Under the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of India
No. 196 G.L.I. · Consecrated 1970
Our Legacy
A brotherhood of honour, forged in the finest traditions and the ancient Craft of Freemasonry.
Lodge Sainik No. 196 GLI was solemnly consecrated on 30th May 1970 by M.W. Bro. Padma Bhushan Prof. M. S. Thacker, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of India, in the presence of distinguished delegates from the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Thirty Founder Members assembled at the Masonic Temple, Primrose Road, Bangalore Cantonment, where the Lodge was duly consecrated and dedicated to the eternal Masonic principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. W. Bro. Major S. S. Uberoi was installed as the Founder Worshipful Master.
Sponsored by Lodge United Services No. 58 GLI and inspired by the vision of W. Bro. Group Captain J. M. Rao, Lodge Sainik was built upon the ancient landmarks of Freemasonry — and continues to uphold them, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and contributing to the betterment of society to this day.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal organisations, uniting men of good character who — though of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds — share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.
The Ancient Craft
One of the world’s oldest fraternal organisations — a system through which good men strive to become better men, in service of God, family and community.
Modern Freemasonry was established in England in 1717, with roots in medieval stonemason guilds. As a craftsman grew in skill, he progressed through ranks — Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason — entrusted with the secrets of each level.
There are over 6 million Freemasons worldwide. Though of different faiths and backgrounds, all share a belief in the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of mankind. Lodge Sainik proudly carries this tradition under the Grand Lodge of India.
Today, the work has shifted from building edifices to building oneself. Through ritual, discussions and community service, Masons work on becoming better versions of themselves — morally, intellectually and socially.
Core Values
Caring for each other and our communities — recognising that every person deserves respect and compassion, regardless of background or belief.
To help and assist those in distress — whether brethren, families or the wider community — is a solemn Masonic duty and a privilege we embrace with gratitude.
Using knowledge, integrity and understanding to improve ourselves, our families and our communities. Truth is the cornerstone upon which all Masonic virtues are built.
The Journey
The Masonic experience is divided into three ceremonial stages, each representing a stage of human development — youth, manhood and age.
Youth · The Beginning
A candidate’s first experience with Masonic ceremony — solemn and meaningful. Once completed, he takes his first step as a Freemason and earns the title “Brother.” He receives the working tools of the First Degree and is entrusted with its secrets.
First DegreeManhood · The Learning
The second degree exposes a Brother to deeper Masonic symbolism and philosophy. As the medieval craftsman progressed from apprentice to journeyman, a Fellow Craft grows in his understanding of the liberal arts and sciences that enrich the human intellect.
Second DegreeAge · The Mastery
The final Lodge ceremony makes a candidate a full member of the Fraternity, with all the rights and responsibilities of membership. Equipped with the full working tools and the lessons of King Solomon’s Temple, the Master Mason carries the Craft forward.
Third DegreeOur Foundations
The eternal values upon which our lodge stands, serves, and endures — since 1970.
We are bound by an unwavering commitment to truth in all our dealings — with our brethren, our families and our nation. Truth is the cornerstone upon which all Masonic virtues rest, and the measure by which a Mason’s character is tested.
Universal love — for humanity, for our brethren and for the Craft — guides every action we take. We cultivate compassion, fraternity and a deep regard for the dignity of all people, regardless of religion, rank or origin.
Inspired by the selfless spirit of the Sainik, we dedicate ourselves to the service of our community, our country and our fellow man — asking nothing in return but the honour of having served with integrity and dedication.
The Language of Stone
Dating back to medieval times, Freemasonry’s symbols teach, remind and identify — each carrying deep moral meaning for the initiated.
The most recognised Masonic symbol — the square stands for morality and honesty; the compass marks the boundary of a Mason’s desires and passions.
The All-Seeing Eye reminds every Mason that thoughts and deeds are observed by the Supreme Architect — an eternal call to integrity in all things.
The spiritual backdrop of Masonic ritual — symbolising the construction of the perfect man, stone by stone, degree by degree, through virtue.
The white lambskin apron — the badge of a Freemason, more ancient than the Golden Fleece — symbolises purity of life and rectitude of conduct.
The Volume of Sacred Law, the Square and the Compass — the three great lights in Masonry — form the foundation of every Lodge meeting.
The gavel, chisel and 24-inch gauge teach moral lessons about industry, refinement of character, and the wise use of every hour of the day.
A symbol of Divine Providence and the guiding light of truth that should illuminate every step of a Freemason’s life’s journey.
