News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
2 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Mother said that death entered in man through movement. What She wanted to say with that?
I don't know that. It entered through life. And life – what we call 'life' – is death, we are in death. And one is built
by death, one is full of death. How can death therefore support the cataract of the Supreme? One is FULLY within it!
This then is all the tapasya and heroism of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. And then…those who follow, the few, I
don't know anything about that…not in any group, hein: individuals, isolated individuals, completely isolated, not members
of one group or an other.
Carnets d'un Apocalypse, 17 December 1986 Satprem
"One force shall be your mover and your guide,
One light shall be around you and within;
Hand in strong hand confront Heaven's question, life:
Challenge the ordeal of the immense disguise.
Ascend from Nature to divinity's heights;
Face the high gods, crowned with felicity,
Then meet a greater god, thy self beyond Time."
This word was seed of all the thing to be:
A hand from some Greatness opened her heart's locked doors
And showed the work for which her strength was born.
As when the mantra sinks in Yoga's ear,
Its message enters stirring the blind brain
And keeps in the dim ignorant cells its sound;
The hearer understands a form of words
And, musing on the index thought it holds,
He strives to read it with the labouring mind,
But finds bright hints, not the embodied truth:
Then, falling silent in himself to know
He meets the deeper listening of his soul:
The Word repeats itself in rhythmic strains:
Thought, vision, feeling, sense, the body's self
Are seized unutterably and he endures
An ecstasy and an immortal change;
He feels a Wideness and becomes a Power,
All knowledge rushes on him like a sea:
Transmuted by the white spiritual ray
He walks in naked heavens of joy and calm,
Sees the God-face and hears transcendent speech:
An equal greatness in her life was sown.
Accustomed scenes were now an ended play:
Moving in muse amid familiar powers,
Touched by new magnitudes and fiery signs,
She turned to vastnesses not yet her own;
Allured her heart throbbed to unknown sweetnesses;
The secrets of an unseen world were close.
Savitri: Book IV, Canto III Sri Aurobindo
Submitted by House of Mother’s Agenda
If you love it enough, anything will talk to you.
George Washington Carver (American agricultural chemist)
A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together,
knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and
with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.
An Arab proverb
The
Basics
Corner
5 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
R E P O R T S
FAMC Report June 2006
FAMC Regular Members: Anandamayi and Anandi (Working
Committee) Andy (Matrimandir) Bunty (Housing Service)
Hendrik (ABC) Isha (Chairperson) Ulli (Economy
Group) Jeff (Green Group) Otto (Auroville Maintenance
Fund) Peter CS (LCC) Rathinam (Auroville Fund) Raman
(ad hoc member) Sanjeev (SAIIER) Shiva (Auroville Council)
Tency (CSR)
This report covers meetings held on June 2nd, 9th,
16th, 23rd & 30
th.
Issues Related to Units and Trusts:
AEP / Phocos Pvt Ltd Collaboration: The unit Auroville
Energy Products has a business arrangement with the
Indian subsidiary of a German company promoting solar
technology in India. All accounting is being done appropriately
to reflect incomes and expenditures in the
books of AEP. A joint meeting with the executive, the
Working Committee and the FAMC was called to look
into the various implications.
Auroville Wind Systems (AWS) Bank Guarantee: A request
was made for a bank guarantee required by the
Govt. of West Bengal for release of funds towards implementation
of the wind generator project in the
Sundarbans. Once completed, AWS has the possibility to
take up several other similar contracts. The project was
initiated in 2001 by the executives of AEP, with support
of the Indian Canadian Environmental Fund (ICEF), and
began in 2002. Four of 10 generators have been installed.
The project is an excellent example of Auroville’s
work in renewable energy. AWS has recently invested
in two community projects: a refrigeration unit
for the new Pour Tous, and a small scale wind generator,
developed with partial funding from MNES, which
could be marketed within India. Several prototypes are
being tested within Auroville. The contract and proposed
bank guarantee need to be assessed.
Auroville Health Centre: A group of Aurovilians have
offered to participate in the support group of the Health
Centre. The FAMC has proposed additional people with
more medical background and this group once formed
will meet to advise on the current situation at the
Health Centre. Regular financial support can be offered
to the Health Centre from the Central Fund, once an
assessment is made. A letter regarding this was sent to
the Economy Group.
Imagination Report: The final report of the independent
auditor has been received. The report points out
procedural weaknesses in unit management and the executive
was unaware of correct business practice. The
ABC subgroup has given recommendations concerning
the future management of the unit and has agreed to
remain in a consultation capacity for the transitional
time.
Naturellement Annual Report: The annual report of the
Naturellement Supervisory Board was received and discussed.
As of April 1st the unit has begun repayment
towards its various advances based on agreements,
while the Board has assessed the financial situation of
the unit in relation to targets set and made a request
that a revised repayment schedule be adopted, with
lower initial monthly repayments and increases in subsequent
years. This would result in finalizing repayments
within the original time frame. This was agreed to. The
unit is performing well; Board members have renewed
their commitment and Guy has meanwhile withdrawn his
resignation. They will submit the next quarterly report
in July.
New Engineering Trust: Pierre has sent a second letter
regarding activities under Hridaya Trust, and a financial
report on the activities of the Trust will be given soon.
Pour Tous: Confirmation has been received from the
Auroville Foundation approving the request to appoint
the new executives and accept the resignation of all
four previous executives.
Pour Tous Distribution Centre: A report up to end of
April was reviewed. It was agreed that ideally the service
should function with a maximum, community-wide
participation. The process for refining operations there
is ongoing and dialogue has been hampered by lack of
consistent participation by the Economy
Group/Maintenance Group. Meanwhile a reporting format
is being worked on and a further report will be
submitted by the PTDC team before end of August.
Units and Trusts:
Auroville Fund – Nandini – request to appoint Ms Marie-
Laure Prigent as additional executive: Approved
Auroville Fund – Nandini – resignation of Ms Ane Ugarte
as executive: Approved
Auroville Village Action Trust – Lively Boutique – creation
of a unit with Ms Karin Latzke and Dr Siegrun Schkutek
as executives: The unit application was made for a
service unit; however it is now requesting to open it as a
commercial unit instead. This was agreed to.
Guest House Trust – resignation of Ms Gabrella Baldazza
as Trustee: Approved
Guest House Trust – Sharnga Guest House - request to
appoint Ms Kripa Borg as additional executive: Approved.
Guest House Trust – Sharnga Guest House – withdrawal
of previous request to appoint additional executives Mr
Jean François Pion and Ms Kali Borg: Approved.
Administrative Issues:
All Auroville Budget 2006-07: A request came from the
Acting Secretary for a budget projection for the current
financial year, and this has been passed to the executives
of the Unity Fund for their consideration. One assessment
had been previously made based on figures
from 2002; however this data is not up to date. Although
Unity Fund will combine all income and budgetary data
under one umbrella, this is still very much in process.
Annual Consolidation of Accounts: Recommendations
had been made towards improving the coordination in
the coming year. One of these was optimal contact and
communication between FAMC, ABC, Financial Service
and the accountants, and it was suggested to locate a
desk for ABC administration at the Town Hall. The ABC
has been considering this and a letter will be sent to
them requesting that they take up this possibility as a
priority.
FAMC Representation: A brief summary was given of
the meeting between members of the Working Committee
and the FAMC on the proposal of the Chairman for a
reformulation of the amendments to the Rules regarding
the constitution of the FAMC, and his request for the
views of the Working Committee on this. This proposal
proposes that members of the FAMC would be nominated
(by the Governing Board and the Residents Assembly),
whereas the current functioning of the group
calls for a representational membership approved by the
RA, and the areas of representation have been outlined
most recently in 2003.
4 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
The criteria for membership was circulated and it explained
that this is an internal policy modified from time
to time, and presented for approval via the News. If the
group is to become more focused on finance issues, it is
suggested to remove representation of Entry Group
(even though financial policies have a definite affect on
new people joining Auroville), and Green Group would
be better represented through Planning and Development.
A proposal has been presented by the Working
Committee representative for reworking the areas of
representation, helping to move towards creating a
Budget Committee and a stronger Services representation.
The Budget Committee would work as part of the
FAMC, as the job is very specific and requires the skills
of qualified people. An essential basis for both is clear
channels of communication and information sharing, and
the trust of the community, and for this the representational
approach is ideal. The FAMC has done very well
over the years utilizing this structure and there is no
reason to introduce blanket reforms, although some fine
tuning can happen without jeopardizing the continuity
of the FAMC. There was agreement that representational
membership from defined work areas will remain.
It was agreed to uphold the criteria that a member reside
in Auroville a minimum of 5 years, to validate the
participation of those making decisions about the future
development of Auroville. In the past exceptions have
been made in individual cases.
Registering Research Trusts/Units: It was agreed that
the category “research” should be applied in cases
where a Trust or unit is not a service to the community.
The Foundation is supportive of this, and it will be helpful
in better defining those activities/units which are
primarily services to the community.
Renewal of Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research Recognition: Auroville has received recognition
for 2006 through 2009, requiring additional endorsement
of tax exempt status U/S 35(1)(ii) and
35(1)(iii) of the Income Tax Act.
Auroville Unity Fund: The executives have met and
discussed their progress in managing the Fund. SAIIER,
CSR, Matrimandir, Auromitra and Village Action Trust
were reminded of the need to pass all funds via the
Unity Fund. Also a letter will be sent to the Economy
Group requesting they do the necessary in creating
ledger headings under Unity Fund for the Central Fund
receipts and budgets. AUF executives will be requested
for an update on the phases and progress of implementing
the objectives of the unit.
Economy Issues:
Aurovilian Maintenance Policy: The Economy Group had
presented its draft proposal “Guidelines for Contribution
and Material Support” in November 2005, serving as a
base for discussions on Aurovilian maintenances over
recent months. The Economy Group will be publishing a
note in the News to explain that they will not continue
with the recent initiative to increase the cash component
of individual maintenances, as this doesn’t address
other considerations such as the quality of the work or
service given, the value of support given in-kind, or an
assessment of “needs”. It was expressed that, now that
the Central Fund is not labouring under a deficit, it is
the time to totally reform the maintenance approach in
favour of Mother’s vision. The Economy Group will be
asked to review the “Guidelines for Contribution and
Material Support” document with a look for what remains
relevant, and are invited to submit a redrafted
proposal.
Auroville Service Activities: The name has been given
to replace the “Auroville Board of Services” and the
group meeting on the subject felt this expresses better
the scope of all of what is considered a “service” in
Auroville. This includes activities fully supported
through a budget of the Central Fund, those partly selfsupporting,
and also some which may be entirely supported
through their own income generation. The viability
of services run in Auroville and for Aurovilians needs
to be carefully assessed, along with creative financing to
support this aspect of the collective economy. In a recent
feedback on their process it was recommended to
make a categorization of like services in four groups:
Prosperity Services, Municipal Services, Administration,
and Education & Culture. The main focus of the discussions
has been motivated by both the need to identify
and organize the services providing for the basic material
needs of Aurovilians (through the Pour Tous Fund)
and also to have representatives of service activities
able to discuss management and budgeting priorities. It
was suggested that each area have its own representative
to a Budget Committee.
Auroville Health Fund: Details were provided of ongoing
work between the managers of the Health Fund and
members of the Economy Group. The Fund had a surplus
at the end of the financial year, however some pending
expenses may require the use of these funds. At times
since initiating the Fund individuals have been required
to fund raise separately, and it had been suggested to
look into a group policy to cover these exceptional
situations. The policy being considered has limitations
and terms, and a copy will be provided for more information.
The service is functioning under the Economy
Group's supervision with Health Centre monitoring of the
quality of service being provided. It was agreed to make
participation in the Health Fund mandatory for all Aurovilians
and Newcomers, except in cases where individuals
sign a waiver taking full financial responsibility for
their medical needs and emergencies.
Economy Group Annual Report: An annual report was
presented with details of incomes, expenditures, trends
and future proposals and objectives. Improvement of
internal receipts has alleviated earlier insecurity felt on
behalf of the SAIIER budget towards the maintenance of
researchers. There is now a buffer, which the Economy
Group is proposing to maintain half in reserve and half
to invest in initiatives seen to reduce specific recurring
expenditures. To this second part they will provide the
details to the FAMC in the form of a proposal. In some
cases buffer amounts are being maintained directly by a
service activity (ie: Health Fund and Electricity Fund)
and reinvested in that service to upgrade facilities.
Maintenances of Aurovilians working in services are now
included with recurring expenses in budgets allocated to
these services, but additional allocations/investments
will not be shown in those budget amounts. The database
on all Aurovilians and their workplaces can be developed
to provide a record of the maintenances received
by each one, irrespective of their source of income.
More work is needed to bring contributions in
from commercial units. The overview of annual expenditure
by activity is being reworked to provide activityspecific
data, so that budget ratios by activity can be
seen and assessed. There has been dissatisfaction generally
about the initiative to implement maintenance
increases across the board as this has appealed to many
who feel they should receive more cash per month,
while the emphasis on the value of what the community
provides in-kind is often not appreciated.
5 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Claire has joined the Maintenance Group, while Elumalai
has discontinued his trial period as an Economy Group
member. Venkat has begun a trial member period and
works full time in the office. The report and synopsis
were much appreciated and the FAMC looks forward to
receiving the proposals for use of the surplus funds.
Issues Related to Housing:
Caution: The FAMC feels it is necessary to warn all
Newcomers and long–term Guests that all matters relating
to their housing have to be seen with the Entry
Group and the Housing Service. By-passing or ignoring
the advice of the Entry Group and the Housing Service
and entering into personal arrangements with Aurovilians
for house transfers will automatically result in losing
all the financial protections that the community
normally arranges for Newcomers through the Housing
Loan Scheme. Long-term Guests may, in exceptional
cases, be allocated housing by the Housing Service,
though normally they would be expected to stay in guest
houses. In no case may they assume stewardship of a
house by transfer of funds to any individual.
Housing Service: There is a need for involvement of
capable people in the service. A meeting between the
Housing representative, Auroville Fund and AVMF is
needed to compile current figures and present their financial
report. The database on all housing assets in
Auroville needs to be updated and maintained by Housing
Service. It was agreed that membership of the group
will be streamlined to include those actively participating
in the necessary jobs, and these outlined clearly.
The Economy Group have received no response to their
request for accounting of the expenditure of Housing
Repair Fund and are proposing to suspend the monthly
budget if they do not receive details.
Felicity House: Housing Service has a contract with a
Newcomer to care for the house until January 2007.
With the date of the steward's intended visit having
changed, the caretaker, who was TOS, was not fully
prepared. It is thought that the visit will be for a 3 week
period only, after which other issues about the house
stewardship can be addressed.
Petite Ferme House: Giorgio and Supriya have been
given the option to obtain a 2nd valuation from one of
two contractor/architects recognized by the FAMC, in
order to conclude the difference of opinion about the
house values and the amount they need to cover to become
recognized stewards of the house in Petite Ferme.
Other Topics:
LCC Request re Kuilapalayam Land: Land Coordination
Committee has presented its request for exchange of
land in the Kuilapalayam area to facilitate exchanges for
extremely valuable land in the City area. More information
was needed to issue an approval.
Request for Contribution Waivers:
Aspiration Guest House: The request for a contribution
waiver on a new non-residential construction was not
agreed to by the APDC, and FAMC members also agreed
that the contribution should be paid.
Certitude: The request to waive contributions for a first
time housing stewardship for a house in Certitude was
referred by Housing Service to the FAMC. The waiver
was not agreed to, and it was reminded that the fraternal
one-time contribution towards Housing is necessary
as it assures a sharing of resources with others in the
community less able to finance their housing needs.
If you have any questions or would like further information,
please e-mail famc@auroville.org.in
July 17th Forest Group Meeting Pitchandikulam
Present – Agnes, Rita, Glenn(notes), Mike, Jaap, Paul,
Vijay, Edsat, Cristo, Joss, Kannaiypan, Elumalai, David,
Island, Yuval, Jean-Marie, John, Julia, Kumar, Saravanam,
Shivaraj.
• Dreamcatchers - David, Mona and Kathryn came
to present there next theme which is “Greenwork.”
They are gathering information and looking
for a site to stage the next Dreamspace
within the Greenbelt.
• Adventure - The Adventure community have arrived
at a solution for the community aspect of
their dispute and have informed the Auroville
Council. This was appreciated and supported by
the group. The stewardship issue has still to be
finalised by the Forest Group and the present
situation of temporary stewards managing work
and funds should still be maintained.
• Economy - The meeting was then focused on
discussing the Forest Watchman budget which
has been an on going subject for some months.
