Nimayee Charana Mahapatra always cast his influence in the oragnisational work

Matrubhaban JATANI CODE :NIS.KHU.R49
Managing Trustee : Sri B.B. Mohapatra
Date of Installation : 30.01.2002 4PM
Installed by : Prof. Chhotenarayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Ashramites : Five
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 6 AM to 8.30 PM
Cost of Construction : More than 7 lakhs
No. of persons visiting daily : About 200
Plan made by : SRI DHRUBA CHARAN HOTA, SRI BIRANCI KU KARAN, AND SRI SAROJ KU PANI
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Collective Meditation, Weekly Study Circle, Annual Camps and Seminars
BRIEF HISTORY : Sri Aurobindo Study Circle at Jatani held the first All orissa study circle conference in 1963. Late Sri Nimayee Charana Mahapatra always cast his influence in the oragnisational work of the Centre. Sri Aurobindo Relic centre has been mark the mile stone in march of their of their prograse in Mothers Work.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
DECEMBER 9, 1950 TO THEE WHO HAST BEEN THE MATERIAL ENVELOPE OF OUR MASTER, TOMTHEE OUR INFINITE GRATITUDE. BEFORE THEE WHO HAST DONE SO MUCH FOR US, WHO HAST WORKED, STRUGGLED, SUFFERED, HOPED, ENDURED SOMUCH, BEFORE THEE WHO HAST WILLED ALL, ATTEMPTED ALL, PREPARED, ACHIEVED ALL FOR US, BEFORE THEE WE BOW DOWN AND IMPLORE THAT WE MAY NEVER FORGET, EVEN FOR A MOMENT, ALL WE OWE TO THEE -THE MOTHER

Sri Prapatti had worked at Baripada

Sri Aurobindo Bhaban Baripada Code : (AST.MAY.R48)
Managing Trustee : Dr. Ajit Mishra
Date of Installation : 29th January, 2002, 10 AM
Installed by : Prof. Chottenarayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 5 AM to 7.30 AM, 10.30AM to 11 Am 4PM to 7 PM
Cost of Construction : Rs. 9,00000 (Approx Nine Lakhs)
Plan made by : Sri Mrutunjay Behera
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation, Daily Study Circles, and other functions through out the year
BRIEF HISTORY :
Sri Prapatti had worked at Baripada, before he joined Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. So, the Honourable Trustees of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, decided to sanction Relics in memory of him.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
To Thee who hast been the material envelope of our Master, to Thee our infinite gratitude. Before Thee who hast who hast done so much for us, who hast worked, struggled, suffered, hoped, endured so much, before Thee who hast willed all, attempted all, prepared, achieved all for us, before Thee we bow down and implore that we may never forget, even for a moment, all we owe to Thee. -The Mother

No typical tourist attractions or generally welcoming atmosphere

Home > Coming to Auroville > Visiting Auroville Updated Dec. 2008 Auroville Guest Service
Auroville Visitors Centre Guest Introduction tours Guesthouses see also:
Auroville in brief Auroville, a visual tour
Between the lines

On the surface, Auroville can appear rather incomprehensible. It is an intense and challenging experiment, attempting the seemingly impossible, and one needs to be ready to actively participate in such an adventure. The meaning of Auroville only becomes clearer in the context of the vision of its founders, which has stimulated people from all over the world to join in this ‘laboratory of evolution’.

For casual visitors
Visitors to Auroville are sometimes disappointed to find here no Ashram, no typical tourist attractions or generally welcoming atmosphere. This is firstly because Auroville is quite different to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where people are considered to have consecrated their lives to integral yoga (as compared, in Auroville, to an experiment in human unity), and secondly because Auroville is not a tourist place, despite being referred to in travel and tourist literature, and does not devote as much time and energy to welcoming tourists as sites established specifically for that purpose.

Casual/day visitors are encouraged to go first to the Visitors Centre , which is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30, and offers information, exhibitions, a video viewing facility, a cafeteria and shopping facilities. Those who come with a deeper interest and actually want to visit one of Auroville's projects should make an appointment with the concerned place through the Information Desk at the Visitors Centre.

