Brethren give PPTs on Masonic topics (mentored by WBro D.Manivannan), RWBro
Bharat V.Epur gives expert add-ons on the Masonic subjects, Bro Rajesh Vincent and Bro Balasundaram
Devaraj play the Crossword Puzzles and finally Bro Rajesh Vincent gives a Vote of Thanks. On the whole,
the VMs have kept our Lodge in a vibrant mood even when there is a prohibition on physical meetings
by the Grand Lodge of India due to the pandemic..
1.58 cm
Our Lodge has donated two foot-operated Hand Wash Units at a cost of Rs.30,000
each, one to the DGP’s Office in Marina Beach and the other to the Greater Chennai
Corporation in Ripon Buildings. Both these buildings are of Masonic significance, the
Headquarters of the Tamil Nadu Police (DGP’s Office) originally built in 1839 by Lodge
Perfect Unanimity, the Freemasons Hall Temple is now the DGP’s Chamber, replete
with Masonic symbols. The Ripon Building is named after Lord Ripon, Governor
General of India and Past Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.
The Hand Wash Unit in DGP’s Office was inaugurated on 6th August 2020 by Thiru
Babu Raju IPS, Head-Stores. The unit is placed just 10 feet from Kamarajar Salai, next
to the Security booth of the PRO Gate, opposite to the Light House. WM WBro
P.K.Bhupathy, WBro D.Manivannan, Bro S.Padmanabhan and Bro Rajesh Vincent
attended. They subsequently met Smt.Shyamala Devi IPS, Addl IGP and briefed her
about our Lodge and Freemasonry in general.
The second unit was inaugurated in the Ripon Building ‘Amma Maaligai’ on Thursday
20th August by Mr.Prakash IAS, Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation.
We are grateful to the following Brethren who generously contributed to this project.
Initially the plan was to install one unit, but within 48 hours, our Brethren contributed
for two units, which shows their benevolence for a noble cause.
Hand Sanitizer unit Charity project donors: Bro Rajesh Vincent , WM Wbro. PK
Bhupathy, Bro. Rajiv Ravinathan , Bro. G. Madhu Babu , Bro. R. Balakrishnan , Bro.
Andez Raj, Bro. Ashok Kumar Mutha , Bro. ISAK Nazar, Bro. Navin L. Nichani, WBro.
D.Manivannan, Bro. Srivatsan Manivannan, Bro. Ashwin Rathod, Bro. Puneet Singh
Chadha, Bro S. Padmanabhan, Bro Vikrant Kapoor, RWBro Bharat V.Epur, Bro.
Ramgopal Sampat , Bro. Brig Mohan Bharathan , Bro Suresh Chouraria , Bro C K
Raman, Bro. B.Devraj. Total sum donated = Rs.61,000
VIRTUAL MEETING
CIF TOPPERS CIF RUNNERS UP
CIF STARS CROSSWORD TOPPERS
Hand Wash Charity Project
A healthy and tasty rice and moong dal khichdi loaded with vegetables is a perfect and easy one pot meal to enjoy for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes. Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 cup rice; 1/2 cup yellow moong dal; 1 onion, chopped; 1 potato, cut in cubes; 1/2 cup peas, fresh or frozen; 1/2 cup green beans,
chopped; 1 cup cauliflower florets; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 3-4 cloves; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon red
chilli powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala; salt to taste; 4 tablespoon oil; 4 cups water; 1/4 cup coriander leaves,chopped
Instructions: In a pressure cooker add oil, cumin seeds, cloves, bay leave and cinnamon stick. Let the cumin seeds splutter. Add onions and
saute until lightly brown in color. Once browned add chopped vegetables and stir. Now add salt, turmeric, garam masala and red chilli powder
and mix well. Add the washed and drained rice and dal and 4 cups of hot water. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 2-3 whistles. Let
the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and add chopped coriander leaves. Serve and enjoy.
Note: Adjust spices as per your taste. You may add your desired vegetables in the khichdi.
