The above lines forms the basis of the City of Auroville and the spiritual concept on which the township of Auroville has been developed. The Aurovillians see humankind as a part of the process of evolution and not the epitome.
The township is based on the teaching of the spiritual guru of India-Sri Aurobindo and the ideas of sustainable living . The image here is the symbol of Auroville. The dot represents unity,the supreme, the inner circle represents the creation, the conception of the city;the petals represent the power of expression, realization.(Source:www.auroville.com)
The Beginning.......................
The township was proposed as an ideal place to live spiritually following the teachings of Sri Aurobindo. The city was envisioned to be a working laboratory of sustainable livings and research. The project was passed by the Government of India and UNESCO and was seen as an important effort towards future of humanity.
Why Auroville.......................
It is seen as one of the first internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and ecologically sustainable living efforts.
The start..............................
It started on 28th Feb 1968 in a gathering of 5000 people. Representatives form almost 124 nations along with all the states of India were present for the opening ceremony. The mother blessed the township and announced the charter based on which the city was envisioned to function.
The residents......................
Followers of Sri Aurobindo and Mother. Global citizens who want to work for the cause of humanity, large number of professionals like architects, planners, environmentalist , people connected to construction industry who have committed their life to the cause of Auroville : The global city.
 |
People
Today Auroville is an emergent township of around 1,700 people, drawn from more than 35 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Britain and the United States.
Present Statistics:
Adults: 1,304
Under 18 years: 383
|
 |
Climate
The climate of Auroville is tropical, with high humidity and temperatures sometimes reaching 40 C or more in the months of May/June. The main rainy season is from October to December, with an average rainfall of around 127 cm.
|
 |
Location
Auroville is located along the southern coast line of South India close to a major city called pondicherry. It is situated in the low lying plateau and is surrounded by small villages and towns. |
In 1988 Auroville Foundation Act was passed by the Indian Parliament. This enabled the township to develop and function in accordance with the Charter given by The Mother.
The Auroville charter given by mother on 28 th february 1968, reads as follows:
1. Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville one must be a willing servitor of the divine consciousness.
2. Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.
3. Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realizations.
4. Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual human unity
The Auroville foundation consists of three authorities:
1) The Governing Board: Has overall responsibility for the proper management and development of Auroville. It is composed of a number of eminent individuals as well as ex-officio government officers.
2) The International Advisory Council: Has the function of advising the governing board on matters relating to management and development of the township.
3) The Residents Assembly: Comprises of all residents of Auroville on the Master List over the age of 18. This body monitors the various activities of Auroville, decides on the term of the membership, and is responsible for evolving and implementing a Master Plan for Auroville's future development in consultation with the governing board.
History and transformation of land
Source: www.auroville.com |
History
In the early 1970s when the land was given to Sri Aurobindo Society by the State government the area was barren land with expanses of baked red earth and massive amount of soil erosion taking place with every monsoon shower.The history of the land dates goes back to hundred years when it was a princely state with large forested area. During the 1750s it was the hunting ground for local kings. But with the increasing urbanisation the land was exploited and trees were cut in large number for timber.
A large scale afforestation program was initiated in 1970s and for the next 10 years trees were planted in large number. As the trees grew the local eco system started coming back to life with birds and animals moving in. This forest area now acts as the natural buffer between the township and the growing urbanisation around.
|
Auroville