The budget has not been raised for six years and
is presently 66 Rs per watchman and on average
the actual figure is between 110 and 120 Rs. It
is understood that for most places this is a subsidy
with the balance being made up from income
from the forest, timber, firewood, cashews
etc, and from personal money, but from
the compiled accounts of the last 5 years it can
be seen that the gap between income and expenditure
has risen to a degree which is increasingly
more difficult to manage. The sub-group
that met to work on the personal maintenance
will again meet with the Economy Group to present
our compiled accounts and submit a much
needed percentage rise for the forest budget.
Next meeting to be held
at Revelation 4/08/06 @ 3pm
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
General Meeting on Entry/Exit Proposal
Dear All,
This is inform you that there will be a general meeting regarding the Entry and Exit proposals drafted by Paul Vincent and
his sub-group and the one by the Entry Study Group. Each group will have one hour to present their proposal.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 26th July, at 5pm at SAWCHU.
All Aurovilians and Newcomers are welcome! The Working Committee and the Auroville Council
6 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Working Committee: Restructuring FAMC
With regard to the proposal from Dr. Karan Singh,
Chairman Auroville Foundation, for restructuring of
FAMC (which was published in News & Notes no. 143
dated 10th June 2006), the Working Committee organised
a General Meeting on 14th June 2006, which was
followed by a meeting with Mr. Bagchi (member of Governing
Board) on 29th June. A Study Group was set up
and has been meeting up regularly to study the proposal
and prepare an alternate formulation which has to be
presented before the Finance Committee meeting which
is tentatively scheduled at end of August 06.
The Working Committee would like to call now for a
Residents Assembly meeting on 3rd August 2006 at
SAWCHU, Bharat Nivas at 5:00pm to present the proposal
of the study group and seek the approval of the
Residents Assembly
All Aurovilians and Newcomers are welcome!
With regards, The Working Committee
Auroville Choir: season July 06–April 07
After the summer break the Auroville Choir is starting
again from Thursday 20th of July. The program will consist
of music by Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story),
Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera), John
Rutter (Birthday Madrigals)…and more. If you would like
to join the choir, please let me know. You can contact
me at the 2622310. Male voices are specially needed.
First meeting: Thursday 20th of July at 6.00 pm at
Pitanga. Love, Nuria
Auroville Youth Choir: season July 06-April 07
After the summer break the Auroville Youth Choir is
starting again from Saturday 22nd of July. The program
will consist of Gospels; African, Caribbean and Israeli
traditional songs; and more favourites from Cats (by
Andrew Lloyd Webber). If you would like to join the
choir, please let me know it. You can contact me at the
2622310. The age range for this group is from 13 to 18
years old. First meeting: Saturday 22nd of July
at 2.00 pm at Pitanga. Love, Nuria
Auroville Language Lab
After successful completion of the first batch of our
Tamil Intensive Course, we commence a second one
starting August 1st, for 3 weeks, from 3.00 pm – 4.30
pm. For further information, contact the Auroville Language
Lab ph. 2623-661 or meet Mr. S. Srinivasan from
3.00 pm to 6.00 pm.
Horse riding lessons at Pony Farm
Horse riding lessons for beginners and
intermediates are now offered in Pony
Farm. Beginners’ lessons are for children
of 8 years and above, starting
with half hour classes and proceeding
to one hour once they have mastered
the basic skills. The monthly package
consists of a lesson every week, and once they’ve
reached an adequate level, a full moon ride each
month. Monthly contribution for Aurovilians: ½ an hour,
Rs 600. 1 hour, Rs 800.
For further info please come to the meeting in Pony
Farm on Sunday 23rd July at 3pm.
Thanks, The Pony Farm Team
Reminder: Pour Tous Gas Service has shifted
Pour Tous Gas Service has shifted to the Service Area
(next to Om Travels and beside the Security Office) as of
Monday July 17th.Opening time: 9 am - 1 pm & 2 to 4.30
pm. Telephone number: 2622-452
Thank you, Pour Tous Team
New Publication
Georges Van Vrekhem's latest book, "Hitler and His God -
The Background to the Hitler Phenomenon", has been
published by Rupa & Co in New Delhi.
700 pages, Rs. 395.
To units, farms, services re: guest volunteers
We are in the process of updating our list of volunteering
options for guests staying in Auroville guest houses.
If you have possibilities for guests who are willing to
help out for a time-span ranging from 1 day to some
months, please let us know. Love, Lella for Auroville
Guest Service - phone 2622704 - email:
avguests@auroville.org.in
Pesticides questionnaire
We have already received 70 answers. If you have been
affected by the pesticides spray, please take the small
trouble to fill out the questionnaire and return it to us.
There is a box for them at the Solar Kitchen, Pour Tous
and Town Hall.
Thank you for your cooperation for the collective
health. No More Pesticides Team, Tel: 262 2234,
njal@auroville.org.in
F O R Y O U R I N F O R M A T I O N
Information from the Working Committee
The Working Committee is happy to inform that 5 copies
of the last year’s 'Auroville Foundation Annual Report
(2004-2005)' have been made available to the Auroville
Library in Bharat Nivas for Aurovilians and Newcomers to
borrow. The report for this year 2005-2006 is getting
ready and once it is published, another five copies will
be made available in the library. Besides, from this year
onwards, we will arrange for a soft copy to be published
on the Auronet (unfortunately it is not available for the
last year). This is done in a spirit of transparency and
sharing of information. The Working Committee
Payment of House Tax for 2006-07: direct
debit from your account
We have paid the House Tax for the year 2006-07 to the
various local panchayats. As you are surely aware, House
Tax is one of their main forms of revenue and it is a
statutory requirement that it is paid. As in previous
years, Auroville Fund has advanced the House Tax payment
and now we have the task to ask all Aurovilians for
their contributions – based on the size and type of accommodation
each one of us is occupying – to help cover
the collective House Tax bill. Since it’s a lot of work to
send separate bills to each household, we are proposing
to directly debit your AVMF account. If we don’t receive
any feedback by the end of July, this amount
will be deducted from your account by beginning August.
If you have any questions please contact Kumar.K,
Rathinam or Judith at Auroville Fund, Town Hall -
2622455, 2622879 Thank you. The Auroville Fund
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 7
Regarding passport and visa issues
Dear friends: We would like to tell/inform you something that is very important for us all to learn for the future.
1. Kindly dress-up properly and behave respectfully to the officials to the RRO/Auroville Foundation.
2. In case of your passport expires while the visa is still valid, you will have to start the process of renewing the passport
6 months before the expiry.
3. As soon as you have received the new passport, kindly bring a photocopy of the passport to our office (we will
send it to the Auroville Foundation).
4. You will have to pass by the RRO, within 2 weeks, along with an accompanying letter (we will give you) and also one
copy of your passport + the original passport and RCRP (Registration Certificate/Residential Permit). They will endorse
your new passport on your RCRP. In case of delay you will have to pay a penalty of Rs.1470.
5. Kindly check your Residential Permit/Visa. Three months before the expiry you will have to make the applition for extension.
This is also your duty to check, instead of depending on us.
6. When you come back from a visit abroad fill in an Arrival Form within 24 hours. If you have come with a new entry
visa, you have to have completed registration at the RRO within 14 days after arriving in India. The Residents Service will
help you with the formalities.
7. The Immigration Officers have the right to collect and keep your Residential Permit if you do not a have a Multiple Entry
or Return Visa endorsement. They are supposed to send your RCRP back to the RRO where you register.
8. Even if you have PIO/Triple Entries in a year/Multiple Entry facilities, during your departure you will have to pass by
our office to fill up a departure form for RRO. The same you will have to do as soon as you are back from your trip. The
arrival forms have to be filled within 24 hours.
9. We could recommend a 5 year extension for those who are: minors, more than 20 years in India, officially married to
an Indian National, parents/grand parents of Indian origin or who have been given a 5 year visa from their own country.
10. As soon as you receive the notes from us or from RRO that the extension has arrived, you will have to do the payment
within 10 days of the message received in the morning before 10:30, because they need to finish before 11:30 the process
takes time to do the payment. And in the afternoon between 4:00 to 5:30 pm, you will have to pass by to collect the
Residential Permit and the Passport.
11. Please do check your paper work. This is also your responsibility to check your papers in order. We are just a helper,
please be kind and cooperate with us to keep the track properly. May be we too forget some people. Please do check and
do not delay for the payment. If so then you will be in trouble and you will have to face the outcome.
At Her Service of Truth, the Residents Service team
From APDC
The following building applications have been submitted to the APDC. Feedback from the community is welcome within
two weeks from the date of publication. If anyone wishes to have detailed information when a building application is published,
feel free to contact the APDC office: 262-2056.
1 Shanmugam, Horizon, House Extension
2 Abha Tewari - Shardhanjali, Auroshilpam, additional storeroom space
Please remember that you have to pick up your NOC (Non Objection Certificate) after the two weeks feedback at our
desk in order to validate the permission.
Dehashakti Sports program
For those of you that did not know….Dehashakti sports program offers an all around educative program to students
through systematic training and planned activities. It is based on The Mother’s view that physical education is an integral
part of a person’s development. As such the program aims to promote a child’s inner discipline and concentration. It focuses
on team sports that nurture cooperation and team spirit rather than focusing on individual glory. Currently, the
program caters to 160 students from After School, Deepanam, Future School, Last School and Transition.
It is managed by three full-time coaches and seven volunteer coaches who assist them every afternoon. The program itself
runs from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. The teachers have to be available by 3:15 p.m. to set up and coordinate
the day’s activities. One of the major hurdles facing this program is keeping dedicated instructors which puts tremendous
pressure on the team.
Apart from the full-time coaches, the other instructors need to do some other work with Auroville units/services (to receive
a full-time maintenance). However, in order to continue with their service to Dehashakti, they need to leave their
other work by 3:00 pm so that the necessary preparation work for the afternoon’s classes can be done. Many have found
that this requirement (leaving by 3.00 pm) has prevented them from gaining additional work within Auroville because the
units/services will not permit this. Therefore, we request all services/units to kindly remember just how vital this program
is to our children and be open and flexible with working hours. This will allow Dehashakti to keep their committed
teachers, creating continuity in the program. Thank you in advance for your cooperation
In the service of our children The Auroville School Board
News from the Solar Kitchen
From Sunday August 6th onwards we will offer a lunch at the Solar Kitchen Dining Hall. You have to book at least by
Friday August 4th at the Solar Kitchen entrance, so that we know how many lunches to prepare.
Further details will follow in the next News&Notes. Bon appêtit! Solar Kitchen Team
8 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Auroville Nature Camp at Kavunji, Tamil Nadu
Auroville has been conducting Nature Summer Camps for
the last twenty three years which allowed an estimated
3500 children and teachers to enjoy during the summer
holidays the nature and adventure in the Palani Hills of
the Eastern Ghats. The Forest Department of the Tamil
Nadu Government has been very supportive from the
Chief Conservator of Forest to the District Forest Officer
and Rangers. This year it was unfortunately not possible
to conduct the camp at Berijam and we started to look
for alternate camp-sites. Near Kavunji at a small
stream, between the Sheep Farm, Reserve Forest and
cultivated private land, we rented a piece of land and
set up the Summer Camp. This year’s camp proved very
successful and we felt encouraged to scout for a small
piece of land to acquire for a permanent base-camp for
Auroville (see Summer Camp 2006 Report). We managed
to get half an acre and once the papers are finalized it
will be registered in the name of the Auroville Foundation.
Benefits: The activities of the Nature Camp will be part
of the overall educational programme of SAIIER. The
benefits of having a possibility to provide a summercamp
to children and members of Auroville and the surrounding
villages are many and have proven to be highly
conducive to build up good health, a spirit of adventure
and harmony with nature, a sense of comradeship and
appreciation of rural India. Now with the permanent
set-up of basic facilities (like storeroom, kitchen, dormitory
and utilities) the Nature Camp can be made available
to units, services, groups and individuals in and
associated with Auroville.
Finances: For the last twenty three years the camps
have been financed through donations from units and
individuals in Auroville, friends and well-wishers of
Auroville, grants for educational activities from Government
of India and international Foundations like
World Education and Stichting. Every participant was
expected to contribute towards the transport, material
and food of the camps, but deserving cases were also
subsidised from donations given specifically for the inclusion
of youths from the villages. This has proven very
successful in the youth-integration. In the aftermath of
the tsunami the experienced camp-staff and materials
were made available for emergency camps. A fundraising
drive has been started to gather initial capital for
basic installations. Advance financial contribution for
future use by groups and individuals and also donations
for subsidising deserving village and Auroville youths is
most welcome. ( Auroville fund Nature Camp, acc 0066.)
Material: To set up basic facilities for an average of 60
participants all material, contributions are helpful, like
cement, steel, wooden planks, metal sheets, water and
electrical pipes and fittings, tools, kitchen equipment,
camp gear, solar panels, solar pump and generator,
windmill, water-tank etc.
Location: The acquired land is half an acre, at the border
of Reserve Forest, Central Government Sheep Farm
and agricultural land near Kavunji village. Two small
streams form a natural border and the public land along
the streams are available for sports and recreational
activities. The land is accessible only by foot, but a public
road with regular buses to Kodai, Manovanur and Kavunji
is half a mile away. From the camp a good number
of treks and walks open up, for example to Berijam Waterfall,
Merinshola, Past Peak, Poondi, Kilavarai, Munar,
Kumbu, and Amarvathi. The location is open to both the
N.E. and S.W. monsoon and invites the use of solar and
wind-energy. We hope to plant trees, medicinal plants,
flowers and fruits.
Activities: With a permanent camp-site we can also
conduct school camps during the Pujaand New Year vacations.
Besides the usual treks and nature-study, the
site allows for sports and physical training programmes
and botanical studies. We plan to also invite a limited
number of youths from other educational institutions as
part of the Out-reach Programme of SAIIER. When the
camp is not occupied by the school-programmes we invite
other Auroville units and services and Aurovillerelated
groups to utilise the camp and participate in
kind or money in the up-keep and improvement of the
camp. A Coordination Team is being proposed to facilitate
the establishment and running of the Nature Camp.
Everybody who is interested to join the coordination
Team is invited to a meeting for the new ECO-Camp on
Wed the 26th at 5.30 p.m. at Certitude and to a Summer
Camp 2006 Feed-back session with children, adults and
donors on Sat 29th at 5.30p.m.to 6:30 pm at City Center
Café with snacks.
Aramugam and Selvam will take 20 MM workers for three
days to the camp-site. We will establish the borders for
the site and clear the ground for deciding permanent features.
Truly, Frederick, Vladimir, Iyyenar, Arumugam D.
& Auroprem
Call for Grant Proposals
The Project Coordination Group (PCG) will meet in November
for its annual review of new and pending grant
proposals for funding by the Foundation for World Education
and Stichting De Zaaier in 2007. A call for proposal
will be announced in the News&Notes and posted
on the AVnet in September.
However, for 2006, there is still a limited amount of
funds available with Stichting De Zaaier. Projects proposals
that can be implemented soon and completed
before the end of this financial year may be submitted
to the PCG on or before 18th August.
The PCG will only check whether proposals fall within
Stichting De Zaaier’s funding criteria and forward those
to the Board for final selection and budget allocation.
Projects for Stichting De Zaaier should be related to
research studies in the field of sociology, economy, psychology
and inner development; organization or participation
in seminars, workshops, conferences, events,
exhibitions in the same fields; publications of research
papers and dissemination of information; seed money
for innovative and informal education and training.
There are no funds available for infrastructure, buildings
and transport. Requests for equipment will only be considered
if specifically required for the implementation
of the project.
Budget requests should not exceed Rs. 5 lakhs and not
be less than Rs. 50,000.
Hard copies of the grant application format are available
with Buvana at the Land Service office, ACUR
(Town Hall), first floor, (tel. 2623699), or may be
emailed to you on request to pcg@auroville.org.in.
Please be aware that this specific call and deadline of
18th August apply only for projects that can be implemented
this year. Projects for next financial year
2007-2008 may be submitted after our next call for
proposals in September.
For further information, please contact Sauro or Guy at
ACUR (Town Hall), 1st floor, tel. 2622795 or 2623699.
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 9
The AurovilleRadio
AurovilleRadio is organising a round table discussion on
music in Auroville. Everyone interested in taking part of
this programme should contact: info@aurovilleradio.org
. The AurovilleRadio site, www.aurovilleradio.org, contains
pictures and text, channels broadcasting programmes,
a schedule with timings as well as downloads.
Present broadcasts include news in English, French and
Tamil, interviews, Matrimandir updates, concerts,
soundscapes, conferences and meetings from Auroville.
This week one can listen to: Om Namo Bagavate sung by
Joy with Agni and Maurizio on the acoustic guitar; Summer
In The City, a composition by Jaap; Matrimandir
Update with Gérard Maréchal; Interviews on economy
with Serge Brelin, Guenter Faltin, Khumba, Marc
Desplanque and Marc Tomo; in Soundscapes, the silence
of the Inner Chamber; The Global Consciousness Project
by Dr. Roger Nelson; Insight by Daniel with Otto; The
Flight of The Icarus, a composition by Peter and some
play lists prepared by Maurizio and Pino.
