We do not frequently celebrate a 100 years, do we? Those present in 1975, when the TS had existed for 100 years and the ITC for 50 years, realised that times had changed a lot, and today such an event has different requirements.
The 2025 programme, from 22-24 August, had two main features. On the Saturday, the history and future of the TS and the ITC were central, whilst on the Sunday different aspects of our work were explored. On the Friday evening, the programme started with a social gathering, meeting old and new friends. In particular, the joyful Italian delegation was impressive, with 18 participants present. Then on Saturday, the International President opened with an impressive lecture, reflecting on different phases in the history of the TS, contributing to where we are today. Following this, ITC chairman Arend Heijbroek gave a similar introduction, stressing the importance of volunteers, also on the spiritual level, as well as ceremonial work. In addition to TS programmes and those of similar activities, such as yoga schools and Buddhist retreats, this makes the ITC a unique spiritual centre.
Peace Pole, Rukmini, Tagore, dance as a sacred offering, … and a lot of vegan cake!
During the long festive lunch break, President Tim Boyd unveiled a Peace Pole near Besant Hall, after which we enjoyed half of the 50 vegan cake and 300 macarons (!) baked by Helma Kuit, the second half of which was put by for the Sunday evening. The full afternoon programme included two interesting lectures by Isolde Sueltemeyer on Rabindranath Tagore, and on Rukmini Devi, 52 years Head of ITC, and a recorded lecture by Leela Samson, one of Rukmini’s dance pupils. The afternoon came to a close by Leela’s pupil Bhavajan Kumar, explaining the different movements of Bharatanatyam dance. In addition, he mentioned that the dance was not a performance, but a sacred offering, making the dancer a vessel between heaven and earth.
And that was truly how he said he experienced the dance that evening in Naarden: as an expression of the spiritual. Much of those present felt truly blessed by the transformative quality of Beauty.
Bharatanatyam dance
Rukmini saved the South Indian temple dance Bharatanatyam from oblivion, transforming it into a sacred art form that is practiced world wide, one of the revolutionary aspects of Rukmini Devi’s life. On her specific request, the stage of Besant Hall, built in the late 60s on the initiative of Rukmini, was deliberately designed for art performances. This made it a symbolic place for this anniversary celebration. In the evening Bhavajan Kumar, pupil of Leelah Samson (who herself was pupil of Rukmini) gave a beautiful offering of the dance, leaving all attendees much impressed.
Sacred places, and sacred practices
The Sunday programme started with an inspiring lecture by Tim Boyd on sacred places, which can also be in our own room, but actually the most sacred place is in our own heart. Then Ingmar de Boer, General Secretary of the Dutch section, explored different aspects of The Sacred. In the afternoon, representatives of various European TS sections, gave a short introduction on the theme, while the programme was brought to a close by an introduction by José Versteeg on her own experiences with ceremonial work.
Sunday evening: making connections
The Sunday evening programme was open to friends, students of dance schools, family members, neighbours and interested parties. Mayor Han ter Heegde of Gooise Meren was present to open the evening programme. He praised the Centre as a place of silence and spiritual work. According to the mayor, the pursuit of connection within theosophy reflects what is also happening in the social domain of the municipality. “Especially in times of national and international unrest, it is encouraging that there are such developments locally”.
We were pleased to see that, again, the hall was full, this time with a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar faces. One of Bhavajans students from Vienna sang a moving and beautiful song in praise of Rukmini Devi. The song is part of the curriculum for all Kalakshetra pupils. After this beautiful introduction, another dance performance was given by Bhavajan Kumar.
Looking back and ahead
Looking back, we can be very grateful to all those who contributed to this remarkable weekend; speakers, volunteers, performers, the mayor, as well as participants. Apparently the programmes had great appeal, as they both attracted over 100 participants, with very positive responses.
We certainly have the impression that this is a new beginning, with new energies coming in. One may wonder what shall be written on the first page of the next 100 years of the ITC. We warmly invite you to take a look at our upcoming events: programme ITC autumn 2025.
