George Arundale was born in England on Dec. 1, 1878 . He was raised by his aunt Francesca from an early age after his mother’s death. Francesca Arundale was close to the Theosophical Society.

Around 1917, George Sydney Arundale came from England to India at the invitation of Annie Besant to help with the educational programmes and other activities.

At a tea party hosted by his aunt at her residence Rukmini Devi was one of the people invited. Though George Arundale was much senior in age to young Rukmini Devi, both were drawn to each other. And in 1920, when Rukmini Devi was only sixteen, with the consent of Annie Besant, they got married. Not surprisingly, this created a storm in conservative Chennai. They had to leave and go to Mumbai where they had a civil marriage. To avoid the wrath of society, they left for a tour of Europe and other countries to further the cause of theosophy.

While residing in Europe, Arundale was consecrated to the Episcopate of the Liberal Catholic Church on 4 Jul 1925, in Huizen [Naarden], the Netherlands by James Ingall WEDGWOOD, Julian Adriaan MAZEL, and Frank Waters PIGOTT as Regionary Bishop for India in 1926.

On 20 September 1933, Annie Besant passed away. Bishop Leadbeater, joined her on 1 March 1934. The Vice-President of the Theosophical Society, took control while the worldwide presidential election was carried out. There were two candidates, Dr. George S. Arundale and Mr. Ernest Wood. Arundale was elected by a majority of 10,779 votes and assumed office in June 1934. He immediately formulated a Seven-Year Plan, outlining what he hoped would be accomplished during his term of office. One of his first acts in 1934 was to establish the Besant Memorial School with the help of Maria Montessori, a flourishing experiment in education, and the nucleus of a future College and University.

In autumn of 1935 Dr. Arundale inspired a Campaign for Straight Theosophy, emphasizing the fundamental principles and teachings for which The Society as a whole may be said to stand. He presided at Adyar in December over an inspiring Diamond Jubilee Convention. The Campaign for 1936-7 was There is a Plan, and for 1937-8 Understanding. These Campaigns have proved of great value to the National Societies in their public and Lodge work.

The President undertook an inspiriting tour in the British Isles and Europe in 1936, and in July presided over a splendid Fourth World Congress at Geneva, to which many countries sent representatives and which received a fine civic welcome. Its keynote was "Justice." The Young Theosophists' Movement, which came into existence at the Vienna Congress, 1923, began to spread quickly.

Throughout the year 1937 Dr. Arundale remained at Adyar, and devoted much of his time to the renovating and beautifying of our famous and much-visited International Headquarters-"the Home of the Masters."

As from 1938, Arundale began with a campaign against the upcomming war under the name of "The Guadian Wall of the Will". He spent the war years in India.

George Arundale died on July 12, 1945.