How to listen to the Auroville Radio: As the AurovilleRadio
is internet based, to be able to listen to programmes,
one will need the free Winamp or Windows
Media Player or Real Player or iTunes.
Live broadcasts: Schedules are posted on the main
menu.
The World Channels can be listened to from around the
world:
- ADSL users, click on to Channel 1
- dial-up users ,click on to Channel 2
The City Channel is available only to SkyNet subscribers
and can be listened to for free but only within Auroville
and is not accessible via the internet.
Downloads: Various programmes can also be downloaded
from the main menu. For more information or further
questions, please write to info@aurovilleradio.org
OM Travels!
We inform you that now OM Travels has a mini load carrier.
If any one needs one please contact OM Travels.
Phone: 2622834, 2623316
Le Morgan
The City Center Café will be closed for two days next
week, on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th for repair works
in the kitchen. Sorry for that, dear customers, but we
want to improve the aeration and ventilation of our tiny
kitchen.
From the 1st of August onwards, the Morgan will be open
for dinners every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night.
Power Presentation
Arcosanti: Urban Laboratory, building first prototype
Arcology: high density sustainable urban design.
Power Presentation in the American Pavilion, on Monday
7:30 p.m. Ph: 2622474
Reminder: Tibetan doctor in town
Dear People: This is to inform you that the Tibetan doctor
will be visiting us on Saturday 22nd of July. Contact
me if you need further information. Thank you, Kalsang.
Pavilion of Tibetan Culture
Health Centre…Rumors?
The Health Centre has heard of doubts and rumors
regarding our functioning. We would like to clarify a
few points:
1. It is true that our main donors have markedly reduced
their funding, but with the present reduced working hours,
the Health Centre can function till end 2007 using the
corpus funds.
2. The present executives are continuing their work.
3. The maximum number of patients continues to be from
the villages and the main thrust remains health in the villages.
4. The morning doctors' consultations continue 6 days a
week.
5. All the staff were paid their complete settlements up to
31st March 2006, before implementing the new working
hours. A.V.H.C. Team.
Irregular waste pick-up
Dear Community: In case of irregular waste pick up or
other complaints please call Jayamoorthy, mobile no:
9442708138 for follow up. If you need further help don’t
hesitate to mail to Amrit@auroville.org.in or call 2622046
and speak to me personally. We are trying to improve the
performance of the Eco-service and we need your feedback
for this. Thanks! Amrit, Vérité
Authentic EM
The authentic EM authorized by Prof. Higa (EMRO, EM
Research Organization, Japan) and quality-controlled by
EMRO is manufactured in India exclusively by Maple
Orgtech (India) Ltd. with head office in Dehradun. The
registered trademark of the product is "Maple EM.1".
When Maple Orgtech took up manufacturing it in 2000,
AuroAnnam became its first dealer in India and has been
marketing it since then. In 2005 AuroAnnam was authorized
to operate as the training centre for EM technology
in India. AuroAnnam
More Tips for Water Conservation:
Hand wash clothes in environmentally
friendly neem soap. Save all water used
to flush toilets. The rinse water is fine
to water your plants too. If you have tips you would like
to share or are interested in joining
the Water Awareness Team (WAT) please email
ruslan@auroville.org.in or paula@auroville.org.in
Web Assisted Learning of Thamizh
I recommend http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/plc/tamilweb/
It’s is a very interesting site for Thamizh learners.
S.SRINIVASAN, Thamizh teacher,
Auroville language Laboratory
The Blue Berry library
The Blue Berry Library will be open every
afternoon from 2 to 5 o clock with the
possibility to open on Wednesday mornings
for schools. Please inform us in
advance by calling Claudia at: 2623 594
10 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Out-of-station courses with Itzhak
Dear Friends: I will teach an advanced course in Ibiza
from 1st to 7th October. For more information you can
check the website www.tyma.info and you can book
with Kasia via www.vwellbeing.com
I will be in London, UK in July/August and I am doing an
introductory day to Thai Massage for Beginners/
Advanced on the 22 July in London. If you need
more info then you’re welcome to write to me.
Metta Itzhak. Web: www.tyma.info E-mail
tmassage@gmail.com
Matrimandir Visit
Introduction to Matrimandir and its Symbols
by Gilles G.
For Aurovilians, newcomers, guests and other passholders.
This includes the visit of the 1st & 2nd levels
but not of the Inner Chamber. Thursday 27th July 4.00
pm – Matrimandir office entrance. As places are limited
to 20, kindly book in advance by phoning to the “Access
Group” at Matrimandir Office between 9 and 10 am at
262 22 68. First booked first served. This “Introduction”
will be conducted regularly in the coming months –
according to the demand.
IDEA
Dear All, I am currently involved with an Auroville Group
that formed as an initiative from the last Knowledge and
Business Consciousness conference in Auroville. The
group is called the IDEA team – Integral Development of
Entrepreneurship in Auroville. The mission of the IDEA
project is to provide both a physical and virtual space
for the research, exploration and exchange of knowledge,
ideas and successful case studies in Integral Entrepreneurship.
The IDEA vision is that through the exploration and promotion
of innovative, sustainable entrepreneurial business,
service and social models we can facilitate an increased
trend toward conscious, collaborative enterprises
that support a truly sustainable economy for
Auroville. Our vision is guided by the ideals expressed
by the Mother’s Vision of the Auroville Economy.
Because we believe that all Aurovilian activities are important
to the development and sustainability of Auroville,
our team is going out into the community and organizing
discussion groups to collect input from individuals
and groups about what makes an activity (or
work) integral, what do Aurovilian entrepreneurs
need from the community to make their activities sustainable,
and what are the major challenges that need
to be overcome in order to make an activity integral and
sustainable?
I would like to invite all Aurovilians and Newcomers involved
in the areas of computer technology, software,
graphics, communications and related areas to an open
discussion on integral entrepreneurship in these fields.
The open discussion will be held on Saturday, 29 July at
3:00pm at SAWCHU. If you plan to attend, please let
me know via return e-mail so that i can arrange for refreshments.
Also, if you know of others that are involved
in the areas of computer technology, software, graphics,
communications and are not included in this e-mail list,
please forward this invitation to them. I look forward to
talking with you all.
Peace & light, Grace Aroha for the IDEA group
L O O K I N G F O R . . .
Couriers for Tsunamika
Tsunamika is hitch hiking
to London to offer her love
and the love and
consciousness of Aurovilians on
September 10 at the Festival
of Life www.festivaloflife.net
and September 21 World
Peace Day www.peaceoneday.org Any guardian angels
travelling to London between now and September
5, or have friends visiting and returning, or Auroville
units shipping products to clients in London willing to
carry her and her friends? She weighs almost nothing
and the more angels carrying her, the greater the joy.
If you have any other ideas about how she might make
this journey please let us know.
To collect Tsunamika in Auroville please contact Uma
Prajapati on 262 2939; 262 2957 email
umap@auroville.org.in
For her collection in London please contact
elizabethedema@hotmail.com
or phone 07941 787553
Baby Sitters
The baby sitter service is looking for sitters to be, so if
you are Aurovilian or Newcomer, 14 years old or more
and have an interest in children as well as few hours a
week of spare time, please contact me as soon as possible.
At Claudia@auroville.org.inor or at home: 2623594
House to sit
Responsible 2nd-year Newcomer happy to care for
your house and pets from mid-August till January (possibly
later). Please contact Grace at 944 299 2186 or
gracearoha@auroville.org.in
House to sit
I am a young architecture student looking for a house
to sit till the end of this year. If internet connection
is possible it would be great. Please contact me at
09443005705. Thank you Monika
Volunteers for Pour Tous Distribution Centre
Pour Tous Distribution Centre needs your help! Do you
have good organization and communication skills? Are
you detail-oriented? Do you enjoy a challenge? Are you
dynamic, expressive and energetic? We are looking for
two Aurovilian or Newcomer volunteers to help us continue
to evolve the atmosphere of the Distribution Centre.
We are especially seeking one who can oversee the
day-to-day operations inside the Centre in the areas of
receiving, stocking, etc. and one for
participant in communications and tracking. Please stop
by the Centre, preferably in the morning between 10:30
and 12:00. Looking forward to meeting with you. The
PTDC team Thank you, Amy for PTDC
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 11
A V A I L A B L E
Flat Available immediately In Vikas
This flat contains one bedroom, an office, a large domed
roof living room, small kitchen, one screened in terrace
with tub and one open terrace. It has an electrical
(TNEB) connection, shared solar and private phone connection.
It is on the first floor of the third phase of Vikas
and is available for sale through the Housing Service. For
more details or if you would like to come and take a
look call Charu or Paula 2623 294 or email
paula@auroville.org.in
Portraits
If you wish Hers or your portrait to be drawn as
well as a loving pet; you can send me your photo
and I will do it for free. e-mail: design_
paper_crafts@yahoo.com Tel:2623682( mornings
preferably) Angel Angelique
Vegan cakes
Even if you are not vegan! Agnes makes superb
healthy vegan cake. Once eaten, it will only leave you
asking for more. We are all crazy about it at Quiet. It’s
available at Farm Fresh on Fridays and Saturdays and
is best when eaten fresh. Feedback invited. Nandita,
Quiet nandita_shah@vsnl.com
L O S T & F O U N D
Lost: motorbike key
A single Discovery Key got lost in Certitude, July 11th
between 4:00 and 5:30. If found please contact Bharati
at 944-32-87-811….. Thank you
Found: Tatiyana Netis' wallet
Two weeks ago on Tuesday night I found a wallet on the
road near the Eucalyptus Trees. There are two VISA
credit cards of the "Israel Discount Bank" inside; the
name on them is "TATIYANA NETIS". I hope she is still in
Auroville and was not a short term guest. My contact
number now is 2623 254 in the mornings (at work) and
2622 808 (in the evenings at home). And of course
there's this email address: johannes.
hoffenreich@web.de
A P P E A L
For Mumbai victims
Please visit the following link and light an e-candle for
the Mumbai Victims. For every candle lit - CNN-IBN
channel is giving 1 Rupee to the victims. Please send
these to as many people as you know:
http://clients.ibnlive.com/features/mumatt/index.php
At the Amphitheatre
Savitri reading on Thursday 27 July, 6 pm:
All are welcome to listen to Sri Aurobindo’s epic poem
Savitri, read by The Mother, with Sunil’s music,
under the vast open sky at sunset
Pitanga schedule update
"Movement that makes the body dance"
T he class with Grace on 24 July is cancelled for that day only.
New Odissi Dance Class
Kanchana offers Odissi dance for adult beginners.
Starting on 31July there will be classes on: Monday & Wednesday 16.30 - 18.00.
Though the class is primarily inviting beginners to join, students of any level are welcome.
Max. Participants: 6 students.
100th Pizza Celebration
The Auroville Youth is celebrating its hundredth pizza making day on Saturday, July 22nd at 7pm at
the Youth Centre. All are invited to come and enjoy the feast and joy of eating pizza made with love
and care.
12 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
EMTM Presentation Rescheduled
Mr. Matthew Wood will be giving the presentation on EMTM this Saturday, July 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in
the Town Hall Conference Room.
A few clarifications:
1. EM and EM Technology are not a product; they are a philosophy by Dr. Teruo Higa.
2. The principles of Dr. Higa are: i) Production of safe and nutritious food to enhance human health; ii) Sustainability and
ease of practice by every person; iii) Conservation of the environment; IV). Production of sufficient food of high quality
for the increasing populations.
3. Dr. Higa has given in private to a few people in the world the legacy of EM and EM Technology and Mr. Matthew Wood
is one of them.
4. Mr. Matthew Wood's clarification regarding SCD EM as an imitation:
The issue of claiming our product to be an "imitation" is a confusing concept, meant to mislead the consumer. What is
our product imitating? By definition, our product is "EM" and not an imitation of EM. The words "EM" are not proprietary
and do not represent a specific company product or brand. EMRO likes to make people think that they are the only producers
of EM, but their product brand name is "EM-1". We have already sent letters to EMRO in USA regarding similar
statements from their employees or agents and they have stopped these unfair business practices, but they and their representatives
continue to do it in other countries. I don't know what the legal recourse for this type of defamation is in
India.
Also, there is what Dr. Higa has written in his books. EM is nature and he wants it to be spread around the world. The
scope of work for this technology is enormous and there is need for many companies like SCD and EMRO. This is Dr. Higa's
own philosophy. The world and society need EM technology and EMRO does not have the capacity to do it alone, so SCD
has developed its own proprietary processes and trade secrets to manufacture EM technology products and engage in
business to expand the SCD EM technology globally.
You are welcome to the presentation on Saturday to get a better understanding of EM, EM Technology and SCD (Sustainable
Community Development). Love, Margarita
100th Pizza Celebration
The Auroville Youth is celebrating its hundredth pizza making day on Saturday, July 22nd at 7pm at the Youth Centre.All
are invited to come and enjoy the feast and joy of eating pizza made with love and care.
Cinema
at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, Bharat Nivas
FRIDAY 28 JULY - 7.30 PM (Film show starting at 7.45 sharp!)
MEGHE DHAKA TARA (THE CLOUD-CAPPED STAR aka THE HIDDEN STAR)
Directed by Ritwik GHATAK- India, 1960
With: Supriya Chowdhury, Anil Chatterjee, Geetha Ghatak, Niranjan Ray
Synopsis : A family of refugees from East Bengal live in a shanty town of Calcutta, surviving solely on the earnings of the
eldest daughter. The family's journey mirroring the rootlessness and erosion of values alongside the breadwinner's endless
toil till her death by hunger-inflicted tuberculosis -her deliverance, metaphorically likened to the returning of Uma,
Shiva's divine consort, to her father's home, following her descent down the mountain from the lofty, eternal abode of
her husband. One of Ghatak's greatest films and still studied in depths by all Indians (and other) film students. (for Aurofilm
in collaboration with the National Film Archive of India, Pune, like for all classic films screened in 35mm films at the
Sri Aurobindo Auditorium)
Original Bengali version with English subtitles - Duration: 2h.02' - 35mm film - Black & White
Gnomes
All who like gnomes and clay are kindly invited to participate in the workshop that is entirely dedicated to the cute
invisible magic beings that live happily in nature and in our homes.
Sunday, 23rd of July from 4 to 7 pm. Clay workshop, New Creation, Auroville
The Project in Auroville is a part of the International project Gnomes that is at the same time happening in Izola, Slovenia.
We will try to connect with the participants in Slovenia through modern means and communication.
Free for all young at heart. With love, Miranda and the Seven Gnomes
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 13
Cinema Paradiso
MMC Auditorium
Film programme
Tuesday 25 July, 8 pm:
• DONNIE DARKO
USA, 2001, Dir. Richard Kelly with Jake Gyllenhaal,
Holmes Osborne and more, Drama / Mystery, 113 min,
Eng. with Eng subtitle. (Rated "R" or "A").
Troubled adolescent, Donnie Darko, receives a disturbing
vision that the world will end in 28 days. With the
help of various characters, including a six foot rabbit
called Frank, he slowly discovers the mysterious physical
and metaphysical laws that govern his life and that will
lead up to the destruction of the universe.
Wednesday 26 July, 8 pm:
• FANTASIA
USA, 1940, Dir. James Algar and Samuel Armstrong with
Leopold Stokowski and The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Animation, 120 min, Eng, with Eng. Subtitles.
A collection of animated interpretations of great works
of classical music. Probably Disney's best.
French - Thursday 27 July, 8pm:
• BON VOYAGE
France, 2003, Dir. By Jean Paul Rappeneau with Isabelle
Adjani, Gerard Depardieu, Grégori Dérangère and others,
115mn, French with Engl. subtitles.
1940; At the start of the war the fate of the free world
hangs in the balance at “Splendide” Hotel in Bordeaux.
Cabinet members, journalists, physicists, spies of all
persuasion gather in order to escape the Nazi occupation.
A dramatic theme presented on a comedy mode:
murderous intrigues, scientific secrets, and love affairs
flourish.
Saturday 29 July, 8 pm:
• THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
USA, 1975, Dir. Jim Sharman, with Tim Curry, Susan
Sarandon and more, Comedy/Horror/Musical, 100 min.
(Rated, "R" or "A")
After Janet accepts Brad's marriage proposal, the happy
couple drive away from Denton, Ohio, only to get lost in
the rain. They stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank-NFurter,
a transvestite who is holding the annual convention
of visitors from the planet Transsexual. Frank-NFurter
unveils his creation, a young man named Rocky
Horror, who fears the doctor and rejects his sexual advances.
When Frank-N-Furter announces that he is returning
to the galaxy Transylvania, Riff Raff the butler
and Magenta the maid declare that they have plans of
their own.
