I am extremely happy to associate myself with the Companions of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of India on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Institution (22 Nov 1963-21 Nov 2023); and convey my greetings and best wishes: "to the brethren, Love; to our leaders, Fidelity; to God, Honour"!
The first Royal Arch Chapter to be established in British India, in the year 1811, was at Madras: The Royal Arch Chapter School of Plato No. 150, under the Supreme Grand Chapter of England. Since then, and despite numerous trials and tribulations, the Institution had established strong roots in British India; and has grown and prospered over the centuries.
The Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of India, consisting of 38 Founder-Chapters from the several Constitutions working in India was inaugurated on the 22 November 1963 at Kanpur, with M E Comp Bhogilal C Shah, being installed as M E the First Grand Principal. On the same date, Warrants of Constitution and a "Deemed Founder-Chapter status" were granted to 16 Chapters (Chapters No. 39 to No. 54). Chapter No. 39, Chapter Bhogilal Shah, in Nagpur, was the first Chapter to be Consecrated under the Indian Constitution on 12 December 1963. Chapter Nos. 40 to 54 followed over the next two years. Shortly after the inaugural of the Supreme Grand Chapter, the four Regional Grand Chapters of India were also inaugurated. Chapter St. John No.1, Secunderabad had to be content with the second position despite having been Warranted earlier, on 7 January 1838 (but Consecrated nearly 16 years later on 22 December 1853). Whereas Chapter St. John No.2, Madras, Warranted 3 February 1847 (Consecrated on 2 April 1847), was the first Chapter to be Consecrated in the Roll of Chapters under the Indian Constitution. The Order now numbers 167 Chapters under its jurisdiction.
We will soon be gathering in Hyderabad, on the November 25, 2023 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of India. Let this landmark events pur the Companions of the Order to re-dedicate themselves, to conscientiously promote the ideals of Freemasonry in general, and that of the Royal Arch in particular. May this Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of India, established with so much of unity and concord sixty years ago, continue to grow in stature; and may it flourish forever as a beacon of Masonic Light.
I beseech the True and Living God Most High to Bless the Companions with Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty: Wisdom in conducting all their affairs, Strength of mind under all difficulties, and the Beauty of love and harmony in all their communions. May Truth, Peace and Concord ever prevail!