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Know Auroville
We’ve all heard of the universal township, Auroville, which exists just three hours south of Chennai and celebrated its 40th birthday last year. Co-founded by The Mother and Sri Aurobindo, with the purpose of “creating a place where men and women of all countries can live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities,” Auroville’s population consists of 2,000 people from 40 nations.
What we might not know is what one can actually do there, to be a part of this experiment of human unity, without actually moving in. The Auroville website ( www.auroville.org) is as bewildering as the place itself, so here’s a brief guide to discover Auroville. Be warned though that Auroville doesn’t encourage indiscriminate tourism; the Outreach Centre states clearly: “only people who are genuinely interested in its ideals and projects and willing to participate in the community life are most welcome.”
Getting introduced
There are seminars, a comprehensive first insight into Auroville and a three-day seminar conducted by an Aurovilian during guest season (November to April). The seminar takes you to different communities to meet Aurovilians and presents the ideals and reality of Auroville.
Guest Service
Located upstairs at the Solar Kitchen, it offers a wide range of information and guidance.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
The Visitors Information and Reception Centre Usually the first stop if you’re visiting Auroville. The architecturally brilliant buildings house photographic exhibitions and the Charter. Shop at the various boutiques and bookshops and try delicious home-grown, organic food at the café/restaurant. Matrimandir The spiritual and physical centre of Auroville contains the meditation chamber and houses a solid crystal, 70 cm in diameter (supposedly the world’s biggest). The inner chamber is open to visitors only on Sundays. The Solar Kitchen, the popular, cheap collective kitchen for Auroville with a solar bowl on its roof, provides energy for cooking. About 600 meals are prepared daily for the community and guests, largely made from vegetables and grains grown organically in and around Auroville.
GUEST HOUSES
( www.aurovilleguesthouses.org)
There are about 40 guesthouses of varying comfort; some have a minimum stay requirement. Amongst them are:
Quiet Healing Centre A “special kind of hotel” on the beach envisioned by The Mother where people could ‘recharge and heal’
Gaia’s Garden Focusses on ecology and education.
Youth Camp For people of all ages, with an easygoing multi-cultural atmosphere. Orients guests on the activities of Auroville and interacts with neighbouring villages.
EDUCATION
Convergence This innovative environmental education centre offers experiential programmes for anyone interested in making their world a better place.
LEAP The Learning Experience Auroville Program offers sustainable food growing classes; integral dance of the five elements; chant the rainbow, and many other courses.
FARM STAYS
Only for those with a serious interest in experiencing farm life and learning skills. Accommodation varies from capsules (pyramid shaped hut raised on pillars) to brick rooms. Only a few are listed here.
Annapurna The largest Auroville farm of 135 acres, grows rice, varagu, rosella, millet, firewood crops and uses solar and diesel power. Also a research centre for ecological farming and has a local seed stock. Basic accommodation for volunteer farm workers.
Buddha Garden Has vegetables, orchards, forest and 65 chickens. Provides a place where people can learn what it means to tread lightly on the earth.
www.buddhagarden.org
Solitude Farm Restaurant Founded by Krishna in 1996, Solitude tries to be wholly sustainable through its food production. Experience organic food, lovingly grown, harvested and prepared. American Chef Cody creates a global menu of Italian, Mexican, Thai and Israeli food, including a unique pasta made from traditional millets, vegetable wraps and ragi dosa. Relax under trees and enjoy the peaceful, green farm atmosphere. Reservation is a must.
SEEMA SANGHI
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