Deepa Padhi – India
The author is international Vice-President of the Theosophical Society (TS) and President of the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS), Odisha Region, India
This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Theosophical Society (TS) — a movement which has carried the light of truth, wisdom, and brotherhood across generations and continents.
A hundred and fifty years ago in 1875, three remarkable souls gathered in New York — Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HPB), Colonel Henry Steel Olcott, and William Quan Judge. They were driven not by the ambition to create another sect or creed or religion but for a noble ideal — to awaken the human unity and the spiritual potential within every being.
After the Society was founded, they adopted a motto that has since become immortal: “satyât nâsti parodharma — There is no religion higher than Truth.” It is not just a motto. It reminds us that Truth is greater than all dogmas, and blind beliefs. We all know that the TS was built upon three great objectives which is timeless and universal in purpose:
1. To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or colour. In this context, HPB wrote in The Key to Theosophy: “The Society was founded to teach men to see the truth by tearing away the veils of dogmas and prejudices.” Distinctions based on race, creed, gender, caste and colour are nothing but dogmas and prejudices of human ignorance.
2. To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. Annie Besant had said: “There is no antagonism between science and religion, between reason and faith. Each is but a different path leading to the same summit of truth.”
3. To investigate unexplained laws of Nature and the powers latent in man. HPB wrote in The Secret Doctrine: “Man is God in the making.” This statement affirms the divine potential within every human being — that is, the capacity for wisdom, compassion and transformation. These three objects were revolutionary and remain so. They are as relevant in 2025 as they were in 1875.
The Light of Wisdom Moving to India and the Theosophical Movement
In 1879, Blavatsky and Olcott arrived in India, the ancient land of spiritual wisdom. Here they found not only inspiration but also a home for their ideals, for their vision. They called Adyar “devabhumi (land of the gods)”. By 1882, the headquarters of the TS was established at Adyar, Madras (now Chennai) — a sacred meeting place where East and West joined hands in spiritual fellowship.
Blavatsky, the mystic philosopher, wrote in The Voice of the Silence: “Before the soul can see, the harmony within must be attained, and fleshly eyes be rendered blind to all illusion.” These words still remind us that inner peace and outer harmony are inseparable.
Today is the day to remember all our leaders — the International Presidents of the TS — with a brief note on their major contributions.
1) Henry Steel Olcott (1875–1907) The founding President was instrumental in the establishment of the Theosophical Society and the headquarters at Adyar, Chennai. Olcott’s practical vision led him to start a school for underprivileged children, now named “Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School”, in Adyar.
2) Annie Besant (1907–1933) When she joined the Society in 1889, a new chapter began. An orator, reformer, visionary, and champion of women’s empowerment, she brought immense energy to Theosophy, especially in India. She saw in Theosophy not only a philosophy, but a way of life — a harmony of thought and action, meditation and service. Under her leadership, Adyar became a beacon of education, reform, and national awakening. She founded schools and colleges including the central Hindu College in Varanasi, which later became the Banaras Hindu University.
3) George Sydney Arundale (1934– 1945) Under his presidency, the Society placed greater emphasis on education and encouraged cultural revival, notably Indian classical dance, which went on to become the Kalakshetra Foundation. His wife Rukmini Devi Arundale was also an ardent theosophist and her spirituality was expressed through dance forms.
4) C. Jinarâjadâsa (1946–1953) A Sri Lanka-born theosophist and prolific writer, he brought about global outreach and the foundation of the School of the Wisdom at Adyar.
5) Nilakanta Sri Ram (1953–1973) His twenty-year presidency marked a shift from external phenomena to the inner transformation of Consciousness — the ethical dimension of Theosophy. He emphasized the humanizing, transformational work of the Society.
6) John B. S. Coats (1973–1979) He carried forward the international work of the Society during a period of global change, continuing to build connections across national Sections.
7) Radha S. Burnier (1980–2013) A deeply respected leader, she guided the Society for over three decades and enriched its publication and research work (including the Adyar Library and Research Center). She nurtured youth programmes and championed a vision of Universal Brotherhood with no barriers. She promoted vegetarianism, animal welfare, environmental awareness as a part of theosophical living. During her time and on her invitation, J. Krishnamurti visited Adyar after decades, trying to bring together different spiritual traditions.
8) Tim Boyd (2014–present) The current President brings the theosophical vision into our contemporary global context — emphasizing service, youth engagement, interfaith dialogue and the practical application of theosophical principles in our rapidly changing world. He believes in translating spirituality into action. Under his presidency, the TS has initiated new projects like the Blue-Green Centre in the Adyar campus inaugurated in April 2025, which focuses on experiential environmental education for students. Also, the Adyar Theosophical Academy was established providing holistic education to the children.
As we reflect on this distinguished line of leadership, we recognize that each President inherited and expanded the heritage of their predecessors. Together, they form a living chain of continuity, hope, and purpose. All of them teach us that the theosophical ideals remain ever relevant, even as the world changes.
We cannot speak of Theosophy’s later years without mentioning the name of J. Krishnamurti, the boy discovered by the Society in 1909 who later became the world teacher of a new era. He declared: “Truth is a pathless land. You cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect.”