Children’s Matinee - Sunday 30 July, 3pm:
• BALTO
USA,1995, Dir. Simon Wells, Vocies by Kevin Bacon, Bob
Hoskins, Bridget Fonda and more, Family/Animation, 74
min, Eng. with Eng. Subtitles.
An outcast half-wolf risks his life to prevent a deadly
epidemic from ravishing Nome, Alaska.
Ciné-Club - Sunday 30 July, 8 pm:
• CITIZEN KANE
USA, 1941, Dir. Orson Welles, with Orson Welles, Joseph
Cotten, Agnes Moorehead., B&W 119 min. Eng. with
French subtitles, Drama
With this movie Orson Welles added more to the vocabulary
of film-making than any other director had
done before or has done since. The unusual narrative
patterns, shock cuts, deep focus, eccentric camera angles,
the exaggerated soundtrack foreshadowed the
techniques that would come into widespread use over
the years. It's doubtful that any "good" director has not
been influenced somewhat by CITIZEN KANE.
Hindi - Monday 31 July, 8 pm:
• KAAGAZ KE PHOOL (PAPER FLOWERS)
India, 1959, Dir. Guru Dutt with Waheeda Rehman,
Naaz, Johnny Walker and Guru Dutt, 148 min., Romance/
Musical, Hindi with Eng. subtitles
The story of a famous film director; his marriage is on
the rocks because his wealthy in-laws see film making as
a job lacking in social status. He is also denied access to
his daughter. Then he meets Shanti - whom he casts as a
lead in his ongoing film. Gossips start flowing and that
leads to further complications in the lives of all three
individuals…
Seating will start at ~7:45pm. You can book in advance
at the Town Hall (Ph.2622250) and kindly note your
booking number (this is not a seat number).
If you book kindly come to the auditorium early. Seating
will start with those who have booked, but will
open up for general seating immediately after. If you
do not book we appreciate your patience and understanding
to let people who have booked get in first; our
effort is to minimize your waiting time. Thanks you
very much for not bringing food/ drink into the auditorium.
We appreciate for your support now and in the future.
Thanking You! MMC/CP Group
14 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Nirodbaran
On 17th July, at 7.50 pm, Exactly 4 months before his 103rd birthday,
Left Nirrod-da his body. He had been in the nursing home these last
few months, quietly preparing for this moment. His last days
were beautifully intense as he surrendered drop by drop to the eternal
divine. May his soul rest peacefully as it continues on its long and
graceful journey.
On Saturday, July 22nd, a silent gathering in memory of Nirod'da
will be held under the Matrimandir Banyan Tree at 5.30 pm.
Dr. Nirodbaran, a real friend and supporter of Auroville, has been living
some 70 years in the Ashram, as personal physician of Sri Aurobindo, as
well as his scribe and correspondent, and as poet in his own right.
Through his written work he was, and is and will be, for many a door
into Sri Aurobindo's worlds.., - a door through which he now may enter
to join THEM to whom he dedicated his entire life..
OM ~
A last homage could be paid to this dear friend and remarkable being
during the Tuesday morning, July 18th, at his premises in the Ashram's
main compound, - his face remained tranquil and transparent. The
body was cremated in the late afternoon at the Ashram cremation
ground, with many many attending.
Farewell, dear Nirod'da, Auroville will always remember you, with deep
gratitude and love.
From Ajoy Bagchi
May I be allowed to join the community to pay my humble tribute to the memory of Dr Nirodbaran. I never had the opportunity
of meeting him but had heard so much about him and his work. Though he passed away in the fullness of years, yet
it is a sad loss.
Ajoy Bagchi, Member, Governing Board, Auroville Foundation
From AVI
The news of Nirodbaran's passing brings a feeling of loss, as if a golden age had finally drawn to a close, a golden age not
only for the Ashram but for the world; and also a feeling of deep gratitude for the life of this great man. He honoured AVI
with his presence at the conclusion of our meeting in Auroville, and many of us who were present were privileged to receive
a blessing packet from his hands. His room near the Samadhi was a refuge of peace and calmness to many who
came from near and far.
Sonia Dyne, Vice-chair of Auroville International Association
---------
It is with deep gratitude that we remember Nirodbaran accepting the invitation to take part in the consecration ceremony
of our German pavilion site on August 15, 2002. He had accepted the invitation on the condition that he could just
sit quietly and watch but then he felt so inspired that he gave a little speech welcoming "the great German nation" taking
part in the development of Auroville’s International Zone. He even stepped down into the hole that was dug to receive a
container holding earth from different parts of Germany, mixed with flowers from the Samadhi and earth from Auroville.
We will always remember your noble presence at this very precious moment, dear Nirod´da. Farewell!
With deep love, Friederike Werner AVI Germany
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 15
Wil – a fellow traveler
Snow white love encircled your youthful soul when
It touched the fires of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother,
You allowed that love to lead the rest of your life.
The Ashram at Pondicherry become your home and
Auroville, your extended home of love,
You worked for both…
Cleaning the dishes at the Dining Hall
And translating Their works and then
The City of Dawn…
Guiding the curious visitors, answering numerous queries
With humility and joyful patience,
A friend to all… for over 3 decades!
Dear Wil, dear fellow-traveler,
Happy Onward Journey!
You who enriched for all “this brief spell of terrestrial
experience”.
A blessed felicity place is waiting for you
There at the Journey’s end,
In the world of supernal beauty and peace.
May fragrances of flowers surround your way!
An Aurovilian
Integral Yoga Retreat by Bhavana
It was a week of connecting to the inner dimension of our lives as Aurovilians. How often have we read “To be a True
Aurovilian” and point 1 in which Mother says the first requisite to get in contact with the inner being? But how to get in
contact? Again and again we can read Sri Aurobindo telling us that we have to quiet the mind, delve deep behind the
heart, focus up above the head, and find our inner being. But how to actually do it? In this retreat, we were actually
guided to experience these inner movements, and get some practice in moving back and forth between the inner and the
outer consciousness.
The retreat was arranged in Vérité, 4-11 July, mostly for people who have been following the Synthesis of Yoga classes on
Fridays at Savitri Bhavan for the last year. Fourteen Aurovilians and eight Ashramites and others gathered with
Sraddhalu, in an atmosphere of concentration and consecration, and practised accessing the Peace and Vastness and Love
of the Divine, with the intention of being able afterwards to refer to that inner state at will. Participants shared that this
sort of experiential introduction to Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s teaching has been somehow missing, that it touches the
essential core of the Auroville experiment, and that the intentions were achieved.
Open letter by Lazlo
To all Aurovilians:
Here are a few lines through which I offer a context which might help us understand the present state of disorganisation
in Auroville, and the reason of this chaotic state's existence (the root of the problem), as well as the easy way out.
Without the appropriate frame, without the supporting walls and limits of the collective structure (external guidance,
such as mandates and regulations that are formulated in a clear, precise and well reasoned way) and in the absence of
the psychic being's influence (internal guidance) on both the ordinary mind and the human vital nature, the ordinary mind
has no support and cannot maintain its clarity (to refrain from judgement and to refrain from perceiving things divided,
opposed to each other), nor can the vital contain itself through not having a way to ground itself (to be practical, to have
common sense, to be generous and humble instead of possessive), the outcome is the today's visible, slightly insane expressions
and patterns of behaviour in our decision making process, which hides in itself the source of our organisation's
inability to function, as well as the need for change.
This does not attempt to point at any individual's mental deficiency or general state of its mental health, but rather, it
points out the importance and necessity of the psychic awakening and the pressing need of the psychic being's forthcoming
and taking its appropriate, centremost place in the organisation and in every individual centre of its every part
(groups and individuals). Since it is a process that requires a long time - definitely several years -, in the meantime, as
the short-term necessity, we need to define clear, detailed guidelines to have at least the outer means of guidance:
clearly defined mandates and regulations for the entire organisation of Auroville. An overall organisation that actively
expresses the interconnectedness of its parts and its purpose is to organise our day-to-day life so it is centred around the
need for the psychic being's emergence and supports the needs of the collective's progress that leads us there. These are
the pre-steps of reaching Auroville's first aim: Human Unity.
From a more practical point of view: The Foundation Act is a framework which defines the Residents' Assembly as the
responsible body to complete the structure by formulating its own guidelines, regulations, mandates, and processes in
accordance with the Charter and the aims of Auroville. We have no reason for postponing the fulfilment of this responsibility
any further. It appears that it is difficult for many to follow the complexity of our organisation, so there could be a
seminar organised where this topic can be explained in its width and in depth, and questions answered, completed with
dialogue.
If interested, send your name and suggestions to the study group members [dominique@auroville.org.in,
rolfartist@auroville.org.in, lazloone@yahoo.com] on how to organise this event..
Thanking you in advance. In the service of truth Laszlo (Jr.) [artistic alias: Edge]
16 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Cry, O Beloved Synthesis! by Jean-Yves
Reading the last proposal about Auroville organization was a challenge by itself. This legal sort of language, hard to chew,
still harder to digest, seems to empty of any consciousness everything it touches. How can such a barbarian speech and
way of thinking ever carry to ourselves and others the living meaning of Auroville?
In this stiff atmosphere of legal language where no light survives which could have guided us, one can lose his way without
realizing it. For instance, it is said that we will attempt to arrive at synthesis when there are divergent views but if it
doesn’t happen, we will vote. One could more straightforwardly translate: “we will try to succeed, otherwise, let’s agree
to fail.” For the harmonization of opposites is not optional, it is the only way to Auroville. If synthesis is not practically
possible, Human Unity is not possible. Then what are we doing here?
The proposal suggests also that the synthesis will be attempted by a group of people in charge of it. But what is the use
of it? The synthesis is not to be made by some for others but with them, it is the effort that we all have to do, our commitment
and practical contribution to the ideals of Human Unity. This is also how we can keep together in our differences,
and how the city of endless education can become a living reality.
The law of synthesis is the most democratic of all for it demands from each one equally to give up his/her own exclusivism
and widen his/her understanding up to where what seemed at first opposite becomes complementary. This is our law
of development, our dharma.
Unfortunately, the Proposal cancels the very possibility of the synthesis it tried to honor, for why should one make the
effort of it when the legitimate right to win by vote is officially recognized? As Aurovilians do not like voting and the political
quarrels that go along with it, only those who are interested to win against another group will occupy the field
and… win (poor victory!) as past experiences have shown.
More than thirty years ago, The Mother said to us, several times and in several ways but always in her simple and crystalline
words, that there is no other way for us than to make the effort of harmonizing conflicting points of view through
synthesis. We, in our wisdom, decided to make it optional. But to refuse this effort is to refuse Auroville in our collective
life. Still, it is the outcome of many months of painful work about our organization!
As Sri Aurobindo once noticed about something else: “At the first sight one has some sense of a lacuna somewhere”…
In Reply to the Cry by Rolf
If we would all be in a state of consciousness of mental silence and inner peace, where Mother’s smile is always present,
we wouldn’t need rules in legal language to protect us from ourselves. In this state of being, where all is clear, obvious
and luminous, when we are our real self = one with all = human unity, it is with a smile, that we simply know what is
right and what shines bright in its truth. Then only the synthesis is obvious.
If we would all be acting from this inner depth, it would clearly show and be obvious for everyone observing us. Then we
would be truly the ‘City the Earth Needs’ - lived and practiced Human Unity.
If we would be able to demonstrate this, nobody would impose any rules on us, because we would prove with our example,
that we don’t need them.
But instead, we behave like silly, sometimes nasty little kids, hurting ourselves in our war games.
The situation has become quite chaotic with ignorance, falsehood and arrogance on all levels. At present, we have an
anarchy gone haywire. Arbitrary anarchy with this kind of ordinary human consciousness can only end in disaster.
We cannot manage ourselves properly, but claim in our arrogance that we know it all.
Nobody here likes the legal language of rules and regulations. But we must not forget that we are in a ‘legal’ situation.
Nowhere but in India would Auroville find this much support, tolerance and never-ending patience.
Nevertheless - the Auroville Foundation and the Governing Board hold the responsibility for our proper functioning and
are accountable to the GOI for Auroville’s activities.
Now - looking at our dysfunctional Organization and the dysfunctional Residents’ Assembly, our incapacity to find any
synthesis, there’s normally no other choice for the Auroville Foundation and the Governing Board but to interfere. -
Unless we define clear, ‘legal’ policies for our functioning, as we have been asked to do since more than 15 years, (- an
advice we ignored in our limitless arrogance,) the Auroville-Foundation will define them for us.
Let’s get real. I’m getting tired of all this arrogant talk and quotes of high ideals without demonstrating at least a little
bit of it in our daily lives. It’s easy to rant and jump up and down, protesting against everything and anything ‘at first
sight’. But to face facts, with the feet on the ground, trying to help and find constructive practical steps towards these
high ideals - that’s another matter.
Nothing else counts.
From ‘A New Earth’
In the latest book from Eckardt Tolle, called "A New Earth", I found a paragraph that could be a beautiful reminder for all
of us. So here it is:
"We are also learning that action, although necessary, is only a secondary factor in manifesting our external reality. The
primary factor in creation is consciousness. No matter how active we are, how much effort we make, our state of consciousness
creates our world, and if there is no change on that inner level, no amount of action will make any difference.
We would only re-create modified versions of the same world again and again, a world that is an external reflection of
the ego."
submitted by Claudio
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 17
Feedback for the Economy Group
Dear Economy Group,
Thank you for asking the residents for feedback on the Economy Groups reforms to the
maintenance system; some reforms of which, your group has in fact already implemented.
While I acknowledge your efforts to ‘tidy up’ Auroville’s economy, the price
that we now pay, and will continue to pay in the future, for the Economy Group’s reforms
to the maintenance system are far too serious. The feedback most simply put is;
AUROVILLE DOES NOT NEED AN ECONOMY GROUP JUDGING WHO IS WORTHY OF A
MAINTENANCE AND WHO IS NOT.
What Auroville needs, is an FAMC that is both open and accountable and assures every
Aurovilian who is clearly in a position of “non availability of any other resources” that their most BASIC NEEDS will now be
met - unconditionally. I repeat UNCONDITIONALLY. Please forget these futile attempts to categorise and control people
and their lives. With all of these new categorisations the Economy Group is only making a mechanical life possible in
Auroville, a mechanical life that is to serve under the consciousness; the judgments and decisions, of the Economy Group.
A life divine, where individuals are able to honor their own inner dynamic and to blossom forth will now become an impossibility
in Auroville. Nothing new can be born from these maintenance system reforms. There can be no art, no poetry
and no dance of life. There can be no experimentation, no invention, and no true creativity. Only commodities and the
strictly utilitarian are given any value. I hope that this self appointed Economy Group will now be able to humbly acknowledge
this serious wrong turning.
Auroville will then be in a position to show, by example, that we are now doing something fundamentally different to the
global economic system. That in Auroville, unconditional love is our way and guide and not the handing out of carrots on
sticks under the cover of the word ‘maintenance’. I perceive this issue is a golden key for Auroville’s possible evolution
and a possible future worldwide metamorphosis. If the residents of Auroville are to passively accept the Economy Group’s
reforms today, I have no doubt that there is no more future for Auroville other than some mainstream neo-colonial exclusive
club for the old and retired. Have we not come here to do something different? Love, Nikolai
Alternative Collective Transport (ACT): Please Give Your Feedback!
Dear Residents,
Following the good news regarding the possibility of receiving
funding for an alternative collective transport service in
Auroville, I have now returned to the agenda of the Royal
Express.
I would currently like to collect feedback from the residents
regarding basic mobility needs in Auroville. How could an alternative
collective transport service best serve you, today
and in the future? What are your basic requirements and
where do you feel that an alternative collective transport
service would be most effective in Auroville? In addition, how
can we turn a truly utilitarian collective function into
something poetic, spiritually uplifting and divine? If you have
any other feedback to give regarding transport issues in
general then please feel free to communicate this too. Please
e-mail your feedback... All ideas and suggestions are very welcome however crazy, eccentric
or revolutionary they may at first appear to be. Love, Nikolai
Front cover artwork from a watercolor by Satya (Surrender)
About News & Notes:
The contents of News & Notes are a reflection of the growth process of this community towards its ideals of harmony, goodwill, discipline and
truth. The views expressed on these pages are those of their respective authors and do not represent the position of the community as a whole.
How to submit material: Messages, announcements, cultural programmes, meeting reports and personal contributions may be sent to the email
addressor given to the News office at the Media Centre. The deadline is Wednesday noon. We urge everyone
to make their letters brief and concise, and no longer than 500 words. The editors reserve the right to shorten letters for space reasons.
Work groups please note: Long reports (more than one page) or reports that contain graphs or have
specific requirements, need to reach the N&N desk latest by Tuesday noon. If such a report
comes on Wednesday morning without prior notice, the editors cannot guarantee placement the same
week.