RAM KHICHDI – Recipe by Mrs.Sarita Chouraria, w/o Bro Suresh Kumar Chouraria
LADIES’ CORNER
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3. x
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Birthday Greetings
WBro V Vishwanathan Iyer
04
Wedding Anniversary Greetings
RWBro Karthik Patel
Mrs. Sonya Patel
21
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Bro Ashwin Rathod and his family have been doing many charity projects. In our Lodge projects,
Bro Ashwin has been generously contributing. In his native place in Rajasthan the Rathod family
constructed and donated a School to the Rajasthan Govt. The School accommodates 600 children,
the fees are kept at minimum level on subsidized basis and the administration and infrastructure
cost is managed by his family. We appreciate the benevolence that runs into your family Bro
Ashwin. True to being a Mason, your noble deeds are praiseworthy ! Our greetings and wishes to
you and your family at large.
Family News
Bro V. Chander Shekar
13
Bro N Krishna Kumar
17
Bro Ashwin Richie Joseph
24
Bro Dr R Ganesh
27
Bro I S A K Nazar
Mrs. Afzalunnisa
24 Bro Mohan Raghavan
Mrs. Sunitha
31
Sudoku
x
Answer for last week’s Puzzle
Masonic Crossword Puzzle
Across
________ Gaekwad III, Maharaja of Baroda, a
Freemason, who sponsored Dr Ambedkar's studies
abroad in 1913 (9)
One of the three principal moral virtues of
Freemasonry. Anagram TIHFA (5)
The promise and swearing taken in each Degree is
called this (10)
Name of the hall with rotunda in Egmore Museum
where Masonic Meetings were held in 1800 (8)
Name of the first Hindu Freemason in India,
Initiated in Lodge of Perfect Unanimity, Chennai
(11)
Down
1. He solved the 47th Proposition of Euclid (10) 2. What a Mason wears during Lodge Meetings. Anagram ONRAP (5) 3.
Anagram of YMEGTOER, the basis of our Art (9) 4. One of the hidden mysteries of which we are urged to learn about as
a Fellowcraft (6) 5. The working tool which teaches us that our words and actions are observed by God (6)
x
Jokes
By Bro. Navin Nichani
By WBro. D Manivannan
By putting one letter in each blank below, you can change the name of a country into a word that fits the clue. For example –
the clue “Seller of vegetables” with the blanks GREE_ _ _ _CE_ would give an answer ‘Greengrocer’. In case you should be
stumped by any of the clues, there is no need to travel around the world to find them, as the answers shall be brought to you!
Around the World By Bro. Navin Nichani
1. “At First” - I_ _T_ AL_Y
2. “Boeing vehicle” - _IR_ _AN_
3. “Chewing gum flavour” – SP_A_ _IN_
4. “Tramp” - _ _ GABON_
5. “Sweet Smell” – PER_U_ _
6. “Sweet Smell” – FRA_ _ _NCE
7. “Group of Fruit trees “- _ _ CHA_D
8. “Louisiana Flower” – MA _ _ _LI_
9. “Sit on eggs” - _ _CUBA_ _
10. “Too close feeling” - _ _ AUSTR _ _ _ _ _IA
11. “He’s Light headed” - _ _ROMANIA_
12. “Fur yielding rodent” – CHIN_ _ _ _ _A
13. “Clear from guilt” - _INDI_A_ _
14. “Causing Shame” - _IS_RA_E_ _L
By WBro. Anil Chopra
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4. Bro Rajesh Vincent was born in Chennai on 26.9.1979 to Sri. Vincent and Smt.
Sisily Vincent. He studied in Joseph's Matric School and College in Chennai.
From a young age of 21, he became an entrepreneur, his profession career
spanning in areas as Computer Hardware and Networking, Solution provider
for the visually impaired, Web App Development, Live events and Marathon
Ticketing, Operations, Sales and Marketing, Customer Support and Branding
of a start-up, ex-President of a Chapter of BNI, a Business Networking Group.
Bro Rajesh has extensive experience in events and Marathons in India and
abroad and has developed many start-ups to leading positions. Currently he is
a Consultant for industries in Jewellery, Hospital, Rental, IT and Food
businesses. His hobbies include Reading, Watching Movies and Documentaries.
Bro Rajesh’ wife Mrs. Jasmine is Head of Business Planning and Control in an
MNC. He is blessed with two lovely children - daughter Evelyn Renee studying
in 8th Std and son Eugene Rafael in 4th Std. We wish Bro Rajesh Vincent and
his family the best of everything Life has to offer !
Know Your Brother
Bro Navin Kumar Nichani was born on 14th Dec 1970 in Chennai, his
proud parents are Sri. Lalchand and Smt. Maya Nichani, His schooling was
in Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Chennai where he was a good Volleyball player.
