Radha Burnier
Radha Burnier (née Radha Sri Ram) (November 15, 1923 – October 31, 2013) was the seventh International President of the Theosophical Society (Adyar). Having taken office in 1980, she was the longest standing President of the organization (33 years), followed by Annie Besant (26 years).
Early life and education
Radha Sri Ram was born in Adyar, Chennai, India, on the grounds of the The Theosophical Society (Adyar) estate at on 15 November 1923 into a Theosophical family. She was the daughter of Mr N. Sri Ram, who was the fifth International President of the organization.
She was a third-generation Theosophist. Her grandfather, A. Nilakanta Sastri, was an early member of the Society, and much inspired by the Founders of the Society when they came to India and Madras.
She was educated in the National Girls’ High School, a school founded by Theosophists. Later on she went to the Benares Hindu University from which she obtained a B.A. with distinction and a M.A. on Sanskrit, standing first in that University.
Dance training
From 1938 to 1944 she studied classical Indian dance with Rukmini Devi Arundale at Kalakshetra, the Arts Academy in the campus of the Theosophical Society, and gave many performances.
She played a major role in the well-known director Jean Renoir’s classical film "The River" (Le Fleuve) in 1948.
Scholarly activities
Theosophical work
President of Theosophical Society
Co-Freemasonry
Online resources
Articles
- Radha S. Burnier at Theosophical Society Adyar website
- An Intervieew with Radha Burnier at Life Positive.com
Additional resources
- Articles by Radha Burnier at KatinkaHesselink.net
- Mrs. Radha S. Burnier at ZoomInfo.com