18 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
These caricatures are done by Charu (Charudatta
Prabhudesai) for News and Notes and are
meant for circulation within the international
township of Auroville only. They are in no way
to be taken as criticism of individual's features
or character, nor are they "political" comments.
The caricatures are done purely in the spirit of
goodwill with the singular objective of making us
smile and laugh together as one community.
The publishers or/ and the artist take prior permission
from the subject/s before publishing
them.
2 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Mother said that death entered in man through movement. What She wanted to say with that?
I don't know that. It entered through life. And life – what we call 'life' – is death, we are in death. And one is built
by death, one is full of death. How can death therefore support the cataract of the Supreme? One is FULLY within it!
This then is all the tapasya and heroism of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. And then…those who follow, the few, I
don't know anything about that…not in any group, hein: individuals, isolated individuals, completely isolated, not members
of one group or an other.
Carnets d'un Apocalypse, 17 December 1986 Satprem
"One force shall be your mover and your guide,
One light shall be around you and within;
Hand in strong hand confront Heaven's question, life:
Challenge the ordeal of the immense disguise.
Ascend from Nature to divinity's heights;
Face the high gods, crowned with felicity,
Then meet a greater god, thy self beyond Time."
This word was seed of all the thing to be:
A hand from some Greatness opened her heart's locked doors
And showed the work for which her strength was born.
As when the mantra sinks in Yoga's ear,
Its message enters stirring the blind brain
And keeps in the dim ignorant cells its sound;
The hearer understands a form of words
And, musing on the index thought it holds,
He strives to read it with the labouring mind,
But finds bright hints, not the embodied truth:
Then, falling silent in himself to know
He meets the deeper listening of his soul:
The Word repeats itself in rhythmic strains:
Thought, vision, feeling, sense, the body's self
Are seized unutterably and he endures
An ecstasy and an immortal change;
He feels a Wideness and becomes a Power,
All knowledge rushes on him like a sea:
Transmuted by the white spiritual ray
He walks in naked heavens of joy and calm,
Sees the God-face and hears transcendent speech:
An equal greatness in her life was sown.
Accustomed scenes were now an ended play:
Moving in muse amid familiar powers,
Touched by new magnitudes and fiery signs,
She turned to vastnesses not yet her own;
Allured her heart throbbed to unknown sweetnesses;
The secrets of an unseen world were close.
Savitri: Book IV, Canto III Sri Aurobindo
Submitted by House of Mother’s Agenda
If you love it enough, anything will talk to you.
George Washington Carver (American agricultural chemist)
A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together,
knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and
with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.
An Arab proverb
The
Basics
Corner
5 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
R E P O R T S
FAMC Report June 2006
FAMC Regular Members: Anandamayi and Anandi (Working
Committee) Andy (Matrimandir) Bunty (Housing Service)
Hendrik (ABC) Isha (Chairperson) Ulli (Economy
Group) Jeff (Green Group) Otto (Auroville Maintenance
Fund) Peter CS (LCC) Rathinam (Auroville Fund) Raman
(ad hoc member) Sanjeev (SAIIER) Shiva (Auroville Council)
Tency (CSR)
This report covers meetings held on June 2nd, 9th,
16th, 23rd & 30
th.
Issues Related to Units and Trusts:
AEP / Phocos Pvt Ltd Collaboration: The unit Auroville
Energy Products has a business arrangement with the
Indian subsidiary of a German company promoting solar
technology in India. All accounting is being done appropriately
to reflect incomes and expenditures in the
books of AEP. A joint meeting with the executive, the
Working Committee and the FAMC was called to look
into the various implications.
Auroville Wind Systems (AWS) Bank Guarantee: A request
was made for a bank guarantee required by the
Govt. of West Bengal for release of funds towards implementation
of the wind generator project in the
Sundarbans. Once completed, AWS has the possibility to
take up several other similar contracts. The project was
initiated in 2001 by the executives of AEP, with support
of the Indian Canadian Environmental Fund (ICEF), and
began in 2002. Four of 10 generators have been installed.
The project is an excellent example of Auroville’s
work in renewable energy. AWS has recently invested
in two community projects: a refrigeration unit
for the new Pour Tous, and a small scale wind generator,
developed with partial funding from MNES, which
could be marketed within India. Several prototypes are
being tested within Auroville. The contract and proposed
bank guarantee need to be assessed.
Auroville Health Centre: A group of Aurovilians have
offered to participate in the support group of the Health
Centre. The FAMC has proposed additional people with
more medical background and this group once formed
will meet to advise on the current situation at the
Health Centre. Regular financial support can be offered
to the Health Centre from the Central Fund, once an
assessment is made. A letter regarding this was sent to
the Economy Group.
Imagination Report: The final report of the independent
auditor has been received. The report points out
procedural weaknesses in unit management and the executive
was unaware of correct business practice. The
ABC subgroup has given recommendations concerning
the future management of the unit and has agreed to
remain in a consultation capacity for the transitional
time.
Naturellement Annual Report: The annual report of the
Naturellement Supervisory Board was received and discussed.
As of April 1st the unit has begun repayment
towards its various advances based on agreements,
while the Board has assessed the financial situation of
the unit in relation to targets set and made a request
that a revised repayment schedule be adopted, with
lower initial monthly repayments and increases in subsequent
years. This would result in finalizing repayments
within the original time frame. This was agreed to. The
unit is performing well; Board members have renewed
their commitment and Guy has meanwhile withdrawn his
resignation. They will submit the next quarterly report
in July.
New Engineering Trust: Pierre has sent a second letter
regarding activities under Hridaya Trust, and a financial
report on the activities of the Trust will be given soon.
Pour Tous: Confirmation has been received from the
Auroville Foundation approving the request to appoint
the new executives and accept the resignation of all
four previous executives.
Pour Tous Distribution Centre: A report up to end of
April was reviewed. It was agreed that ideally the service
should function with a maximum, community-wide
participation. The process for refining operations there
is ongoing and dialogue has been hampered by lack of
consistent participation by the Economy
Group/Maintenance Group. Meanwhile a reporting format
is being worked on and a further report will be
submitted by the PTDC team before end of August.
Units and Trusts:
Auroville Fund – Nandini – request to appoint Ms Marie-
Laure Prigent as additional executive: Approved
Auroville Fund – Nandini – resignation of Ms Ane Ugarte
as executive: Approved
Auroville Village Action Trust – Lively Boutique – creation
of a unit with Ms Karin Latzke and Dr Siegrun Schkutek
as executives: The unit application was made for a
service unit; however it is now requesting to open it as a
commercial unit instead. This was agreed to.
Guest House Trust – resignation of Ms Gabrella Baldazza
as Trustee: Approved
Guest House Trust – Sharnga Guest House - request to
appoint Ms Kripa Borg as additional executive: Approved.
Guest House Trust – Sharnga Guest House – withdrawal
of previous request to appoint additional executives Mr
Jean François Pion and Ms Kali Borg: Approved.
Administrative Issues:
All Auroville Budget 2006-07: A request came from the
Acting Secretary for a budget projection for the current
financial year, and this has been passed to the executives
of the Unity Fund for their consideration. One assessment
had been previously made based on figures
from 2002; however this data is not up to date. Although
Unity Fund will combine all income and budgetary data
under one umbrella, this is still very much in process.
Annual Consolidation of Accounts: Recommendations
had been made towards improving the coordination in
the coming year. One of these was optimal contact and
communication between FAMC, ABC, Financial Service
and the accountants, and it was suggested to locate a
desk for ABC administration at the Town Hall. The ABC
has been considering this and a letter will be sent to
them requesting that they take up this possibility as a
priority.
FAMC Representation: A brief summary was given of
the meeting between members of the Working Committee
and the FAMC on the proposal of the Chairman for a
reformulation of the amendments to the Rules regarding
the constitution of the FAMC, and his request for the
views of the Working Committee on this. This proposal
proposes that members of the FAMC would be nominated
(by the Governing Board and the Residents Assembly),
whereas the current functioning of the group
calls for a representational membership approved by the
RA, and the areas of representation have been outlined
most recently in 2003.
4 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
The criteria for membership was circulated and it explained
that this is an internal policy modified from time
to time, and presented for approval via the News. If the
group is to become more focused on finance issues, it is
suggested to remove representation of Entry Group
(even though financial policies have a definite affect on
new people joining Auroville), and Green Group would
be better represented through Planning and Development.
A proposal has been presented by the Working
Committee representative for reworking the areas of
representation, helping to move towards creating a
Budget Committee and a stronger Services representation.
The Budget Committee would work as part of the
FAMC, as the job is very specific and requires the skills
of qualified people. An essential basis for both is clear
channels of communication and information sharing, and
the trust of the community, and for this the representational
approach is ideal. The FAMC has done very well
over the years utilizing this structure and there is no
reason to introduce blanket reforms, although some fine
tuning can happen without jeopardizing the continuity
of the FAMC. There was agreement that representational
membership from defined work areas will remain.
It was agreed to uphold the criteria that a member reside
in Auroville a minimum of 5 years, to validate the
participation of those making decisions about the future
development of Auroville. In the past exceptions have
been made in individual cases.
Registering Research Trusts/Units: It was agreed that
the category “research” should be applied in cases
where a Trust or unit is not a service to the community.
The Foundation is supportive of this, and it will be helpful
in better defining those activities/units which are
primarily services to the community.
Renewal of Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research Recognition: Auroville has received recognition
for 2006 through 2009, requiring additional endorsement
of tax exempt status U/S 35(1)(ii) and
35(1)(iii) of the Income Tax Act.
Auroville Unity Fund: The executives have met and
discussed their progress in managing the Fund. SAIIER,
CSR, Matrimandir, Auromitra and Village Action Trust
were reminded of the need to pass all funds via the
Unity Fund. Also a letter will be sent to the Economy
Group requesting they do the necessary in creating
ledger headings under Unity Fund for the Central Fund
receipts and budgets. AUF executives will be requested
for an update on the phases and progress of implementing
the objectives of the unit.
Economy Issues:
Aurovilian Maintenance Policy: The Economy Group had
presented its draft proposal “Guidelines for Contribution
and Material Support” in November 2005, serving as a
base for discussions on Aurovilian maintenances over
recent months. The Economy Group will be publishing a
note in the News to explain that they will not continue
with the recent initiative to increase the cash component
of individual maintenances, as this doesn’t address
other considerations such as the quality of the work or
service given, the value of support given in-kind, or an
assessment of “needs”. It was expressed that, now that
the Central Fund is not labouring under a deficit, it is
the time to totally reform the maintenance approach in
favour of Mother’s vision. The Economy Group will be
asked to review the “Guidelines for Contribution and
Material Support” document with a look for what remains
relevant, and are invited to submit a redrafted
proposal.
Auroville Service Activities: The name has been given
to replace the “Auroville Board of Services” and the
group meeting on the subject felt this expresses better
the scope of all of what is considered a “service” in
Auroville. This includes activities fully supported
through a budget of the Central Fund, those partly selfsupporting,
and also some which may be entirely supported
through their own income generation. The viability
of services run in Auroville and for Aurovilians needs
to be carefully assessed, along with creative financing to
support this aspect of the collective economy. In a recent
feedback on their process it was recommended to
make a categorization of like services in four groups:
Prosperity Services, Municipal Services, Administration,
and Education & Culture. The main focus of the discussions
has been motivated by both the need to identify
and organize the services providing for the basic material
needs of Aurovilians (through the Pour Tous Fund)
and also to have representatives of service activities
able to discuss management and budgeting priorities. It
was suggested that each area have its own representative
to a Budget Committee.
Auroville Health Fund: Details were provided of ongoing
work between the managers of the Health Fund and
members of the Economy Group. The Fund had a surplus
at the end of the financial year, however some pending
expenses may require the use of these funds. At times
since initiating the Fund individuals have been required
to fund raise separately, and it had been suggested to
look into a group policy to cover these exceptional
situations. The policy being considered has limitations
and terms, and a copy will be provided for more information.
The service is functioning under the Economy
Group's supervision with Health Centre monitoring of the
quality of service being provided. It was agreed to make
participation in the Health Fund mandatory for all Aurovilians
and Newcomers, except in cases where individuals
sign a waiver taking full financial responsibility for
their medical needs and emergencies.
Economy Group Annual Report: An annual report was
presented with details of incomes, expenditures, trends
and future proposals and objectives. Improvement of
internal receipts has alleviated earlier insecurity felt on
behalf of the SAIIER budget towards the maintenance of
researchers. There is now a buffer, which the Economy
Group is proposing to maintain half in reserve and half
to invest in initiatives seen to reduce specific recurring
expenditures. To this second part they will provide the
details to the FAMC in the form of a proposal. In some
cases buffer amounts are being maintained directly by a
service activity (ie: Health Fund and Electricity Fund)
and reinvested in that service to upgrade facilities.
Maintenances of Aurovilians working in services are now
included with recurring expenses in budgets allocated to
these services, but additional allocations/investments
will not be shown in those budget amounts. The database
on all Aurovilians and their workplaces can be developed
to provide a record of the maintenances received
by each one, irrespective of their source of income.
More work is needed to bring contributions in
from commercial units. The overview of annual expenditure
by activity is being reworked to provide activityspecific
data, so that budget ratios by activity can be
seen and assessed. There has been dissatisfaction generally
about the initiative to implement maintenance
increases across the board as this has appealed to many
who feel they should receive more cash per month,
while the emphasis on the value of what the community
provides in-kind is often not appreciated.
5 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Claire has joined the Maintenance Group, while Elumalai
has discontinued his trial period as an Economy Group
member. Venkat has begun a trial member period and
works full time in the office. The report and synopsis
were much appreciated and the FAMC looks forward to
receiving the proposals for use of the surplus funds.
Issues Related to Housing:
Caution: The FAMC feels it is necessary to warn all
Newcomers and long–term Guests that all matters relating
to their housing have to be seen with the Entry
Group and the Housing Service. By-passing or ignoring
the advice of the Entry Group and the Housing Service
and entering into personal arrangements with Aurovilians
for house transfers will automatically result in losing
all the financial protections that the community
normally arranges for Newcomers through the Housing
Loan Scheme. Long-term Guests may, in exceptional
cases, be allocated housing by the Housing Service,
though normally they would be expected to stay in guest
houses. In no case may they assume stewardship of a
house by transfer of funds to any individual.
Housing Service: There is a need for involvement of
capable people in the service. A meeting between the
Housing representative, Auroville Fund and AVMF is
needed to compile current figures and present their financial
report. The database on all housing assets in
Auroville needs to be updated and maintained by Housing
Service. It was agreed that membership of the group
will be streamlined to include those actively participating
in the necessary jobs, and these outlined clearly.
The Economy Group have received no response to their
request for accounting of the expenditure of Housing
Repair Fund and are proposing to suspend the monthly
budget if they do not receive details.
Felicity House: Housing Service has a contract with a
Newcomer to care for the house until January 2007.
With the date of the steward's intended visit having
changed, the caretaker, who was TOS, was not fully
prepared. It is thought that the visit will be for a 3 week
period only, after which other issues about the house
stewardship can be addressed.
Petite Ferme House: Giorgio and Supriya have been
given the option to obtain a 2nd valuation from one of
two contractor/architects recognized by the FAMC, in
order to conclude the difference of opinion about the
house values and the amount they need to cover to become
recognized stewards of the house in Petite Ferme.
Other Topics:
LCC Request re Kuilapalayam Land: Land Coordination
Committee has presented its request for exchange of
land in the Kuilapalayam area to facilitate exchanges for
extremely valuable land in the City area. More information
was needed to issue an approval.
Request for Contribution Waivers:
Aspiration Guest House: The request for a contribution
waiver on a new non-residential construction was not
agreed to by the APDC, and FAMC members also agreed
that the contribution should be paid.
Certitude: The request to waive contributions for a first
time housing stewardship for a house in Certitude was
referred by Housing Service to the FAMC. The waiver
was not agreed to, and it was reminded that the fraternal
one-time contribution towards Housing is necessary
as it assures a sharing of resources with others in the
community less able to finance their housing needs.
If you have any questions or would like further information,
please e-mail famc@auroville.org.in
July 17th Forest Group Meeting Pitchandikulam
Present – Agnes, Rita, Glenn(notes), Mike, Jaap, Paul,
Vijay, Edsat, Cristo, Joss, Kannaiypan, Elumalai, David,
Island, Yuval, Jean-Marie, John, Julia, Kumar, Saravanam,
Shivaraj.
• Dreamcatchers - David, Mona and Kathryn came
to present there next theme which is “Greenwork.”
They are gathering information and looking
for a site to stage the next Dreamspace
within the Greenbelt.
• Adventure - The Adventure community have arrived
at a solution for the community aspect of
their dispute and have informed the Auroville
Council. This was appreciated and supported by
the group. The stewardship issue has still to be
finalised by the Forest Group and the present
situation of temporary stewards managing work
and funds should still be maintained.
