1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
Manoj Thangavelu from Chennai. I have been a member of TS unofficially for over three decades or more but an active member the past five years.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
Though I had the opportunity to present a paper at one of the lodge meetings, my activity at the lodge level has been restricted mainly to an observer. Although just an observer, I have been on regular interactive sessions with the lodge management on ways and means to improve the presence of the lodge within the overall TS organization.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
After my father’s retirement in early 1980’s, my parents decided to settle down in Adyar. Once in Adyar my father became a regular “walker” at the TS campus and I had the opportunity to accompany him there. It was during these walks that I had the opportunity to meet with very distinguished TS members and realize the philosophy of the TS was more than just the banyan tree, the Adyar Library and being a proud possessor of the most coveted walking pass in the city of Chennai.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
As I had stated during my presentation at one of the Lodge meetings, Theosophy is a “New Age” tool to “scientifically” analyze and evaluate various religious concepts or doctrine prevalent in today’s world.
5. What is your favourite Theosophical book and why?
None in particular, though I do tend to refer to them for seeking and clarifying doubts on ethereal concepts.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
The relevance of TS’s philosophy in the contemporary world.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I would love to see the movement spreading its wings wider and its roots deeper into contemporary society and bring about bonhomie in society through greater “spiritual and scientific” understanding of various “religious doctrines.”
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.