Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am in my mid 40′s (46 to be precise), married for the last 13 years, with two lovely boys aged 9 and 11.

I have been involved in charitable work since the early 1990′s, being a member of lions Club of London – Hendon. It is there I met my proposer and seconder, with whom I jointly raised over £25,000 just through Karaoke singing in the late 1990′s. Not sure if people paid us to leave or because they enjoyed it

I am a graduate of Physics with Microelectronics and Computing, and have worked in Retail Management in the home electronics industry in my early days of employment.

Now I am running our family business which was pioneered by my mother back in 1972, which is an introduction agency (marriage bureau) for the Asian community or anyone seeking an Asian partner (for marriage), and known as Suman Marriage Bureau. My parents ran this together until April 2001 when he sadly passed away, and I then joined my mother in the business. Since October 2009 I have been at the forefront, since her health took the better of her.

I enjoy socialising, driving, eating out, BBQs and spending time at home with my family, as well as helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

W.Bro Parag Bhargava, PPGStwd Lodge Name & Number

Can you tell us more about how and why you joined Freemasonry and what your experience has been so far?

I have been a mason since 2002. At the time my friends put the suggestion of joining forward to me, I have to say that I really did not know what I was signing up for, and was concerned that it is not something that I will enjoy.

Having been together in a voluntary charitable organisation previously, I trusted them and took the plunge, and I still remember my first ceremony. The feeling of joy when everyone congratulated me on taking my first step, and then sitting at the top table afterwards. It really made me feel valued as a person and as a brother.

I have often been approached to join other sections of freemasonry, but the best thing about it is that you take on board as much or as little as you wish, without detriment to yourself. I have only stayed as a member of my lodge and did not join other parts until last year, which was as part of a promotion.

Over the last 12 months I was made a Provincial Grand Steward and this has helped me immensely to see the differences that exist from lodge to lodge and to experience different manners of ceremonies and taste a variety of food at the festive boards held after each meeting at the various centres, which is all part and parcel of the enjoyment to be had.

As well as helping to develop myself as an individual, in my business and personal life, I know that being a Mason is helping me to help others and our own community of brothers. Once again, within my own affordability without pressure or stress.

Freemasonry is not, as often misunderstood to be, a rich mans society or a hidden society conducting scary rituals, but a society for men of all backgrounds, with good moral standing and wishing to do something for themselves and the society around them, in their own way.

I look forward to many years of Freemasonry ahead of me, and hope to gradually progress within the Masonic circle. I am glad I was introduced to Freemasonry and have had the chance to benefit form what it has to offer!!