Theos-Talk Archives (May 1996 Message tl00568)

At 01:38 PM 5/9/96 -0400, you wrote:

Doss:

In regard to what you have posted below I have one question:

Are you a Brahmin?

I also have one comment: Aside from the obvious problems that always seem to
accrue to nepotism, i want to make it clear that I at least have no problems
with the fact that this nepotism is largely but not entirely Indian, what I
do have a problem with is not the family, but it's inextricability from the
E.S. It is not the Arundale-Sastry Family that is the problem and that has,
as I see it, harmed the theosophical movement, it is the esoteric section
that has done the harm, and how does one separate the two?

alexis



>Hi
>
>In various postings on theos-xxxx over last several months, it has been
>mentioned that Sri Ram's family has "controlled" TS and all the problems laid
>at their door. It is far from truth based on what I am aware of. For those who
>may not know the full family connections, I am providing a brief description.
>
>1. The first member of the family who got into TS is Francesca Arundale. She is
>the one who brought up her nephew, George Arundale since he was an infant. She
>was of independent financial means and everyone who had known of George, know
>that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
>
>2. George Arundale, as a young man out of college, came to India to work for TS
>and also work in other activities in which Annie Besant was involved. So when
>he came to India, he was financially very self sufficient and so no TS funds
>were spent on him to support him. He came to India because he believed in the
>cause of Theosophy.
>
>3. George Arundale married Rukmini Arundale. Rukmini is the daughter of
>Nilakanta Sastry who was a Brahmin and was a member of TS. While Rukmini's
>father was supportive, the marriage took place under great opposition from the
>orthodox Brahmins of South India. (Brahmins have always spearheaded every
>social and political change that took place for the better in India).
>
>4. George and Rukmini did not have any children.
>
>5. N. Sri Ram is the brother of Rukmini. After he graduated from college, he
>went to work for Annie Besant as her private secretary. She must have found him
>to be a very able and capable person. His command of English language was
>appreciated even by C. Jinarajadasa. When CJ was President of TS, he routinely
>consulted with Sri Ram before he put out any important written documents. It
>was a labor of sacrifice that Sri Ram took and was not looking for a job which
>paid lucrative salary.
>
>6. George Arundale was elected as President of TS after Annie Besant passed
>away.
>
>7. C. Jinarajadasa, succeeded George Arundale as President of TS.
>
>8. When CJ did not seek reelection as President, N. Sri Ram ran and elected as
>President.
>
>9. After Sri Ram passed away, John Coats was elected as President.
>
>10. Radha Burnier is the daughter of Sri Ram. She does not have any children.
>
>11. After John Coats passed away, both Radha Burnier and Rukmini Arundale ran
>for the office of President and Radha Burnier was elected as the President.
>
>12. I lived in India for nearly four decades (only 200 miles from Adyar) and
>have met numerous members of TS in various cities. I even lived in Madras City
>(Adyar is a suburb of Madras City) for four years. During all this time, I have
>never heard even a *single* complaint about any of the above mentioned leaders
>even though some of their administrative decisions may have been unpopular with
>some members. If there had been anything going on which was out of line or
>questionable, it would have come to light. Also many of the members who live at
>Adyar and see what is going on at Adyar day in and day out, are all financially
>independent members and many of them have held some of the highest offices in
>private and public sector and pay rent for their  accommodation and not receive
>any *stipend* for their work at TS Headquarters. They would not put up or
>support anyone or any activity which is questionable.
>
>13. Many times the Presidents of TS are blamed for actions coming out of the
>President's office. There is a General Council, which in most cases goes along
>with the President. But they do not always rubber stamp everything the
>President presents. I know of a case when Annie Besant was the undisputed
>leader of TS, the General Council voted down one of her proposals. As none of
>the National Presidents (Secretaries) share any of the going ons in the General
>Council with their national membership, wrong conclusions are drawn by members
>due to lack of information.
>
>14. The Sri Ram family has done invaluable services to TS and other related
>causes.
>
>15. Rukmini single handed brought back the Indian Dance to its modern
>recognition and popularity. Today the school she started, Kalashetra is the
>premier National Institution devoted to Dance, Music and Arts and some years
>ago it was designated as a National University.
>
>16. Rukmini was very active in prevention of cruelty to Animals (Brotherhood
>applied to all living beings.) Everyone in India  knows about her contribution
>to this cause. She was appointed to the Upper Chamber of the Indian Congress
>and server as a legislator for a couple of terms. Later when she was even
>offered to be appointed as the President of India, she declined.
>
>17. Sri Ram worked for the TS for decades and decades and is one of the lowest
>keyed persons I have seen. I did not even knew much about him until after he
>was elected as the President of TS. So I think we all should not ignore his
>sacrifices and contributions.
>
>18. Radha Burnier, who is a protege and one of the first Dance students of
>Rukmini, again worked full time for decades as the National Secretary
>(President) of Indian Section and has extensive experience in dealing with the
>lodges and their problems in India. Again she is of independent means and does
>not depend on TS for her living. So I think we all should not ignore her
>sacrifices and contributions.
>
>19. After J Krishnamurti started speaking of his ideas of Truth and solving
>human problems, the decline in the membership of TS started and TS has never
>recovered from it. To place the blame on Sri Ram family or anyone else for the
>lack of increase in membership of TS is not fair.
>
>20. Even assuming that leadership at Adyar not taking correct steps, let us see
>what has happened at National Level. For example with all the well known
>leaders at the helm at Wheaton, the membership of TSA has not gone up in spite
>of their best efforts. So leadership may not be the only reason for all the
>ills.
>
>21. After J Krishnamurti started speaking about his ideas of truth and solving
>human problems, there has *never* been *any* leader of his stature and
>charisma. So may be it is that his message is more needed for the present day.
>
>22. The International and National leaders can do only so much. The activities
>and increase in membership of TS has to come about from the Lodge level, which
>means *you* and *me*. So we may have to look at our own local activities and
>see what we can do to popularize Theosophy. It does not need any anointment
>from any leaders at National and International level.
>
>In conclusion, I think it is not fair to place any blame on Sri Ram family for
>any of the problems of  TS. On the other hand, they have provided invaluable
>service to TS and Theosophy and we should be grateful.
>
>	...Doss
>
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>
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