Heartiest congratulations go out to Rupesh Pravinbhai Valji (son of Ranjanben and Pravinbhai Savjibhai Valji Dhanak) from London, who was appointed to the esteemed rank of an Active Grand Officer in United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the governing body of Freemasonry, which is one of the oldest fraternal organisations in the world. All the Provinces in England, Wales and the Districts abroad where regular Freemasonry is established, come under the governance of UGLE, currently headed by HRH The Duke of Kent, who is the longest serving Grand Master of the order. Rupesh was fortunate to have been congratulated by the Duke himself on being invested with this honour at Freemasons Hall in London on Wednesday 29th April 2026, at the special Grand Rank Investiture ceremony.

Freemasonry is a charitable organisation and carries out a great deal of good works across the world, which connects in many ways with our cultural beliefs. Rupesh was initiated into a London Lodge in 2000, where he was proposed for membership by Pravinbhai Vallabhdas Soni, and he instantly had a great connection with the life lessons and opportunities to help others that this great organisation teaches. Rupesh is currently serving as the secretary of two Lodges and has been a Metropolitan Assistant Grand Inspector in London for the last three years. His efforts and dedication to London masonry, where he has served in many different ways, has culminated in him receiving this elevated rank.

Speaking to him and asking how he felt at receiving this honour, Rupesh said it came as a complete surprise and that he was totally shocked at receiving the correspondence from Grand Lodge. He added that this was never something he had in his mind whilst carrying out his duties, however it has certainly given him even more enthusiasm to continue in his Masonic journey with renewed vigour.

UGLE is a male only organisation although there are other masonic bodies where they only welcome women. If anyone would like to know more about this great institution, Rupesh would be happy to speak with you in more detail. For further information please contact him on the following email addresses: rpvmetagi@gmail.com

The Pattni community are very proud of Rupesh’s achievement and we are sure that you will all like to join in offering heartiest congratulations to Worshipful Brother Rupesh P Valji, GPurs.

There are lots of Pattni Freemasons in the United Kingdom as well as across Africa and India and probably across the World. For further information about Freemasonry, you can explore at https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/what-is-freemasonry