• Economy - The meeting was then focused on
discussing the Forest Watchman budget which
has been an on going subject for some months.
The budget has not been raised for six years and
is presently 66 Rs per watchman and on average
the actual figure is between 110 and 120 Rs. It
is understood that for most places this is a subsidy
with the balance being made up from income
from the forest, timber, firewood, cashews
etc, and from personal money, but from
the compiled accounts of the last 5 years it can
be seen that the gap between income and expenditure
has risen to a degree which is increasingly
more difficult to manage. The sub-group
that met to work on the personal maintenance
will again meet with the Economy Group to present
our compiled accounts and submit a much
needed percentage rise for the forest budget.
Next meeting to be held
at Revelation 4/08/06 @ 3pm
A N N O U N C E M E N T S
General Meeting on Entry/Exit Proposal
Dear All,
This is inform you that there will be a general meeting regarding the Entry and Exit proposals drafted by Paul Vincent and
his sub-group and the one by the Entry Study Group. Each group will have one hour to present their proposal.
The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 26th July, at 5pm at SAWCHU.
All Aurovilians and Newcomers are welcome! The Working Committee and the Auroville Council
6 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Working Committee: Restructuring FAMC
With regard to the proposal from Dr. Karan Singh,
Chairman Auroville Foundation, for restructuring of
FAMC (which was published in News & Notes no. 143
dated 10th June 2006), the Working Committee organised
a General Meeting on 14th June 2006, which was
followed by a meeting with Mr. Bagchi (member of Governing
Board) on 29th June. A Study Group was set up
and has been meeting up regularly to study the proposal
and prepare an alternate formulation which has to be
presented before the Finance Committee meeting which
is tentatively scheduled at end of August 06.
The Working Committee would like to call now for a
Residents Assembly meeting on 3rd August 2006 at
SAWCHU, Bharat Nivas at 5:00pm to present the proposal
of the study group and seek the approval of the
Residents Assembly
All Aurovilians and Newcomers are welcome!
With regards, The Working Committee
Auroville Choir: season July 06–April 07
After the summer break the Auroville Choir is starting
again from Thursday 20th of July. The program will consist
of music by Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story),
Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera), John
Rutter (Birthday Madrigals)…and more. If you would like
to join the choir, please let me know. You can contact
me at the 2622310. Male voices are specially needed.
First meeting: Thursday 20th of July at 6.00 pm at
Pitanga. Love, Nuria
Auroville Youth Choir: season July 06-April 07
After the summer break the Auroville Youth Choir is
starting again from Saturday 22nd of July. The program
will consist of Gospels; African, Caribbean and Israeli
traditional songs; and more favourites from Cats (by
Andrew Lloyd Webber). If you would like to join the
choir, please let me know it. You can contact me at the
2622310. The age range for this group is from 13 to 18
years old. First meeting: Saturday 22nd of July
at 2.00 pm at Pitanga. Love, Nuria
Auroville Language Lab
After successful completion of the first batch of our
Tamil Intensive Course, we commence a second one
starting August 1st, for 3 weeks, from 3.00 pm – 4.30
pm. For further information, contact the Auroville Language
Lab ph. 2623-661 or meet Mr. S. Srinivasan from
3.00 pm to 6.00 pm.
Horse riding lessons at Pony Farm
Horse riding lessons for beginners and
intermediates are now offered in Pony
Farm. Beginners’ lessons are for children
of 8 years and above, starting
with half hour classes and proceeding
to one hour once they have mastered
the basic skills. The monthly package
consists of a lesson every week, and once they’ve
reached an adequate level, a full moon ride each
month. Monthly contribution for Aurovilians: ½ an hour,
Rs 600. 1 hour, Rs 800.
For further info please come to the meeting in Pony
Farm on Sunday 23rd July at 3pm.
Thanks, The Pony Farm Team
Reminder: Pour Tous Gas Service has shifted
Pour Tous Gas Service has shifted to the Service Area
(next to Om Travels and beside the Security Office) as of
Monday July 17th.Opening time: 9 am - 1 pm & 2 to 4.30
pm. Telephone number: 2622-452
Thank you, Pour Tous Team
New Publication
Georges Van Vrekhem's latest book, "Hitler and His God -
The Background to the Hitler Phenomenon", has been
published by Rupa & Co in New Delhi.
700 pages, Rs. 395.
To units, farms, services re: guest volunteers
We are in the process of updating our list of volunteering
options for guests staying in Auroville guest houses.
If you have possibilities for guests who are willing to
help out for a time-span ranging from 1 day to some
months, please let us know. Love, Lella for Auroville
Guest Service - phone 2622704 - email:
avguests@auroville.org.in
Pesticides questionnaire
We have already received 70 answers. If you have been
affected by the pesticides spray, please take the small
trouble to fill out the questionnaire and return it to us.
There is a box for them at the Solar Kitchen, Pour Tous
and Town Hall.
Thank you for your cooperation for the collective
health. No More Pesticides Team, Tel: 262 2234,
njal@auroville.org.in
F O R Y O U R I N F O R M A T I O N
Information from the Working Committee
The Working Committee is happy to inform that 5 copies
of the last year’s 'Auroville Foundation Annual Report
(2004-2005)' have been made available to the Auroville
Library in Bharat Nivas for Aurovilians and Newcomers to
borrow. The report for this year 2005-2006 is getting
ready and once it is published, another five copies will
be made available in the library. Besides, from this year
onwards, we will arrange for a soft copy to be published
on the Auronet (unfortunately it is not available for the
last year). This is done in a spirit of transparency and
sharing of information. The Working Committee
Payment of House Tax for 2006-07: direct
debit from your account
We have paid the House Tax for the year 2006-07 to the
various local panchayats. As you are surely aware, House
Tax is one of their main forms of revenue and it is a
statutory requirement that it is paid. As in previous
years, Auroville Fund has advanced the House Tax payment
and now we have the task to ask all Aurovilians for
their contributions – based on the size and type of accommodation
each one of us is occupying – to help cover
the collective House Tax bill. Since it’s a lot of work to
send separate bills to each household, we are proposing
to directly debit your AVMF account. If we don’t receive
any feedback by the end of July, this amount
will be deducted from your account by beginning August.
If you have any questions please contact Kumar.K,
Rathinam or Judith at Auroville Fund, Town Hall -
2622455, 2622879 Thank you. The Auroville Fund
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 7
Regarding passport and visa issues
Dear friends: We would like to tell/inform you something that is very important for us all to learn for the future.
1. Kindly dress-up properly and behave respectfully to the officials to the RRO/Auroville Foundation.
2. In case of your passport expires while the visa is still valid, you will have to start the process of renewing the passport
6 months before the expiry.
3. As soon as you have received the new passport, kindly bring a photocopy of the passport to our office (we will
send it to the Auroville Foundation).
4. You will have to pass by the RRO, within 2 weeks, along with an accompanying letter (we will give you) and also one
copy of your passport + the original passport and RCRP (Registration Certificate/Residential Permit). They will endorse
your new passport on your RCRP. In case of delay you will have to pay a penalty of Rs.1470.
5. Kindly check your Residential Permit/Visa. Three months before the expiry you will have to make the applition for extension.
This is also your duty to check, instead of depending on us.
6. When you come back from a visit abroad fill in an Arrival Form within 24 hours. If you have come with a new entry
visa, you have to have completed registration at the RRO within 14 days after arriving in India. The Residents Service will
help you with the formalities.
7. The Immigration Officers have the right to collect and keep your Residential Permit if you do not a have a Multiple Entry
or Return Visa endorsement. They are supposed to send your RCRP back to the RRO where you register.
8. Even if you have PIO/Triple Entries in a year/Multiple Entry facilities, during your departure you will have to pass by
our office to fill up a departure form for RRO. The same you will have to do as soon as you are back from your trip. The
arrival forms have to be filled within 24 hours.
9. We could recommend a 5 year extension for those who are: minors, more than 20 years in India, officially married to
an Indian National, parents/grand parents of Indian origin or who have been given a 5 year visa from their own country.
10. As soon as you receive the notes from us or from RRO that the extension has arrived, you will have to do the payment
within 10 days of the message received in the morning before 10:30, because they need to finish before 11:30 the process
takes time to do the payment. And in the afternoon between 4:00 to 5:30 pm, you will have to pass by to collect the
Residential Permit and the Passport.
11. Please do check your paper work. This is also your responsibility to check your papers in order. We are just a helper,
please be kind and cooperate with us to keep the track properly. May be we too forget some people. Please do check and
do not delay for the payment. If so then you will be in trouble and you will have to face the outcome.
At Her Service of Truth, the Residents Service team
From APDC
The following building applications have been submitted to the APDC. Feedback from the community is welcome within
two weeks from the date of publication. If anyone wishes to have detailed information when a building application is published,
feel free to contact the APDC office: 262-2056.
1 Shanmugam, Horizon, House Extension
2 Abha Tewari - Shardhanjali, Auroshilpam, additional storeroom space
Please remember that you have to pick up your NOC (Non Objection Certificate) after the two weeks feedback at our
desk in order to validate the permission.
Dehashakti Sports program
For those of you that did not know….Dehashakti sports program offers an all around educative program to students
through systematic training and planned activities. It is based on The Mother’s view that physical education is an integral
part of a person’s development. As such the program aims to promote a child’s inner discipline and concentration. It focuses
on team sports that nurture cooperation and team spirit rather than focusing on individual glory. Currently, the
program caters to 160 students from After School, Deepanam, Future School, Last School and Transition.
It is managed by three full-time coaches and seven volunteer coaches who assist them every afternoon. The program itself
runs from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. The teachers have to be available by 3:15 p.m. to set up and coordinate
the day’s activities. One of the major hurdles facing this program is keeping dedicated instructors which puts tremendous
pressure on the team.
Apart from the full-time coaches, the other instructors need to do some other work with Auroville units/services (to receive
a full-time maintenance). However, in order to continue with their service to Dehashakti, they need to leave their
other work by 3:00 pm so that the necessary preparation work for the afternoon’s classes can be done. Many have found
that this requirement (leaving by 3.00 pm) has prevented them from gaining additional work within Auroville because the
units/services will not permit this. Therefore, we request all services/units to kindly remember just how vital this program
is to our children and be open and flexible with working hours. This will allow Dehashakti to keep their committed
teachers, creating continuity in the program. Thank you in advance for your cooperation
In the service of our children The Auroville School Board
News from the Solar Kitchen
From Sunday August 6th onwards we will offer a lunch at the Solar Kitchen Dining Hall. You have to book at least by
Friday August 4th at the Solar Kitchen entrance, so that we know how many lunches to prepare.
Further details will follow in the next News&Notes. Bon appêtit! Solar Kitchen Team
8 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Auroville Nature Camp at Kavunji, Tamil Nadu
Auroville has been conducting Nature Summer Camps for
the last twenty three years which allowed an estimated
3500 children and teachers to enjoy during the summer
holidays the nature and adventure in the Palani Hills of
the Eastern Ghats. The Forest Department of the Tamil
Nadu Government has been very supportive from the
Chief Conservator of Forest to the District Forest Officer
and Rangers. This year it was unfortunately not possible
to conduct the camp at Berijam and we started to look
for alternate camp-sites. Near Kavunji at a small
stream, between the Sheep Farm, Reserve Forest and
cultivated private land, we rented a piece of land and
set up the Summer Camp. This year’s camp proved very
successful and we felt encouraged to scout for a small
piece of land to acquire for a permanent base-camp for
Auroville (see Summer Camp 2006 Report). We managed
to get half an acre and once the papers are finalized it
will be registered in the name of the Auroville Foundation.
Benefits: The activities of the Nature Camp will be part
of the overall educational programme of SAIIER. The
benefits of having a possibility to provide a summercamp
to children and members of Auroville and the surrounding
villages are many and have proven to be highly
conducive to build up good health, a spirit of adventure
and harmony with nature, a sense of comradeship and
appreciation of rural India. Now with the permanent
set-up of basic facilities (like storeroom, kitchen, dormitory
and utilities) the Nature Camp can be made available
to units, services, groups and individuals in and
associated with Auroville.
Finances: For the last twenty three years the camps
have been financed through donations from units and
individuals in Auroville, friends and well-wishers of
Auroville, grants for educational activities from Government
of India and international Foundations like
World Education and Stichting. Every participant was
expected to contribute towards the transport, material
and food of the camps, but deserving cases were also
subsidised from donations given specifically for the inclusion
of youths from the villages. This has proven very
successful in the youth-integration. In the aftermath of
the tsunami the experienced camp-staff and materials
were made available for emergency camps. A fundraising
drive has been started to gather initial capital for
basic installations. Advance financial contribution for
future use by groups and individuals and also donations
for subsidising deserving village and Auroville youths is
most welcome. ( Auroville fund Nature Camp, acc 0066.)
Material: To set up basic facilities for an average of 60
participants all material, contributions are helpful, like
cement, steel, wooden planks, metal sheets, water and
electrical pipes and fittings, tools, kitchen equipment,
camp gear, solar panels, solar pump and generator,
windmill, water-tank etc.
Location: The acquired land is half an acre, at the border
of Reserve Forest, Central Government Sheep Farm
and agricultural land near Kavunji village. Two small
streams form a natural border and the public land along
the streams are available for sports and recreational
activities. The land is accessible only by foot, but a public
road with regular buses to Kodai, Manovanur and Kavunji
is half a mile away. From the camp a good number
of treks and walks open up, for example to Berijam Waterfall,
Merinshola, Past Peak, Poondi, Kilavarai, Munar,
Kumbu, and Amarvathi. The location is open to both the
N.E. and S.W. monsoon and invites the use of solar and
wind-energy. We hope to plant trees, medicinal plants,
flowers and fruits.
Activities: With a permanent camp-site we can also
conduct school camps during the Pujaand New Year vacations.
Besides the usual treks and nature-study, the
site allows for sports and physical training programmes
and botanical studies. We plan to also invite a limited
number of youths from other educational institutions as
part of the Out-reach Programme of SAIIER. When the
camp is not occupied by the school-programmes we invite
other Auroville units and services and Aurovillerelated
groups to utilise the camp and participate in
kind or money in the up-keep and improvement of the
camp. A Coordination Team is being proposed to facilitate
the establishment and running of the Nature Camp.
Everybody who is interested to join the coordination
Team is invited to a meeting for the new ECO-Camp on
Wed the 26th at 5.30 p.m. at Certitude and to a Summer
Camp 2006 Feed-back session with children, adults and
donors on Sat 29th at 5.30p.m.to 6:30 pm at City Center
Café with snacks.
Aramugam and Selvam will take 20 MM workers for three
days to the camp-site. We will establish the borders for
the site and clear the ground for deciding permanent features.
Truly, Frederick, Vladimir, Iyyenar, Arumugam D.
& Auroprem
Call for Grant Proposals
The Project Coordination Group (PCG) will meet in November
for its annual review of new and pending grant
proposals for funding by the Foundation for World Education
and Stichting De Zaaier in 2007. A call for proposal
will be announced in the News&Notes and posted
on the AVnet in September.
However, for 2006, there is still a limited amount of
funds available with Stichting De Zaaier. Projects proposals
that can be implemented soon and completed
before the end of this financial year may be submitted
to the PCG on or before 18th August.
The PCG will only check whether proposals fall within
Stichting De Zaaier’s funding criteria and forward those
to the Board for final selection and budget allocation.
Projects for Stichting De Zaaier should be related to
research studies in the field of sociology, economy, psychology
and inner development; organization or participation
in seminars, workshops, conferences, events,
exhibitions in the same fields; publications of research
papers and dissemination of information; seed money
for innovative and informal education and training.
There are no funds available for infrastructure, buildings
and transport. Requests for equipment will only be considered
if specifically required for the implementation
of the project.
Budget requests should not exceed Rs. 5 lakhs and not
be less than Rs. 50,000.
Hard copies of the grant application format are available
with Buvana at the Land Service office, ACUR
(Town Hall), first floor, (tel. 2623699), or may be
emailed to you on request to pcg@auroville.org.in.
Please be aware that this specific call and deadline of
18th August apply only for projects that can be implemented
this year. Projects for next financial year
2007-2008 may be submitted after our next call for
proposals in September.
For further information, please contact Sauro or Guy at
ACUR (Town Hall), 1st floor, tel. 2622795 or 2623699.
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 9
The AurovilleRadio
AurovilleRadio is organising a round table discussion on
music in Auroville. Everyone interested in taking part of
this programme should contact: info@aurovilleradio.org
. The AurovilleRadio site, www.aurovilleradio.org, contains
pictures and text, channels broadcasting programmes,
a schedule with timings as well as downloads.
Present broadcasts include news in English, French and
Tamil, interviews, Matrimandir updates, concerts,
soundscapes, conferences and meetings from Auroville.
