1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Smitapragyan Patro. I am from Utkal Theosophical Federation, India. I have been a member of TS since 2006.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
Yes, I’m an active member, we conduct lodge meetings, discuss about Theosophy, and how to spread Theosophy among young people. We have a group of dynamic young members from many parts of India. We organize youth programs in different states in India. We publish an annual youth magazine “SOPHIA”.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
When I was staying in a hostel, I came to know about Theosophy from our hostel owner. Bro. Pradeep Mahapatra, former Secretary of Utkal Theosophical Federation, India and his wife sis. Mitalini Mahapatra.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
For me Theosophy is not what HPB, HSO, CWL, Annie Besant or JK wrote or said but its how they lived, how they were thinking, how they were working for the benefit of others. Theosophy is wisdom. It’s not just to speak about what’s right or about what should be done but it’s about doing what should be done. Theosophy is not about the teachings or the knowledge we gathered from books or from someone saying it but Theosophy is about living what Theosophy says. Theosophy is to spread happiness, it’s all about selfless love.
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
It’s very difficult to choose but my favorite book is I Promise written by C. Jinarajadasa. Because the book teaches us very simple though very important things about living which are very necessary. Bright looks, brave words, joyous thoughts and knightly deeds.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
I don’t think that TS is facing any challenges at the moment, because as long as TS has true and selfless workers in it, it will overcome every challenge, financial and social challenges apart. And I believe that as long as there are 2-3 sincere members in TS, it will work.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
Yes, everyone should apply Theosophy in their daily lives, so that our lives can change the lives of people in our surroundings. Specially for youngsters because they observe everything about a person whom they admire or take as their ideal. So when we act wisely and live a clean life, a Theosophic life, then we can attract many people specially youngsters.
From the editor:
Opinions and ideas expressed in the mini-interviews are exclusively of those who are being interviewed. They don’t necessarily represent the ideas and opinions of the compilers of Theosophy Forward. The responses of the interviewees are not edited for content. Some contributors give short answers to the questions while others touch upon the subject more elaborately.