Matrubhaban, Barada, Dhenkanal, Odisha

MATRUBHABAN
Barada, Dhenkanal
(KRU.DHE.R23)
Managing Trustee : Sri Sachidananda Moharana
Date of Installation : 21st January, 1987, 10.25 A M
Installed by : Sri Champaklalji
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Ashramites : A group of students and teachers
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 6 AM to 9 PM
Cost of Construction : RS.1,50,000 (APPX. One Lakh and fifty thousands ONLY)
No. of persons visiting daily : About 100 persons daily
Plan made by : Sri Byomakesha Dash, Engineering in chief
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram :
Daily Meditation, Weekly Study Circles,and other functions etc.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
What Sri Aurobindo represents in the world's history, is not a teaching, not even a revelation, it is a decisive action direct from the Supreme. -The Mother

Bhagaban Nayak Burma, journalist and poet, pioneered Mother’s work

Sri Aurobindo Dibya Dham,
Chandabali Bhadrak
Code : (AST.BHA.R36)
Managing Trustee : Sri Birakishore Rout
Date of Installation : 6th January, 1996 at 12.05 PM
Installed by : Prof. Chotte Narayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Ashramites : More than 100
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 6 AM to 10PM
Cost of Construction : Rs4,00000 (Approx Four lakhs only)
Plan made by : Sri Maheswar Nayak
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation,Weekely Study Circles etc.
BRIEF HISTORY :
Sri Aurobindo Study Circle at Chandabali started in theyear 1962.A group of seekers like Sri Bhagaban Nayak Berma, Maheswar Nayak, Nirupama Nayak and others prayed for Sri Aurobindo's Relics.Sri Maheswar Nayak donated the land for Relics centre.By the intiative of Babaji Maharaj and Prapatti and hearts aspiration of the members, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust sanction the arrival of Relics to Chandabali.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
Since the beginning of earth history Sri Aurobindo has always presided over the great earthly transformations, under one form or another, one name or another. -The Mother

Chandbali, an ancient river port, once the gate way of Orissa stands on the river Baitarani in the District of Bhadrakha. Chandabali’s idyllic setting, scenic atmosphere, famous Bhitarakanika reserve forest and crocodile project are feast for the eyes of the onlookers and the tourists who crowd this tinsel town through out the year from different states & countries. The Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Ashram, its Relics Temple and Integral Education centre stands very close to this sacred river Baitarani.

The history of Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham enlivens the nostalgic memories of Sri Aurobindo Pathachakra movement in the district inspired by Babaji Maharaj Sri Ramakrishna Das and Sri Prapatti. In the year 1963 Sri Bhagaban Nayak Burma, an eminent journalist and poet of Orissa, and a former member of New Light Society of Cuttack, pioneered Mother’s work in this region. The active and sincere devotees of Chandabali started Sri Dibyajyoti Pathachakra in the year 1968 which was converted to Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Pathachakra and got registered in the year 1988 by the sincere efforts of Sri Maheswar Nayak whose contribution in establishing Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Asharm at Chandbali will remain ever green and continue to inspire the future generation of Chandbali.

The present Relics Temple stands on the plot purchased and later on offered by Sri Maheswar Nayak to the Sri Aurobindo Pathachakra of Chandbali. On the 15th of August 1987 Dhruba Bhai of Kharid Chhak laid the foundation stone of this Relics Temple and the construction work was completed in the year 1996. Smt Nirupama Nayak the wife of Late Maheswar Nayak had played a major role in the establishment of Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Pathachakra, the completion of Relics Temple and is still actively participating in the management of the centre.

The 7 th of January 1996 will always remain engraved in the history of Chandbali as on this day, at 12.05 PM Sri Aurobindo’s Relics was installed in the Relics Temple by Prof. Chhote Narayan Sharma, in the presence of a large gathering of more than ten thousand people.This is the 36th Relics Centre of Orissa, its code is AST.BHA.R36. Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham has a library, its own garden which provides for the flowers required for the Samadhi. The approximate cost for the construction of the temple is Rs. 6 lacs. Nearly 200 people come to pay their obeisance to the shrine everyday.