Relevance of Theosophy today
As we celebrate 150 years of this great movement, we must ask what does Theosophy mean today? In a world torn by division, Theosophy’s first object — Universal Brotherhood — is not just relevant, it is very much essential. When HPB outlined the first object she was not speaking of an ideal — she was laying down a necessity for the survival of human civilization itself.
Annie Besant said that true Theosophy belongs to no religion, yet belongs to all. This simple truth calls us to rise above sectarianism and to recognize the divinity in every being. Theosophy also offers a bridge between science and spirituality, between reason and intuition.
Our modern age is one of wonderful achievements: science has penetrated to the heart of matter, communication has made the world a global village, and artificial intelligence now rivals human reasoning. Yet beneath all this lies the fragmentation of human spirit. Man has reached the moon, but has not yet found peace on earth. In every sphere — politics, religion, environment, education — we see divisions, confusion and conflict. The very progress that should liberate us often binds us further in restlessness and competition.
Here lies the relevance of Theosophy. It calls on us to remember that behind the diversity of forms, there is an eternal unity. It teaches that the essence of life is one — expressed through countless manifestations.
When we truly perceive this unity, our experience of life changes. We begin to see the sacredness of all beings and compassion becomes natural, not just superficial. Brotherhood becomes a fact in consciousness, not an ideal of speech.
Modern humanity is materially rich but spiritually impoverished. Today, most people live with comfort and convenience, yet feel an emptiness, a void inside that no possession can fill up. Now the human soul is hungry for meaning in life, connection with the Higher Self, understanding of its own divine nature. Theosophy answers these questions by pointing inward. It proclaims that man is not a body having a soul — he is a soul using a body. Theosophical teachings remind us that consciousness is the fundamental reality of the universe, and that evolution is not only physical but spiritual — a journey of awakening from ignorance to enlightenment.
Theosophy does not ask us to abandon the modern world, but to spiritualize it — to bring inner awareness into our daily living, our relationships, our professions and our communities. When science explains the outer laws of matter, and Theosophy explores the inner laws of consciousness, the two can meet in harmony. This synthesis of the unity of science, religion and philosophy — is perhaps the greatest need of the day. In an age of artificial intelligence and material progress, it reminds us that “knowledge without wisdom is dangerous, and power without compassion is blind”.
Theosophy and service to humanity
Annie Besant, the torchbearer of the Society once said” “Theosophy is the mighty work of evolution, helping all beings towards self-conscious divinity.” This statement is the essence of theosophical service. Theosophy does not merely ask us to study or to believe — it calls us to serve. For the highest worship of Truth is the service of all beings.
Service in the theosophical sense, is not charity done from a sense of superiority but the natural expression of love that is born from the realization of unity. In fact, when we help another, we help ourselves — for there is no “other”.
Theosophy places great importance on altruism or selfless service to others. It is not just a moral recommendation — it is central to spiritual growth. Altruism is a transformative spiritual practice which helps in reducing selfish motives, cultivating humility, opening of buddhi which is essential for higher consciousness, and reducing karmic patterns driven by selfish desires. Selfless service creates beneficial karmic results, not just for the individual but also for the world. H. P. Blavatsky, Annie Besant and other theosophical writers repeatedly taught that the First Rule of discipleship is Service.
Theosophy sees human evolution as collective — not merely individual. Humanity can progress when individuals help uplift those who suffer. Only compassionate actions can save divisions. Selfless service is not optional in Theosophy — it is the “heart of the path, heart of the movement”. Theosophists promoted holistic education and equal rights for women that remain vital today.
In our modern times, when humanity focuses on ecological crisis, social inequalities, and moral confusion, the theosophical attitude of “selfless service” becomes the healing force. Wherever there is kindness, understanding, and compassion, there is Theosophy.
Theosophy and the Future
Now as the Society steps into its 150th year, the question before all of us is not merely how to preserve its teachings but how to live them. Theosophy cannot remain in books, Lodges or intellectual discussions alone — it must be translated into action in our daily life. Every member, every Lodge, every Federation must become a living centre of light. Today, let us ask ourselves:
1. Are we living as examples of the Universal Brotherhood we proclaim?
2. Do our Lodges, Federations and Sections radiate the atmosphere of harmony, openness, and love? Do we get that feeling?
3. Are we in our personal lives, embodying the spirit of Theosophy — in thought, word and action?
If each one of us becomes a centre of peace, light, and love, then human society as a whole will become a luminous network of Consciousness.
As we look back on these 150 years, we see not only the story of an organization but the evolution of a spiritual movement that continues to illuminate lives across the world. From Adyar to Amsterdam, from Varanasi to Vancouver, the flame of Theosophy has inspired seekers, scholars, reformers and visionaries. In fact, its strength lies in its simplicity — the recognition that the Truth is One, Humanity is one, Consciousness is One.
This 150th year should remind us that Theosophy lives not in books or buildings, but in every act of understanding, every gesture of kindness and every search for truth. Let us live Theosophy in our thoughts, in our speech, and in our service to the world.
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This article was also published in The Theosophist, VOL. 147 NO. 4 JANUARY 2026
The Theosophist is the official organ of the International President, founded by H. P. Blavatsky on 1 Oct. 1879.
To read the JANUARY 2026 issue click HERE