Theosophy Adyar:- Mr D V Subramaniam Posthumous letter of complaint

The Future? of the Adyar Theosophical Society

D V Subramaniam’s

Posthumous

Letter of Complaint

Yet another source of information

regarding staff bullying at Adyar.

Below is a copy of a letter of complaint about staff treatment by, and behaviour of, the Adyar Estate General Manager Mr S Harihara Raghavan, written in November 2013 by 83 year old former Adyar employee, MR D V Subramaniam, who was also an officer in the Indian Air Force. I have included both a copy of the letter and my own transcript. I do not know who has seen this letter, or precisely to whom it was addressed, but I understand that Mr Subramaniam wanted the letter made public after his death, and sadly he died shortly after writing this letter.

In transcribing the letter, I have left some gaps where words were either unclear or may be Indian English words, with which I am unfamiliar.

Mr Subramaniam was an officer in the IAF – Indian Air Force

Chennai

15/11/2013

D V Subramaniam

I am a life members of the TS

I was discharged from the IAF on transfer to pension establishment on 6/4/67. I held a senior Commisioned Rank in the IAF (Police) and had considerable experience in Field Security, VIP Security and Counter-Intelligence.

I have 32 years of TS service in various departments. While training our law instructor ingrained in us the imperative need to stick to truth while tendering evidenceeven if it means the failure of our in a court of law. I follow this dictum in life.

I came across Brother S Hariahraraghavan in 1986 and closely followed his activites. When I resigned as Security Officer in 1995 (after 10 years), I was superintent of the Mov.Projector Dept (96-98) and later went to the Garden Department with Sri Harihararaghavan as superintendent.

He was never concerned about the upkeep operation. He destroyed the garden. One day I caught him at his house watching TV while he informed methat he was going on rounds. His falsehood was detected by me. This is the commitment he had to his duties. I told him that it was unbecoming of a TS member to behave thus.

Qualification acquired by sheer fluke accident or unscrupulous methods does not necessarily mean administrative skill or ability to lead people.

A casual perusal of the records and appraisal chart his performance from those who had the misfortune of working under him would more than testify to his shabby handling of ______ with utter disregard to human niceties. He has two sets of behavioural standards. With those who are above him, he will stoop to the lowest level to gain their confidence and favour and use this proximity to harass, humiliate and insult those who had the misfortune of working under him.

On quite many occasions, I had brought this to the attention of the late President Radha Burnier. I exposed many of his lies and she was not in disagreement with me. On one occasion, I bluntly told her that if allowed unchecked, he would cause unbearable wrongful loss to the TS and eventually _____the estate one day. He does not have any hesitation in uttering falsehood and gaining undeserved confidence

A survey of the opinion of those who worked under him would establish his arrogance _____towards those who cannot complain for fear of reprisal.

In the best interest of the TS, it is imperative that he is not allowed to handle sensitive issues of TS. Further damage must be arrested.

A mere paper qualification is not enough for a good administration/leader. He does not have any managerial qualities necessary for efficient administration.He does not have the courage to express honest dissent with superiors for fear of falling out of their favor. The above is my experience with Mr Harihararaghavan over 27 years. A quick action to arrest further deterioration is the need of the hour to preserve the TS.

From 2008 til date I have donated over Rs70000

to TS Education Rs70000

I solemnly affirm that the above is a true account.

Brother S Harihararaghavan is a person who would not hesitate to kick the ladder which elevated him to undeserved heights. In doing so, he would not have the compunction and concern for the dictates of his conscience. It is a pity that such a person is depended upon to accomplish responsible and fair tasks expected to fulfil the objects of the Society. In the Armed Forces, the views and sufferings of persons working under individuals were considered for appraisals before promotions and rewards. It is unfortunate that such an incompetent person has escaped critical scrutinizing at many levels.

Best regards

D V Subramaniam

He tends to devote more time in finding faults with others than doing anything useful to the TS.

____________________________________

The phrases “those who cannot complain for fear of reprisal” and “to harass, humiliate and insult those who had the misfortune of working under him” highlight a recurring theme present in the current allegations regarding staff treatment at Adyar.