One can feel the concrete Presence of the Lord vibrating in the atmosphere here.Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Pathachakra with all its allied institutions like Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre, Sales center etc. are managed by the apex body i.e. Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Trust. Presently Sri Birakishore Rout is the Managing Trustees. The conference of Sri Aurobindo Pathachakra , Students and Youth Camps and all Darshan Days are observed in the centre every year with utmost devotion. Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham, Chandbali is aspiring to be an instrument for Mothers Work for the New World and is striving to make this spiritual center, a beacon light for others Home Relics Centers Dasa Karmadhara Events Publications Gallery Miscellaneous Sri Aurobindo University Contact Us Complete List of Relics Centers in Orissa

The Hindi Zonal Conference held at Noida on 6th and 7th December 2008 was very successful

News from Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry)
Upcoming Events
Bonne Année - Happy New Year 2009!
The New Year will dawn in the Ashram with meditation at 6:00 a.m. with recorded music. There will be a March Past at 6:55 pm and collective meditation at 7:45 pm on the same day. At the Society's Beach Office hall at 9 am, there will be a collective meditation with the lighting of lamps, followed by songs invoking the Presence and Grace of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and a re-dedication to their work.
Here is a New Year Message from the Mother:
Let this year bring you the power to smile in all circumstances. For, a smile acts upon difficulties as the sun upon the clouds - it disperses them. With my love and blessings. The Mother
New Year is also a time for making fresh resolutions and then carrying it out for a better living. Here is a most practical guidance from the Mother, regarding resolutions:
A little sincere and regular practice is worth more than a lot of short-lived resolutions.
Study Camp by Dr. Alok Pandey on 'Savitri' - 22 to 28 February 2009
Dr. Alok Pandey will conduct Study Sessions in Sri Aurobindo's epic "Savitri" at the Society's Beach Office from 22 to 28 February 2009. As usual, there will be two sessions daily between 05:00 and 07:00 pm. All are welcome to attend this programme.
Recent Events at Beach OfficeMaha-Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo - 5 December 2008
On 5 December 2008, there was collective meditation around the Samadhi at the Ashram in the morning and at the Playground in the evening, to observe Sri Aurobindo's Maha-Samadhi day. A visit to Sri Aurobindo's Room was arranged in the morning.

Annual Seminar of the Women's Council - November 2008: "Organisation of Action in Life"
A view of the arrangements & self-introduction of the participants
The annual seminar of the Society's Women's Council on 'Organisation of Action in Life', was held this year at the Society Beach office hall in Puducherry, on 21, 22, 23 November 2008. 50 delegates (35 women and 15 men) from 9 states of India and one each from U.K. and U.S.A benefited from their active participation. It helped them to step back within and understand that organisation in action is possible only when we are organised within, when all the parts of our being are in tune with our psychic being which alone can bring clarity, cohesiveness and harmonious direction in life.
The early morning sessions from 6 to 7 am were conducted by Anjana Sarkar. She demonstrated and taught, in a very simple and effective manner, how one can awaken consciousness in different parts of the body and coordinate their various movements in order to remove blockages and bring balance, plasticity, strength and health.
A glimpse of the programmes of the Seminar
The programme started with an invocation and recorded organ music of the Mother on 'Let us try to collaborate'. The Mother's VCD was played with the Mother reading chapter 5 on Work from the book The Mother by Sri Aurobindo.
The subject of the seminar was introduced by Shri Pradeep Narang on the basis of Sri Aurobindo's and the Mother's teachings. He explained clearly about our actions and their reactions in day-to-day life, the karmic law and how one can transgress one's bad karma by rising higher in consciousness.
A questionnaire on the subject was given to all the delegates for introspection and reflection, followed by free discussion in detail, in separate small groups, with a group guide to help. At the end, the questionnaire with answers culled from the Mother's and Sri Aurobindo's writings, was circulated to all.
'Organisation of Action' was explained from different viewpoints by speakers from various fields of life. At the end of the talks on the morning of the 23rd, another VCD was shown with the Mother's Mahasaraswati aspect of perfection in work along with Her reading this portion from Sri Aurobindo's book 'The Mother'. In the afternoon, the delegates presented a cultural programme in which they enacted 2 playlets based on the Mother's stories on action in life and also other items, viz. conversation in Sanskrit, songs - solo, dual and chorus, etc. concluding with the collective chanting of Om. All the participants then lined up to receive the Mother's prasad, a candle and a booklet on 'Work' by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, to be their ready guide in organising their daily action in life.
For a detailed report along with pictures, please see the January 2009 issue of 'Awakening to the Beauty of the Future', a monthly magazine published by the Women's Council of Sri Aurobindo Society. For more details about the magazine, please click http://www.sriaurobindosociety.org.in/journals/awake.htm .

