1. What’s your name, where are you from and how long have you been a member of the TS?
My name is Venkata Deepika Kotteda. I am an employee in Kotak Mahindra Life as a Financial Advisor. Born and brought-up in a cultural and heritage town Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Presently, living in Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. I am a member of the Theosophical Society, Rajamahendravaram Lodge since 2020.
2. Are you active in your Lodge/Section and if so, what do you do?
I'm an executive member in my lodge since I joined. I assist with events, meetings and making up ideas for lodge meetings particularly in cultural activities. I also delivered some short lectures during online & live meetings.
3. How did you first learn about Theosophy or come in contact with the Society?
Actually, I was born in a theosophical family. My grandparents were very fond of Adyar, the headquarters of the TS in Chennai, and visited it many times. After that, the legacy is being continued through my father, mother and now I am a member on this platform of Divinity. I think that I have got my roots from there. Even now, my life is shared with my better half, who is also a theosophist. But it took time for me to join the Society. After observing that this Society is apart from other societies, maintaining and leading with great morals and values genuinely.
4. What does Theosophy mean to you?
My opinion towards Theosophy is that, “ It is a life science, a path for every living being, which guides us in the way that we have to travel, and helps to know about this marvelous life cycle. The knowledge of Theosophy helps in purifying ourselves (from thoughts and habits) within and it helps us to inculcate some qualities like sharing our heartfelt service towards our surrounding living beings, which leads to having abundance in each live.”
5. What is your favorite Theosophical book and why?
Firstly, I got a glance at the book, The Voice of the Silence by H.P Blavatsky is a chosen fragment from the Book of Golden precepts, which shares a common origin with The Secret Doctrine. Where my eye catching point is that there are two paths of spiritual attainment, i.e., one pursued by those seeking knowledge for their own enlightenment, the other chosen by those whose aspirations are prompted by compassion for all. This point made me want to read more. I believe that every person has that enlightenment, which should be awakened by one self, to become self-developed, self-controlled, having strength to stand selflessly over bad to attain good. Winning over ourselves is the hardest thing. when we want to flow into this infinite wisdom where Karma & Reincarnation exist, we must practice acceptance to change.
6. What in your opinion is the biggest challenge the TS is facing at the moment?
What I have seen here is a lack of awareness in the "Youth" concerning spirituality and Theosophy. In this, parents also play an important role affecting children, encouraging them to know the real meaning of Theosophy and spirituality. My main concentration is on youth to make them enter our Society to the best of my efforts. I think if some innovative methods are used, they may be useful to reach many people.
7. Is there anything you would wish for the future of the Theosophical Movement?
I have some thoughts and ideas which are related to students, making them part of some educational and service programs as I am also working as an educational instructor. Principally, I want to introduce them and make them feel the actual happiness in being kind, in helping others, in understanding and taking care of others, by giving their utmost support to good deeds, respecting others like we respect and love ourselves and I want them to realize how theosophical knowledge can help them in their lives, thus creating a happy world by awakening the purest soul within them. My view is that all these components lead to knowledge, everyone can assimilate, which helps in paving a Path in order to understand the Ultimate Truth.
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.