The chequered floor — black and white — symbolises the duality of human life: joy and sorrow, light and darkness, virtue and temptation.
Our Journey
In the proud and enduring traditions of the Craft, the consecration of Lodge Sainik No.196 GLI marks a distinguished chapter in the history of Freemasonry in India.
On the 30th day of May, 1970, the Lodge was solemnly consecrated with full Masonic honours by Most Worshipful Brother Padma Bhushan Professor M. S. Thacker, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of India.
This memorable occasion was graced by eminent brethren representing the Grand Lodge of India, together with honoured delegates from the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Scotland — reflecting the universality of the Masonic Brotherhood.
Within the venerable precincts of the Masonic Temple at Primrose Road, Bangalore Cantonment, the thirty Founder Members assembled with reverence, and the Lodge was duly consecrated and dedicated to the eternal principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Worshipful Brother Major S. S. Uberoi was installed as the Founder Worshipful Master. The Lodge was sponsored by Lodge United Services No.58 GLI and brought into existence through the vision of W. Bro. Group Captain J. M. Rao, ably supported by R.W. Bro. C. A. Subrahmanya.
Consecrated by M.W.Bro. Prof. M. S. Thacker, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of India. W.Bro. Major S. S. Uberoi installed as Founder Worshipful Master at the Masonic Temple, Primrose Road, Bangalore Cantonment.
Major General P. N. Nayar was initiated into Ancient Freemasonry. Bro. Lieutenant Colonel G. Seshadri was unanimously elected Worshipful Master.
Bro. Lieutenant Colonel G. Seshadri was regularly Installed as Worshipful Master in accordance with the established rites and ceremonies of the Craft.
The Lodge marked twenty-five years of distinguished Masonic service with a grand convocation, reaffirming our enduring commitment to Truth, Love and Service.
Lodge Sainik celebrated five decades of distinguished service with renewed fraternal bonds and a reaffirmation of its founding ideals.
Lodge Sainik No.196 GLI continues its noble journey — dedicated to moral excellence, fraternal unity, charitable service, and the timeless ideals of the Craft.
The Craft’s Guardians
Distinguished brethren entrusted with the stewardship of Lodge Sainik for the current year.
Worshipful Master
W. Bro. Raju P.U.
Secretary
W. Bro. Bimal Chandran
Treasurer
W. Bro. Mohan Premkumar
Immediate Past Master
W. Bro. Lokesh R.
Senior Warden
Bro. Flt. Lt. Harish Mudaliar
Junior Warden
Bro. Rajagopalan Natarajan
Chaplain
W. Bro. Vissal Mathews
Director of Ceremonies
W. Bro. Anand Bidikar
Senior Deacon
Bro. Kartikesh Omprakash
Junior Deacon
Bro. Dilip Kamath Niddodi
Inner Guard
Bro. Dr. G.L. Manjunath
Tyler
W. Bro. C.L.N. Sastry
Upcoming Convocations
Regular meetings, degree ceremonies and festive board gatherings open to brethren and invited guests.
Monthly meeting of brethren · Lodge Hall · 7:00 PM
Initiation of new Entered Apprentices · Lodge Hall · 6:30 PM
Installation of new Officers with formal dinner · Grand Venue · 7:00 PM
Community service for veterans and families · 9:00 AM onwards
Raising ceremony for Fellow Craft brethren · Lodge Hall · 6:30 PM
Begin Your Journey
Throughout history, Freemasonry has provided a way for men to live their fullest potential in association with like-minded brothers of good character.
Contact the Lodge Secretary or approach a known Mason. A petition for membership must be submitted and signed by two Masons who can vouch for your character and reputation.
A committee meets you informally to learn of your character. The brethren then ballot on your petition — the ballot must be unanimous, as Freemasonry is a fraternity freely and voluntarily joined.
Upon acceptance, you are initiated in a solemn and meaningful ceremony. You take your first step as a Freemason and are welcomed by the brethren as “Brother.”
After demonstrating proficiency, you advance through the Fellow Craft (Second) and ultimately become a Master Mason — a full member with all the rights and responsibilities of the Fraternity.
Freemasonry is not meant to interfere with an individual’s commitment to his faith, family or occupation. It is a positive environment that reminds every Mason of his duty to himself, his family, his community and the Supreme Architect of the Universe.
All men of good character and good reputation are welcome to enquire.Common Questions
Answers to the most common questions about Freemasonry and Lodge Sainik.
Reach Us
For enquiries about membership, events or the ancient Craft — the Secretary is always glad to hear from you.