This week one can listen to: Om Namo Bagavate sung by
Joy with Agni and Maurizio on the acoustic guitar; Summer
In The City, a composition by Jaap; Matrimandir
Update with Gérard Maréchal; Interviews on economy
with Serge Brelin, Guenter Faltin, Khumba, Marc
Desplanque and Marc Tomo; in Soundscapes, the silence
of the Inner Chamber; The Global Consciousness Project
by Dr. Roger Nelson; Insight by Daniel with Otto; The
Flight of The Icarus, a composition by Peter and some
play lists prepared by Maurizio and Pino.
How to listen to the Auroville Radio: As the AurovilleRadio
is internet based, to be able to listen to programmes,
one will need the free Winamp or Windows
Media Player or Real Player or iTunes.
Live broadcasts: Schedules are posted on the main
menu.
The World Channels can be listened to from around the
world:
- ADSL users, click on to Channel 1
- dial-up users ,click on to Channel 2
The City Channel is available only to SkyNet subscribers
and can be listened to for free but only within Auroville
and is not accessible via the internet.
Downloads: Various programmes can also be downloaded
from the main menu. For more information or further
questions, please write to info@aurovilleradio.org
OM Travels!
We inform you that now OM Travels has a mini load carrier.
If any one needs one please contact OM Travels.
Phone: 2622834, 2623316
Le Morgan
The City Center Café will be closed for two days next
week, on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th for repair works
in the kitchen. Sorry for that, dear customers, but we
want to improve the aeration and ventilation of our tiny
kitchen.
From the 1st of August onwards, the Morgan will be open
for dinners every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night.
Power Presentation
Arcosanti: Urban Laboratory, building first prototype
Arcology: high density sustainable urban design.
Power Presentation in the American Pavilion, on Monday
7:30 p.m. Ph: 2622474
Reminder: Tibetan doctor in town
Dear People: This is to inform you that the Tibetan doctor
will be visiting us on Saturday 22nd of July. Contact
me if you need further information. Thank you, Kalsang.
Pavilion of Tibetan Culture
Health Centre…Rumors?
The Health Centre has heard of doubts and rumors
regarding our functioning. We would like to clarify a
few points:
1. It is true that our main donors have markedly reduced
their funding, but with the present reduced working hours,
the Health Centre can function till end 2007 using the
corpus funds.
2. The present executives are continuing their work.
3. The maximum number of patients continues to be from
the villages and the main thrust remains health in the villages.
4. The morning doctors' consultations continue 6 days a
week.
5. All the staff were paid their complete settlements up to
31st March 2006, before implementing the new working
hours. A.V.H.C. Team.
Irregular waste pick-up
Dear Community: In case of irregular waste pick up or
other complaints please call Jayamoorthy, mobile no:
9442708138 for follow up. If you need further help don’t
hesitate to mail to Amrit@auroville.org.in or call 2622046
and speak to me personally. We are trying to improve the
performance of the Eco-service and we need your feedback
for this. Thanks! Amrit, Vérité
Authentic EM
The authentic EM authorized by Prof. Higa (EMRO, EM
Research Organization, Japan) and quality-controlled by
EMRO is manufactured in India exclusively by Maple
Orgtech (India) Ltd. with head office in Dehradun. The
registered trademark of the product is "Maple EM.1".
When Maple Orgtech took up manufacturing it in 2000,
AuroAnnam became its first dealer in India and has been
marketing it since then. In 2005 AuroAnnam was authorized
to operate as the training centre for EM technology
in India. AuroAnnam
More Tips for Water Conservation:
Hand wash clothes in environmentally
friendly neem soap. Save all water used
to flush toilets. The rinse water is fine
to water your plants too. If you have tips you would like
to share or are interested in joining
the Water Awareness Team (WAT) please email
ruslan@auroville.org.in or paula@auroville.org.in
Web Assisted Learning of Thamizh
I recommend http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/plc/tamilweb/
It’s is a very interesting site for Thamizh learners.
S.SRINIVASAN, Thamizh teacher,
Auroville language Laboratory
The Blue Berry library
The Blue Berry Library will be open every
afternoon from 2 to 5 o clock with the
possibility to open on Wednesday mornings
for schools. Please inform us in
advance by calling Claudia at: 2623 594
10 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Out-of-station courses with Itzhak
Dear Friends: I will teach an advanced course in Ibiza
from 1st to 7th October. For more information you can
check the website www.tyma.info and you can book
with Kasia via www.vwellbeing.com
I will be in London, UK in July/August and I am doing an
introductory day to Thai Massage for Beginners/
Advanced on the 22 July in London. If you need
more info then you’re welcome to write to me.
Metta Itzhak. Web: www.tyma.info E-mail
tmassage@gmail.com
Matrimandir Visit
Introduction to Matrimandir and its Symbols
by Gilles G.
For Aurovilians, newcomers, guests and other passholders.
This includes the visit of the 1st & 2nd levels
but not of the Inner Chamber. Thursday 27th July 4.00
pm – Matrimandir office entrance. As places are limited
to 20, kindly book in advance by phoning to the “Access
Group” at Matrimandir Office between 9 and 10 am at
262 22 68. First booked first served. This “Introduction”
will be conducted regularly in the coming months –
according to the demand.
IDEA
Dear All, I am currently involved with an Auroville Group
that formed as an initiative from the last Knowledge and
Business Consciousness conference in Auroville. The
group is called the IDEA team – Integral Development of
Entrepreneurship in Auroville. The mission of the IDEA
project is to provide both a physical and virtual space
for the research, exploration and exchange of knowledge,
ideas and successful case studies in Integral Entrepreneurship.
The IDEA vision is that through the exploration and promotion
of innovative, sustainable entrepreneurial business,
service and social models we can facilitate an increased
trend toward conscious, collaborative enterprises
that support a truly sustainable economy for
Auroville. Our vision is guided by the ideals expressed
by the Mother’s Vision of the Auroville Economy.
Because we believe that all Aurovilian activities are important
to the development and sustainability of Auroville,
our team is going out into the community and organizing
discussion groups to collect input from individuals
and groups about what makes an activity (or
work) integral, what do Aurovilian entrepreneurs
need from the community to make their activities sustainable,
and what are the major challenges that need
to be overcome in order to make an activity integral and
sustainable?
I would like to invite all Aurovilians and Newcomers involved
in the areas of computer technology, software,
graphics, communications and related areas to an open
discussion on integral entrepreneurship in these fields.
The open discussion will be held on Saturday, 29 July at
3:00pm at SAWCHU. If you plan to attend, please let
me know via return e-mail so that i can arrange for refreshments.
Also, if you know of others that are involved
in the areas of computer technology, software, graphics,
communications and are not included in this e-mail list,
please forward this invitation to them. I look forward to
talking with you all.
Peace & light, Grace Aroha for the IDEA group
L O O K I N G F O R . . .
Couriers for Tsunamika
Tsunamika is hitch hiking
to London to offer her love
and the love and
consciousness of Aurovilians on
September 10 at the Festival
of Life www.festivaloflife.net
and September 21 World
Peace Day www.peaceoneday.org Any guardian angels
travelling to London between now and September
5, or have friends visiting and returning, or Auroville
units shipping products to clients in London willing to
carry her and her friends? She weighs almost nothing
and the more angels carrying her, the greater the joy.
If you have any other ideas about how she might make
this journey please let us know.
To collect Tsunamika in Auroville please contact Uma
Prajapati on 262 2939; 262 2957 email
umap@auroville.org.in
For her collection in London please contact
elizabethedema@hotmail.com
or phone 07941 787553
Baby Sitters
The baby sitter service is looking for sitters to be, so if
you are Aurovilian or Newcomer, 14 years old or more
and have an interest in children as well as few hours a
week of spare time, please contact me as soon as possible.
At Claudia@auroville.org.inor or at home: 2623594
House to sit
Responsible 2nd-year Newcomer happy to care for
your house and pets from mid-August till January (possibly
later). Please contact Grace at 944 299 2186 or
gracearoha@auroville.org.in
House to sit
I am a young architecture student looking for a house
to sit till the end of this year. If internet connection
is possible it would be great. Please contact me at
09443005705. Thank you Monika
Volunteers for Pour Tous Distribution Centre
Pour Tous Distribution Centre needs your help! Do you
have good organization and communication skills? Are
you detail-oriented? Do you enjoy a challenge? Are you
dynamic, expressive and energetic? We are looking for
two Aurovilian or Newcomer volunteers to help us continue
to evolve the atmosphere of the Distribution Centre.
We are especially seeking one who can oversee the
day-to-day operations inside the Centre in the areas of
receiving, stocking, etc. and one for
participant in communications and tracking. Please stop
by the Centre, preferably in the morning between 10:30
and 12:00. Looking forward to meeting with you. The
PTDC team Thank you, Amy for PTDC
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 11
A V A I L A B L E
Flat Available immediately In Vikas
This flat contains one bedroom, an office, a large domed
roof living room, small kitchen, one screened in terrace
with tub and one open terrace. It has an electrical
(TNEB) connection, shared solar and private phone connection.
It is on the first floor of the third phase of Vikas
and is available for sale through the Housing Service. For
more details or if you would like to come and take a
look call Charu or Paula 2623 294 or email
paula@auroville.org.in
Portraits
If you wish Hers or your portrait to be drawn as
well as a loving pet; you can send me your photo
and I will do it for free. e-mail: design_
paper_crafts@yahoo.com Tel:2623682( mornings
preferably) Angel Angelique
Vegan cakes
Even if you are not vegan! Agnes makes superb
healthy vegan cake. Once eaten, it will only leave you
asking for more. We are all crazy about it at Quiet. It’s
available at Farm Fresh on Fridays and Saturdays and
is best when eaten fresh. Feedback invited. Nandita,
Quiet nandita_shah@vsnl.com
L O S T & F O U N D
Lost: motorbike key
A single Discovery Key got lost in Certitude, July 11th
between 4:00 and 5:30. If found please contact Bharati
at 944-32-87-811….. Thank you
Found: Tatiyana Netis' wallet
Two weeks ago on Tuesday night I found a wallet on the
road near the Eucalyptus Trees. There are two VISA
credit cards of the "Israel Discount Bank" inside; the
name on them is "TATIYANA NETIS". I hope she is still in
Auroville and was not a short term guest. My contact
number now is 2623 254 in the mornings (at work) and
2622 808 (in the evenings at home). And of course
there's this email address: johannes.
hoffenreich@web.de
A P P E A L
For Mumbai victims
Please visit the following link and light an e-candle for
the Mumbai Victims. For every candle lit - CNN-IBN
channel is giving 1 Rupee to the victims. Please send
these to as many people as you know:
http://clients.ibnlive.com/features/mumatt/index.php
At the Amphitheatre
Savitri reading on Thursday 27 July, 6 pm:
All are welcome to listen to Sri Aurobindo’s epic poem
Savitri, read by The Mother, with Sunil’s music,
under the vast open sky at sunset
Pitanga schedule update
"Movement that makes the body dance"
T he class with Grace on 24 July is cancelled for that day only.
New Odissi Dance Class
Kanchana offers Odissi dance for adult beginners.
Starting on 31July there will be classes on: Monday & Wednesday 16.30 - 18.00.
Though the class is primarily inviting beginners to join, students of any level are welcome.
Max. Participants: 6 students.
100th Pizza Celebration
The Auroville Youth is celebrating its hundredth pizza making day on Saturday, July 22nd at 7pm at
the Youth Centre. All are invited to come and enjoy the feast and joy of eating pizza made with love
and care.
12 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
EMTM Presentation Rescheduled
Mr. Matthew Wood will be giving the presentation on EMTM this Saturday, July 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in
the Town Hall Conference Room.
A few clarifications:
1. EM and EM Technology are not a product; they are a philosophy by Dr. Teruo Higa.
2. The principles of Dr. Higa are: i) Production of safe and nutritious food to enhance human health; ii) Sustainability and
ease of practice by every person; iii) Conservation of the environment; IV). Production of sufficient food of high quality
for the increasing populations.
3. Dr. Higa has given in private to a few people in the world the legacy of EM and EM Technology and Mr. Matthew Wood
is one of them.
4. Mr. Matthew Wood's clarification regarding SCD EM as an imitation:
The issue of claiming our product to be an "imitation" is a confusing concept, meant to mislead the consumer. What is
our product imitating? By definition, our product is "EM" and not an imitation of EM. The words "EM" are not proprietary
and do not represent a specific company product or brand. EMRO likes to make people think that they are the only producers
of EM, but their product brand name is "EM-1". We have already sent letters to EMRO in USA regarding similar
statements from their employees or agents and they have stopped these unfair business practices, but they and their representatives
continue to do it in other countries. I don't know what the legal recourse for this type of defamation is in
India.
Also, there is what Dr. Higa has written in his books. EM is nature and he wants it to be spread around the world. The
scope of work for this technology is enormous and there is need for many companies like SCD and EMRO. This is Dr. Higa's
own philosophy. The world and society need EM technology and EMRO does not have the capacity to do it alone, so SCD
has developed its own proprietary processes and trade secrets to manufacture EM technology products and engage in
business to expand the SCD EM technology globally.
You are welcome to the presentation on Saturday to get a better understanding of EM, EM Technology and SCD (Sustainable
Community Development). Love, Margarita
100th Pizza Celebration
The Auroville Youth is celebrating its hundredth pizza making day on Saturday, July 22nd at 7pm at the Youth Centre.All
are invited to come and enjoy the feast and joy of eating pizza made with love and care.
Cinema
at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, Bharat Nivas
FRIDAY 28 JULY - 7.30 PM (Film show starting at 7.45 sharp!)
MEGHE DHAKA TARA (THE CLOUD-CAPPED STAR aka THE HIDDEN STAR)
Directed by Ritwik GHATAK- India, 1960
With: Supriya Chowdhury, Anil Chatterjee, Geetha Ghatak, Niranjan Ray
Synopsis : A family of refugees from East Bengal live in a shanty town of Calcutta, surviving solely on the earnings of the
eldest daughter. The family's journey mirroring the rootlessness and erosion of values alongside the breadwinner's endless
toil till her death by hunger-inflicted tuberculosis -her deliverance, metaphorically likened to the returning of Uma,
Shiva's divine consort, to her father's home, following her descent down the mountain from the lofty, eternal abode of
her husband. One of Ghatak's greatest films and still studied in depths by all Indians (and other) film students. (for Aurofilm
in collaboration with the National Film Archive of India, Pune, like for all classic films screened in 35mm films at the
Sri Aurobindo Auditorium)
Original Bengali version with English subtitles - Duration: 2h.02' - 35mm film - Black & White
Gnomes
All who like gnomes and clay are kindly invited to participate in the workshop that is entirely dedicated to the cute
invisible magic beings that live happily in nature and in our homes.
Sunday, 23rd of July from 4 to 7 pm. Clay workshop, New Creation, Auroville
The Project in Auroville is a part of the International project Gnomes that is at the same time happening in Izola, Slovenia.
We will try to connect with the participants in Slovenia through modern means and communication.
Free for all young at heart. With love, Miranda and the Seven Gnomes
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 13
Cinema Paradiso
MMC Auditorium
Film programme
Tuesday 25 July, 8 pm:
• DONNIE DARKO
USA, 2001, Dir. Richard Kelly with Jake Gyllenhaal,
Holmes Osborne and more, Drama / Mystery, 113 min,
Eng. with Eng subtitle. (Rated "R" or "A").
Troubled adolescent, Donnie Darko, receives a disturbing
vision that the world will end in 28 days. With the
help of various characters, including a six foot rabbit
called Frank, he slowly discovers the mysterious physical
and metaphysical laws that govern his life and that will
lead up to the destruction of the universe.
Wednesday 26 July, 8 pm:
• FANTASIA
USA, 1940, Dir. James Algar and Samuel Armstrong with
Leopold Stokowski and The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Animation, 120 min, Eng, with Eng. Subtitles.
A collection of animated interpretations of great works
of classical music. Probably Disney's best.
French - Thursday 27 July, 8pm:
• BON VOYAGE
France, 2003, Dir. By Jean Paul Rappeneau with Isabelle
Adjani, Gerard Depardieu, Grégori Dérangère and others,
115mn, French with Engl. subtitles.
1940; At the start of the war the fate of the free world
hangs in the balance at “Splendide” Hotel in Bordeaux.
Cabinet members, journalists, physicists, spies of all
persuasion gather in order to escape the Nazi occupation.
A dramatic theme presented on a comedy mode:
murderous intrigues, scientific secrets, and love affairs
flourish.
Saturday 29 July, 8 pm:
• THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
USA, 1975, Dir. Jim Sharman, with Tim Curry, Susan
Sarandon and more, Comedy/Horror/Musical, 100 min.
(Rated, "R" or "A")
After Janet accepts Brad's marriage proposal, the happy
couple drive away from Denton, Ohio, only to get lost in
the rain. They stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank-NFurter,
a transvestite who is holding the annual convention
of visitors from the planet Transsexual. Frank-NFurter
unveils his creation, a young man named Rocky
Horror, who fears the doctor and rejects his sexual advances.
