Auroville is an experimental township nearby Pondicherry. It was founded by “the Mother” who was a spiritual collaborator with Sri Aurobindo, the founder of the ashram we visited in Pondicherry. Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. Mother expected that this experimental "universal township" would contribute significantly in the progress of humanity towards its splendid future by bringing together people of goodwill and aspiration for a better world.
In Auroville we met with a woman named Lisa who, though German in heritage, was born and raised in Auroville. She talked to us about the history of the township and how she understands and experiences Auroville. We visited a school based on Aurovillian philosophies for local village children. They explained their unique approach to education, which was very child based, rather than curriculum based. Emphasis was placed on fostering holistic childhood development and to teach children how to learn rather than what to learn. That seemed to manifest itself in a particularly artistic mode of education, where creativity is at the forefront.
We were also able to meet with another Aurovillian originally from Australia who started a cloth pad and menstrual hygiene project called “EcoFemme.” What started as a project born from environmental concern unwove a web of development and social justice concerns regarding menstrual hygiene and health for rural women in India. Her talk was raw and inspiring. She explained the entire evolution of her project from beginning to end. She has done incredible research on the topic in the community uncovering unique findings and developing innovative solutions in response. It was definitely one of my favorite parts of the week thus far.
Before leaving we visited the center of the city, a giant golden globe structure, meant for meditation and spiritual practice. While outsiders were not allowed inside, it was breathtaking enough from a distance.
In Auroville we met with a woman named Lisa who, though German in heritage, was born and raised in Auroville. She talked to us about the history of the township and how she understands and experiences Auroville. We visited a school based on Aurovillian philosophies for local village children. They explained their unique approach to education, which was very child based, rather than curriculum based. Emphasis was placed on fostering holistic childhood development and to teach children how to learn rather than what to learn. That seemed to manifest itself in a particularly artistic mode of education, where creativity is at the forefront.
We were also able to meet with another Aurovillian originally from Australia who started a cloth pad and menstrual hygiene project called “EcoFemme.” What started as a project born from environmental concern unwove a web of development and social justice concerns regarding menstrual hygiene and health for rural women in India. Her talk was raw and inspiring. She explained the entire evolution of her project from beginning to end. She has done incredible research on the topic in the community uncovering unique findings and developing innovative solutions in response. It was definitely one of my favorite parts of the week thus far.
Before leaving we visited the center of the city, a giant golden globe structure, meant for meditation and spiritual practice. While outsiders were not allowed inside, it was breathtaking enough from a distance.