Moresor, he stood 2nd in the Commerce Group in the CBSE Board Results.
He pursued B.Com from DG Vaishnav College, Chennai. Bro Navin set up a
Super Market in Nungambakkam in 1988 on the lines of Lifestyle and
subsequently diversified into Industrial Spares for Construction
Equipments. He is also into Distribution of Lubricants, OTR Tyres and
Filtration Products. His spouse Mrs. Mamtha hailing from Bangalore is a
Psychology Graduate and Post Graduate in Yoga. She is a Yoga Instructor
now. His Son Sidhanth is pursuing Business Analytics at the London School
of Economics and Political Science, London . Bro Navin’s hobbies include
Reading, Music, watching movies and volunteering in social services. He is
currently the Joint Secretary at the Madras Motor Parts Dealers
Association. We wish Bro Navin and his wonderful family all the best in
their endeavours !
Bro Raja Pannirselvam is a Chennaite from birth on 22nd April 1981. His
father is Sri.Prathap Gregory Selvam and mother Smt.Fathima Mary Selvam.
His grandfather was the illustrious Rao Bahadur Sri A.T.Pannirselvam (1888-
1940), attorney, Home Minister of Madras Presidency in 1936/37, Leader of the
Justice Party in 1937. Bro Raja did his schooling in St Bedes Anglo Indian
Higher Secondary School, Santhome and then pursued Law in Madras Law
College. He is the 5th generation lawyer in his family and now specializes in
IPR and Trade Mark related cases. His wife is Mrs.Savari Prema Selvam, he is
blessed with two lovely sons Mathew and Mark. Bro Raja’s hobbies include
Reading Books and Traveling. He says his achievement in life is choosing a
career which allows time to spend with his sons and family and cherishes
seeing them grow up.
We wish Bro Raja Pannir Selvam and his family all success and our Bro to
rise to the heights of his famous forefathers !
Bro Praveen Miranda hails from the Pearl City Tuticorin, He was born on
28th May 1965 to Sri.S.A.Miranda and Smt.Shanta Miranda. He did his
schooling in St Francis Xaviers Higher Secondary School, Tuticorin and then
BE (MEch) at Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering in 1989. In profession,
he joined SPIC JEL as a Trainee Engineer and served there for 18 long years in
various capacities . The business bug bit him thereafter and he started his own
Company called SPAC Power Engineering India P Ltd. which is into
Mechanical Construction, recently ventured into renewable energy sector also.
The company has operations in four countries and has implemented projects
in about 10 countries, including a JV in Malaysia. His wife Mrs.Shifa Miranda
is a Director in his company and they are blessed with two sons - Rohan
Miranda works for Amazon in Chennai and the younger son Rishaan Miranda
is pursuing Pharm D in JSS College, Ooty. Bro Praveen says that ultimately his
aim is to develop an eco-friendly model of self sufficiency in energy where we
create our own needs and we are not dependent on other resources. We wish
Bro Praveen Miranda and his family prosperity, happiness and harmony !
Bro Thangaraj was born in Gunambadi Village of Thiruvannamalai District
to Sri.Rajendran and Smt.Santha. He did his schooling in Government Boys
Higher Secondary School, Tellar. During his schooling days he used to play
Volleyball and was part of the District winning Team in 1990. He then pursued
his College education B.A (Tamil) in Madras University. He is the Proprietor
of Nutech Rubbers,191,Thambu Chetty Street, Parrys, Chennai 600001 which
is into manufacturing of Rubber components like Oil Seals, O Rings and
Hydraulic Seals. His spouse is Mrs Banumathy, M.C.A and his son Adhitya is
studying in XII Standard. Bro Thangaraj’s hobbies include Reading Tamil
Literature, Writing Tamil Poem.,etc. He was awarded the " Tamil Pani
Chemmal" by World Tamil Sangam" and as " Tamil Peroli" by VGP Ulaga
Tamil Sangam. He has written many Tamil Poems and has a collection of such
poems which he intends to release as a book in Jan 2021.
We wish Bro.Thangaraj and his family success and hainess in every way !
Bro Arun Kumar Rau was born on 5th Jan 1956 to Sri Vysya and Smt
Prathima. He did his schooling in Don Bosco Higher Secondary School,
Chennai and BTech (Chemical Engineering) from AC College of
Technology. His professional career spread among companies such as Castrol
India, BP, ,Fuchs Lubricants having served in Senior positions.
