History of Lodge Ramaprasad No. 228

Lodge Ramaprasad was founded in the memory of and as a measure of love, respect, regard, affection, admiration and esteem for R.W. Bro. Hon'ble Justice Tayi Ramaprasada Rao, the then Regional Grand Master of Southern India.

Lodge Ramaprasad, No. 228 G.L.I. was consecrated on 19th September, 1975 by a galaxy of masons headed by the then Grand Master, M.W. The Hon'ble Chief Justice K. Veeraswami.

R.W. Bro. Justice Ramaprasada Rao had never stinted in his services to the order and his whole hearted devotion has been and will continue to be a glorious example to generations of Masons. Full of good humour and laughter, he was a cheerful Man and Mason who lived in years and the hearts of Masons. With malice towards none and wisdom coupled with mildness, he habitually practiced courtesy which struck deepest and endowed him with charm as a Man and Mason. He firmly believed in not mere words, but a Brotherhood of acts and deeds; he deliberated with caution and acted with decision. He sowed courtesy and reaped friendship, planted kindness and gathered love and he earned grace and goodwill from all.

His stewardship of the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India was dignified and exemplary. Masonry sparkled with true friendship and high values. R.W. Bro. Justice Ramaprasada Rao founded a Masonic General Clinic and Laboratory and an ophthalmic unit as well, and thus practiced charity with understanding. Such was the man and Mason who had distinguished himself by outstanding and unparalleled service to Masonry, and as a humble homage to that great and distinguished Mason, the Lodge was founded and consecrated through the laudable efforts of a band of dedicated, devoted and true Masons.

For about twenty years now, Lodge Ramaprasad has passed through the hands of several ruling and administrative heads; it has had its bright and dark spots and it has grown steadily in stature. It has always placed great emphasis on perfection in the ritual, which is a mixture of moral and ethical laws found in all those great religions which aim at making the adherent to its principles a better man in society. It must be said to the credit of this Lodge that during the period of its existence it has turned out excellent Masons drawn from all walks of life.

The aim of the members of this Lodge should be to eschew capricious exercise of individual faculties, to consecrate their existence to the practice of Divine Law to the extent their circumstances and powers allow, to diffuse knowledge and the love of it among Brethren, and to labour fraternally to build up the unity in the family of Freemasons.

The Silver Jubilee of this Lodge is fast approaching and may Lodge Ramaprasad continue its arduous task in the years to come and help to venerate the ideals of Freemasonry. Let its Brethren contemplate its glory, labour in harmony, purifying, strengthening and improving all to serve Masonry with zeal and to rejoice as Freemasons and human beings. May the Great Architect of the Universe bless this Lodge in all its future endeavours.

— R.W. Bro. Hon'ble The Chief Justice V. Ratnam, Chennai — November 1995