When Frank-N-Furter announces that he is returning
to the galaxy Transylvania, Riff Raff the butler
and Magenta the maid declare that they have plans of
their own.
Children’s Matinee - Sunday 30 July, 3pm:
• BALTO
USA,1995, Dir. Simon Wells, Vocies by Kevin Bacon, Bob
Hoskins, Bridget Fonda and more, Family/Animation, 74
min, Eng. with Eng. Subtitles.
An outcast half-wolf risks his life to prevent a deadly
epidemic from ravishing Nome, Alaska.
Ciné-Club - Sunday 30 July, 8 pm:
• CITIZEN KANE
USA, 1941, Dir. Orson Welles, with Orson Welles, Joseph
Cotten, Agnes Moorehead., B&W 119 min. Eng. with
French subtitles, Drama
With this movie Orson Welles added more to the vocabulary
of film-making than any other director had
done before or has done since. The unusual narrative
patterns, shock cuts, deep focus, eccentric camera angles,
the exaggerated soundtrack foreshadowed the
techniques that would come into widespread use over
the years. It's doubtful that any "good" director has not
been influenced somewhat by CITIZEN KANE.
Hindi - Monday 31 July, 8 pm:
• KAAGAZ KE PHOOL (PAPER FLOWERS)
India, 1959, Dir. Guru Dutt with Waheeda Rehman,
Naaz, Johnny Walker and Guru Dutt, 148 min., Romance/
Musical, Hindi with Eng. subtitles
The story of a famous film director; his marriage is on
the rocks because his wealthy in-laws see film making as
a job lacking in social status. He is also denied access to
his daughter. Then he meets Shanti - whom he casts as a
lead in his ongoing film. Gossips start flowing and that
leads to further complications in the lives of all three
individuals…
Seating will start at ~7:45pm. You can book in advance
at the Town Hall (Ph.2622250) and kindly note your
booking number (this is not a seat number).
If you book kindly come to the auditorium early. Seating
will start with those who have booked, but will
open up for general seating immediately after. If you
do not book we appreciate your patience and understanding
to let people who have booked get in first; our
effort is to minimize your waiting time. Thanks you
very much for not bringing food/ drink into the auditorium.
We appreciate for your support now and in the future.
Thanking You! MMC/CP Group
14 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Nirodbaran
On 17th July, at 7.50 pm, Exactly 4 months before his 103rd birthday,
Left Nirrod-da his body. He had been in the nursing home these last
few months, quietly preparing for this moment. His last days
were beautifully intense as he surrendered drop by drop to the eternal
divine. May his soul rest peacefully as it continues on its long and
graceful journey.
On Saturday, July 22nd, a silent gathering in memory of Nirod'da
will be held under the Matrimandir Banyan Tree at 5.30 pm.
Dr. Nirodbaran, a real friend and supporter of Auroville, has been living
some 70 years in the Ashram, as personal physician of Sri Aurobindo, as
well as his scribe and correspondent, and as poet in his own right.
Through his written work he was, and is and will be, for many a door
into Sri Aurobindo's worlds.., - a door through which he now may enter
to join THEM to whom he dedicated his entire life..
OM ~
A last homage could be paid to this dear friend and remarkable being
during the Tuesday morning, July 18th, at his premises in the Ashram's
main compound, - his face remained tranquil and transparent. The
body was cremated in the late afternoon at the Ashram cremation
ground, with many many attending.
Farewell, dear Nirod'da, Auroville will always remember you, with deep
gratitude and love.
From Ajoy Bagchi
May I be allowed to join the community to pay my humble tribute to the memory of Dr Nirodbaran. I never had the opportunity
of meeting him but had heard so much about him and his work. Though he passed away in the fullness of years, yet
it is a sad loss.
Ajoy Bagchi, Member, Governing Board, Auroville Foundation
From AVI
The news of Nirodbaran's passing brings a feeling of loss, as if a golden age had finally drawn to a close, a golden age not
only for the Ashram but for the world; and also a feeling of deep gratitude for the life of this great man. He honoured AVI
with his presence at the conclusion of our meeting in Auroville, and many of us who were present were privileged to receive
a blessing packet from his hands. His room near the Samadhi was a refuge of peace and calmness to many who
came from near and far.
Sonia Dyne, Vice-chair of Auroville International Association
---------
It is with deep gratitude that we remember Nirodbaran accepting the invitation to take part in the consecration ceremony
of our German pavilion site on August 15, 2002. He had accepted the invitation on the condition that he could just
sit quietly and watch but then he felt so inspired that he gave a little speech welcoming "the great German nation" taking
part in the development of Auroville’s International Zone. He even stepped down into the hole that was dug to receive a
container holding earth from different parts of Germany, mixed with flowers from the Samadhi and earth from Auroville.
We will always remember your noble presence at this very precious moment, dear Nirod´da. Farewell!
With deep love, Friederike Werner AVI Germany
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 15
Wil – a fellow traveler
Snow white love encircled your youthful soul when
It touched the fires of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother,
You allowed that love to lead the rest of your life.
The Ashram at Pondicherry become your home and
Auroville, your extended home of love,
You worked for both…
Cleaning the dishes at the Dining Hall
And translating Their works and then
The City of Dawn…
Guiding the curious visitors, answering numerous queries
With humility and joyful patience,
A friend to all… for over 3 decades!
Dear Wil, dear fellow-traveler,
Happy Onward Journey!
You who enriched for all “this brief spell of terrestrial
experience”.
A blessed felicity place is waiting for you
There at the Journey’s end,
In the world of supernal beauty and peace.
May fragrances of flowers surround your way!
An Aurovilian
Integral Yoga Retreat by Bhavana
It was a week of connecting to the inner dimension of our lives as Aurovilians. How often have we read “To be a True
Aurovilian” and point 1 in which Mother says the first requisite to get in contact with the inner being? But how to get in
contact? Again and again we can read Sri Aurobindo telling us that we have to quiet the mind, delve deep behind the
heart, focus up above the head, and find our inner being. But how to actually do it? In this retreat, we were actually
guided to experience these inner movements, and get some practice in moving back and forth between the inner and the
outer consciousness.
The retreat was arranged in Vérité, 4-11 July, mostly for people who have been following the Synthesis of Yoga classes on
Fridays at Savitri Bhavan for the last year. Fourteen Aurovilians and eight Ashramites and others gathered with
Sraddhalu, in an atmosphere of concentration and consecration, and practised accessing the Peace and Vastness and Love
of the Divine, with the intention of being able afterwards to refer to that inner state at will. Participants shared that this
sort of experiential introduction to Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s teaching has been somehow missing, that it touches the
essential core of the Auroville experiment, and that the intentions were achieved.
Open letter by Lazlo
To all Aurovilians:
Here are a few lines through which I offer a context which might help us understand the present state of disorganisation
in Auroville, and the reason of this chaotic state's existence (the root of the problem), as well as the easy way out.
Without the appropriate frame, without the supporting walls and limits of the collective structure (external guidance,
such as mandates and regulations that are formulated in a clear, precise and well reasoned way) and in the absence of
the psychic being's influence (internal guidance) on both the ordinary mind and the human vital nature, the ordinary mind
has no support and cannot maintain its clarity (to refrain from judgement and to refrain from perceiving things divided,
opposed to each other), nor can the vital contain itself through not having a way to ground itself (to be practical, to have
common sense, to be generous and humble instead of possessive), the outcome is the today's visible, slightly insane expressions
and patterns of behaviour in our decision making process, which hides in itself the source of our organisation's
inability to function, as well as the need for change.
This does not attempt to point at any individual's mental deficiency or general state of its mental health, but rather, it
points out the importance and necessity of the psychic awakening and the pressing need of the psychic being's forthcoming
and taking its appropriate, centremost place in the organisation and in every individual centre of its every part
(groups and individuals). Since it is a process that requires a long time - definitely several years -, in the meantime, as
the short-term necessity, we need to define clear, detailed guidelines to have at least the outer means of guidance:
clearly defined mandates and regulations for the entire organisation of Auroville. An overall organisation that actively
expresses the interconnectedness of its parts and its purpose is to organise our day-to-day life so it is centred around the
need for the psychic being's emergence and supports the needs of the collective's progress that leads us there. These are
the pre-steps of reaching Auroville's first aim: Human Unity.
From a more practical point of view: The Foundation Act is a framework which defines the Residents' Assembly as the
responsible body to complete the structure by formulating its own guidelines, regulations, mandates, and processes in
accordance with the Charter and the aims of Auroville. We have no reason for postponing the fulfilment of this responsibility
any further. It appears that it is difficult for many to follow the complexity of our organisation, so there could be a
seminar organised where this topic can be explained in its width and in depth, and questions answered, completed with
dialogue.
If interested, send your name and suggestions to the study group members [dominique@auroville.org.in,
rolfartist@auroville.org.in, lazloone@yahoo.com] on how to organise this event..
Thanking you in advance. In the service of truth Laszlo (Jr.) [artistic alias: Edge]
16 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
Cry, O Beloved Synthesis! by Jean-Yves
Reading the last proposal about Auroville organization was a challenge by itself. This legal sort of language, hard to chew,
still harder to digest, seems to empty of any consciousness everything it touches. How can such a barbarian speech and
way of thinking ever carry to ourselves and others the living meaning of Auroville?
In this stiff atmosphere of legal language where no light survives which could have guided us, one can lose his way without
realizing it. For instance, it is said that we will attempt to arrive at synthesis when there are divergent views but if it
doesn’t happen, we will vote. One could more straightforwardly translate: “we will try to succeed, otherwise, let’s agree
to fail.” For the harmonization of opposites is not optional, it is the only way to Auroville. If synthesis is not practically
possible, Human Unity is not possible. Then what are we doing here?
The proposal suggests also that the synthesis will be attempted by a group of people in charge of it. But what is the use
of it? The synthesis is not to be made by some for others but with them, it is the effort that we all have to do, our commitment
and practical contribution to the ideals of Human Unity. This is also how we can keep together in our differences,
and how the city of endless education can become a living reality.
The law of synthesis is the most democratic of all for it demands from each one equally to give up his/her own exclusivism
and widen his/her understanding up to where what seemed at first opposite becomes complementary. This is our law
of development, our dharma.
Unfortunately, the Proposal cancels the very possibility of the synthesis it tried to honor, for why should one make the
effort of it when the legitimate right to win by vote is officially recognized? As Aurovilians do not like voting and the political
quarrels that go along with it, only those who are interested to win against another group will occupy the field
and… win (poor victory!) as past experiences have shown.
More than thirty years ago, The Mother said to us, several times and in several ways but always in her simple and crystalline
words, that there is no other way for us than to make the effort of harmonizing conflicting points of view through
synthesis. We, in our wisdom, decided to make it optional. But to refuse this effort is to refuse Auroville in our collective
life. Still, it is the outcome of many months of painful work about our organization!
As Sri Aurobindo once noticed about something else: “At the first sight one has some sense of a lacuna somewhere”…
In Reply to the Cry by Rolf
If we would all be in a state of consciousness of mental silence and inner peace, where Mother’s smile is always present,
we wouldn’t need rules in legal language to protect us from ourselves. In this state of being, where all is clear, obvious
and luminous, when we are our real self = one with all = human unity, it is with a smile, that we simply know what is
right and what shines bright in its truth. Then only the synthesis is obvious.
If we would all be acting from this inner depth, it would clearly show and be obvious for everyone observing us. Then we
would be truly the ‘City the Earth Needs’ - lived and practiced Human Unity.
If we would be able to demonstrate this, nobody would impose any rules on us, because we would prove with our example,
that we don’t need them.
But instead, we behave like silly, sometimes nasty little kids, hurting ourselves in our war games.
The situation has become quite chaotic with ignorance, falsehood and arrogance on all levels. At present, we have an
anarchy gone haywire. Arbitrary anarchy with this kind of ordinary human consciousness can only end in disaster.
We cannot manage ourselves properly, but claim in our arrogance that we know it all.
Nobody here likes the legal language of rules and regulations. But we must not forget that we are in a ‘legal’ situation.
Nowhere but in India would Auroville find this much support, tolerance and never-ending patience.
Nevertheless - the Auroville Foundation and the Governing Board hold the responsibility for our proper functioning and
are accountable to the GOI for Auroville’s activities.
Now - looking at our dysfunctional Organization and the dysfunctional Residents’ Assembly, our incapacity to find any
synthesis, there’s normally no other choice for the Auroville Foundation and the Governing Board but to interfere. -
Unless we define clear, ‘legal’ policies for our functioning, as we have been asked to do since more than 15 years, (- an
advice we ignored in our limitless arrogance,) the Auroville-Foundation will define them for us.
Let’s get real. I’m getting tired of all this arrogant talk and quotes of high ideals without demonstrating at least a little
bit of it in our daily lives. It’s easy to rant and jump up and down, protesting against everything and anything ‘at first
sight’. But to face facts, with the feet on the ground, trying to help and find constructive practical steps towards these
high ideals - that’s another matter.
Nothing else counts.
From ‘A New Earth’
In the latest book from Eckardt Tolle, called "A New Earth", I found a paragraph that could be a beautiful reminder for all
of us. So here it is:
"We are also learning that action, although necessary, is only a secondary factor in manifesting our external reality. The
primary factor in creation is consciousness. No matter how active we are, how much effort we make, our state of consciousness
creates our world, and if there is no change on that inner level, no amount of action will make any difference.
We would only re-create modified versions of the same world again and again, a world that is an external reflection of
the ego."
submitted by Claudio
News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149] 17
Feedback for the Economy Group
Dear Economy Group,
Thank you for asking the residents for feedback on the Economy Groups reforms to the
maintenance system; some reforms of which, your group has in fact already implemented.
While I acknowledge your efforts to ‘tidy up’ Auroville’s economy, the price
that we now pay, and will continue to pay in the future, for the Economy Group’s reforms
to the maintenance system are far too serious. The feedback most simply put is;
AUROVILLE DOES NOT NEED AN ECONOMY GROUP JUDGING WHO IS WORTHY OF A
MAINTENANCE AND WHO IS NOT.
What Auroville needs, is an FAMC that is both open and accountable and assures every
Aurovilian who is clearly in a position of “non availability of any other resources” that their most BASIC NEEDS will now be
met - unconditionally. I repeat UNCONDITIONALLY. Please forget these futile attempts to categorise and control people
and their lives. With all of these new categorisations the Economy Group is only making a mechanical life possible in
Auroville, a mechanical life that is to serve under the consciousness; the judgments and decisions, of the Economy Group.
A life divine, where individuals are able to honor their own inner dynamic and to blossom forth will now become an impossibility
in Auroville. Nothing new can be born from these maintenance system reforms. There can be no art, no poetry
and no dance of life. There can be no experimentation, no invention, and no true creativity. Only commodities and the
strictly utilitarian are given any value. I hope that this self appointed Economy Group will now be able to humbly acknowledge
this serious wrong turning.
Auroville will then be in a position to show, by example, that we are now doing something fundamentally different to the
global economic system. That in Auroville, unconditional love is our way and guide and not the handing out of carrots on
sticks under the cover of the word ‘maintenance’. I perceive this issue is a golden key for Auroville’s possible evolution
and a possible future worldwide metamorphosis. If the residents of Auroville are to passively accept the Economy Group’s
reforms today, I have no doubt that there is no more future for Auroville other than some mainstream neo-colonial exclusive
club for the old and retired. Have we not come here to do something different? Love, Nikolai
Alternative Collective Transport (ACT): Please Give Your Feedback!
Dear Residents,
Following the good news regarding the possibility of receiving
funding for an alternative collective transport service in
Auroville, I have now returned to the agenda of the Royal
Express.
I would currently like to collect feedback from the residents
regarding basic mobility needs in Auroville. How could an alternative
collective transport service best serve you, today
and in the future? What are your basic requirements and
where do you feel that an alternative collective transport
service would be most effective in Auroville? In addition, how
can we turn a truly utilitarian collective function into
something poetic, spiritually uplifting and divine? If you have
any other feedback to give regarding transport issues in
general then please feel free to communicate this too. Please
e-mail your feedback... All ideas and suggestions are very welcome however crazy, eccentric
or revolutionary they may at first appear to be. Love, Nikolai
Front cover artwork from a watercolor by Satya (Surrender)
About News & Notes:
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18 News & Notes 22 July 2006 [149]
These caricatures are done by Charu (Charudatta
Prabhudesai) for News and Notes and are
meant for circulation within the international
township of Auroville only. They are in no way
to be taken as criticism of individual's features
or character, nor are they "political" comments.
The caricatures are done purely in the spirit of
goodwill with the singular objective of making us
smile and laugh together as one community.
The publishers or/ and the artist take prior permission
from the subject/s before publishing
them.
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