His spouse is Mrs.Sridevi and they ae blessed with two lovely children -
daughters Arshida who is married and working at Standard Chartered Bank
and Arusha who is doing her MS in University of Melbourne and working at
Telstra Melbourne. Bro Arun Kumar Rau’s hobbies include Traveling,
Photography etc. He says life has been good so far and its been very satisfying.
We wish Bro Arun Kumar Rau and his family goodness and happiness in all
spheres of life !
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Compiled by Bro. Padmanabhan

5. THE ALMONER: ADVISER, SUPPORTER, FRIEND
By Bro. Puneet Singh Chadha
We all are aware that the Masonic movement gives support and financial assistance to the society at large
via charitable and philanthropic work, but there’s another aspect, which is the aid that an Almoner,
sometimes called a ‘Care Officer’, provides for Lodge Members and their families in time of need.
Historically, Almoners were religious functionaries, appointed by the Church and their role predominantly
was to distribute alms to the poor. Since many monasteries were mandated to spend one tenth of their
earning in charity to the poor, it was the responsibility of the Almoner to ensure these targets were achieved.
Over the years, many Kings and Bishops also appointed Almoners to ensure that their charity work was
handled responsibly.
In recent times, the highest post held by an Almoner is the Anglican Lord High Almoner whose key responsibilities are to organize
and manage the Queen’s annual distribution of charity. In Freemasonry these days, the Almoner’s role is to oversee the needs and
requirements of the Brethren within their respective Lodges. They are also the point of contact for charity, welfare of members
and visits to the sick, aged and infirm.
The Almoner, appointed by the Master of the Lodge, is in charge of the Lodge funds that are to be allocated
towards specific purposes. Each Almoner has his own method of working, but typically, an Almoner arranges
visits to those in hospital, organises practical help for Members when they or their families are in difficulties,
or simply visits Members who find themselves unable to attend meetings. The Almoner provides an
individual Brother with a very important link to various sources of assistance. With the help of the Almoner,
Brethren can receive assistance in times of poverty or distress and this facility is of course provided in total
confidence. The Jewel appended to the Almoner’s Collar is a Scrip-purse, upon which is a Heart, symbolising
funds used for Charity
Being an Almoner can be quiet demanding, requiring time and perceptiveness as most Members and their families’ privacy must
be handled with the utmost respect and care while at the same time he is required to understand the kind of support required
depending on the case at hand. In a sense, the Almoner needs to be someone with tact, patience, humour and compassion – and
who listens actively, searching for the meaning underneath what is being said. A job that is quiet and often unsung, an Almoner
needs to be an adviser, supporter and friend. Crucially, they also need to detect that help is required in the first place. Almoners
embody the spirit of Freemasonry; their community work is not performed for show but because of a concern for others.
THE SKIRRET
By Bro. Abhijit Khedar Thava
The Skirret is one of the working tools of a Master Mason, followed by the Pencil and the Compasses. There
is a difference in the tools of a Master Mason. The tools in the previous Degrees are those that would generally
be used for manual labour; however, in this Degree, the tools are those that would be used for design and setting
out the work.
The Skirret’s operative use in layman terms can be explained as – a tool that has a spool of string on a stick.
The stick is stuck in the ground, and the string, which is covered in chalk is unwound. The string could then
be used to draw a nice straight line on the ground.
The genius of the Skirret is its versatility. With the thread wound up, it takes up little space, and could
even be carried in the pocket of an apron. The Skirret's thread when unwound becomes longer than any
ruler or straightedge, and be just as accurate. When we consider these qualities in relation to the Volume
of Sacred Law, for the speculative Mason, the Skirret becomes the tool which helps to understand how the
Volume of Sacred Law (VSL) applies to his life.
Most of the VSL were written millennia ago, in cultures and contexts very different from our contemporary
world. And yet we are instructed that the VSL is the rule and guide of our faith.
How do we apply the stories and laws of ancient books to our daily life? Through the use of reason and
faith, which is represented beautifully by the attributes of a Skirret.
Volumes of Sacred Law = Limitless and Nifty = The Skirrit
*The writeup is based on various articles on Free Masonry, references on request.
GRAND LODGE OF INDIA
www.grandlodgeofindia.in www.rglsi.org.in
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