Dr. Sampadananda Mishra's Visits
Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, Chief Coordinator, Sanskrit and Indian Culture, Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, went to Mumbai on 9th of November '08 to conduct two workshops for five days. The first workshop was on 'Learning Sanskrit' and the second was on 'Sriaravindopanishad'. There were nearly twenty participants who attended these workshops.
On 27th of November he gave a talk in the Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow, on "Sanskrit: A Language to meet the Challenges of Life".
Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, giving a talk during the National Conference on Rig Veda
From 19th to 22nd of December '08, Dr. Mishra visited Thiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu, to conduct a 'National Conference on Rigveda' organised by the University of Spiritual Research, USA, and Satyachetana Educational Trust, Thiruvannamalai. As the Convener Dr. Mishra conducted the three-day conference and also presented a research paper on "Sri Aurobindo and Vedic Riks". Ms. Savitri Panda, who assists Dr. Mishra in Sanskrit research work, also attended the conference and actively participated in the group discussions.
Andhra Pradesh Annual Conference - 6 & 7 December 2008 The XIV annual conference of all centres and branches of Sri Aurobindo Society in Andhra Pradesh was held at the headquarters of Sri Aurobindo Society at Puducherry on 6th and 7th December 2008.In the opening session on the 6th besides the usual welcome address and submission of the report of activities throughout the State, Shri B. Venkatramaiah, Chairman of the AP State Committee, gave a brief account of the steps being taken in the State to carry the movement forward. Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society, presided over the first session. In his talk he drew the attention of the delegates to the two great impending events viz. the centenary of Sri Aurobindo's arrival at Pondicherry and the Golden Jubilee in 2010 of the Society and the preparations to be made to celebrate these events.
On 6th December the second session started with Guru Pershad Memorial Lecture. The lecture was delivered by Shri Matri Prasad and the topic was "Spirituality, Religion and the effect of Adverse Conversions". This was followed by a talk by Shri A.V.N. Raju on "Indian Culture". In the third session Shri Vijay N Poddar spoke on "Psychicisation" which was followed by a talk on "Integral Education" by Shri Shivakumar. In the fourth session Shri P.C. Swaroop, Shri M. Srinivas and Ch. Indeevar spoke on the "Role of Youth" which was followed by a talk on "Parts of our Being" by Shri Ajit Sabnis. The first day's sessions ended with a cultural programme.On the 7th December 2008 the first session was an interactive session on all organisational matters in the presence of Shri Pradeep Narang, Shri Vijay N. Poddar and Shri B. Venkatramaiah. This was followed by a brief presentation on "Renaissance in India" by Shri Sushanto. In the last session Shri Pradeep Narang spoke on "Yoga in Daily Life". After this the delegates were taken to Arvind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry, for a visit.

News from Branches and Centres
News from India Hindi Zonal Conference
Shri T. N. Chaturvedi lighting the Lamp. Seen in the picture(L to R) are Shri Om Prakash Dani, Dr. Puneesh Taneja and Shri R.C. Lahoti Ji View of the audience participating in the two days annual conference
Sitting on the Dais(L to R): Shri Om Prakash Dani; Shri R.C. Lahoti, former Chief Justice of India, Shri T.N. Chaturvedi, former Governor of Karnataka and Shri Vijay Poddar, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society-Hindi Zone
The Hindi Zonal Conference held at Noida on 6th and 7th December 2008 was very successful in terms of organisation, attendance and above all the quality of participation. 141 delegates (including 50 from Noida) attended from 9 States, including West Bengal.
Talks given by Shri R.C. Lahoti, Prof. Harikesh Singh, Devki Nandan, Dr. Alok Pandey, and Shri Kaivalya Smart were very much to the point and well presented. The talks and convenership of different sessions by Shri Manoj Sharma (Bhopal), Dr. Anil Vajpeyi (Mathura), Shri K. Pawan (Patiala), Dr. J.P. Singh (Sultanpur) and Dr. Suresh Tyagi all added to the quality of the function. The people of Noida put in a tremendous effort in the overall organisation of the event.

Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh)
Dr. Alok Pandey, speaking on "Gita, in the Light of Sri Aurobindo"
A view of the participants
Ratlam Branch of Sri Aurobindo Society celebrated the 18th anniversary of Relics enshrinment at the Auro-Ashram in the form of a Sadhana-Shivir from 5th to 9th Dec. 2008. The book chosen for study was "The Essays on the Gita" by Sri Aurobindo. Dr. Alok Pandy delivered a talk on "Gita in the light of Sri Aurobindo". Devotees from various centres of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh participated in the five-day camp.
Sri Aurobindo Complex, Sri Aurobindo Marg, J.P. Nagar 1st Phase, Bangalore
On 14th November 2008 Children's Day was celebrated at Mirambika School for New Age (MSFNA). On this occasion Chairman, MSFNA, Shri Ajit Sabnis, felicitated the students who secured the highest marks in various subjects for the academic year 2007 - 08. A unique Puppet Show "Raja Satya Harishchandra" was organised in the evening at H.N. Kalakshetra, Jayanagar, Bangalore.On 17th November 2008 "The Mother's Withdrawal Day" was observed. Group meditation at Meditation Hall from 7:00 to 7:30 am was held followed by distribution of Message Cards.
On 24th November 2008 "Sri Aurobindo's Siddhi Day" was celebrated. Group meditation at Meditation Hall from 7:00 to 7:30 am followed by distribution of prasadam & Message Cards. Dr. Narayan Reddy released the News Letter of Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust. Shri Ajit Sabnis, Managing Trustee of Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust, delivered a talk on "Parts of our Being". Programme concluded with a question & answer session.
On 5th December 2008 "Sri Aurobindo's Withdrawal Day" was observed. Group meditation at Meditation Hall from 7:00 to 7:30 am was held followed by distribution of Message Cards.
Annual Day of Mirambika School for New age was celebrated on 9th December 2008. Pre-primary students performed various entertainment programmes from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon. Primary & High school students presented the cultural programme from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. From 10th December to 17th December 2008 everyday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm a discourse on "Life Divine" by Master RK (Dr. Ramakrishna) was arranged at Sri Aurobindo Complex. Managing Trustee Sri Ajit Sabnis, Trustee AVM SS Lahiri and other devotees participated in the programme.

Noida (U.P.) - December 2008 Programmes
Education at Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan: Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan - the school opened for the underprivileged children is functioning well.
Health: Treatment by Homeopathy: Homeopathy Dispensary for two hours daily from Monday to Saturday by Dr. Ajay Srivastava at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan is going on well.
Treatment by Acupressure Therapy: Acupressure Treatment for two hours daily from Monday to Friday by Mrs. Sudha Kesharwani at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan is going on well. While giving treatment, she is also using the relevant quotations of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and the persons coming for acupressure treatment are evincing keen interest in them. Free Eye Check-up/Consultation on every Sunday at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan: Free Eye Check-up/Consultation is being organised on every Sunday, for two hours from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm by Dr. P.S. Chauhan, Eye Specialist and Project Director, National Blindness Control Programme, Govt. of India, at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida.
Development of Women: Sewing & Tailoring Classes: Sewing & Tailoring Classes are being conducted daily from Monday to Friday at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan by Smt. Jaishree Nigam and about twenty ladies are learning the same.
Other Activities: Besides the above, regular activities of reading of "Savitri", meditation with the Mother's music daily in the morning and evening, Library, playing of spiritual audio/video CDs etc. are held.

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society visited Bhopal on 10th and 11th Dec 2008. On 11th morning Shri Pradeep Narang spoke on ''Yog-Sadhana in our Daily Life''. In the evening he answered the questions of devotees at AURO MANDIR Bhopal. The shrine was decorated beautifully for the occasion.
Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
Dr. J.P. Singh of Sultanpur branch delivered a talk on 25 Nov. 2008 at the P.G. Dental Institute, Puducherry, on "Morality in Medical Practice".
Padrauna (Uttar Pradesh)
Padrauna centre organised a seminar on "Indian Culture & Spirituality". Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, and Dr. J.P. Singh, Chairman of Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh) branch were the main speakers. About 200 people attended the function. Booklet titled "Remain Young" were distributed to all. The event was organised with sincerity and efficiency.
Tenali (Andhra Pradesh)
The Tenali branch celebrated the 24th November Darshan by organising meditation and hoisting of the Mother's flag. Shri Bhaskara Rao explained the difference between Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga as compared to the other traditional yogas.
Dehri-On-Sone (Bihar)
Dehri-On-Sone branch organised one week Yogaasan Pranayam Camp from 9th - 16th September 2008 under the guidance of Swami Atma Akilesh Sarswati. In the morning men attended from 6:00 - 7:30 am and in the evening ladies did the Asanas from 3:30 - 5:00 pm About 80 men and 50 women benefited from the camp. Every day from 7.00 - 8.00 p.m. there were talks on yogaasan and pranayam.

home about the site 15th August the mother sri aurobindo about sas sas activities onlife, online calendar sas & you the ashram centre of education auroville pondicherry sitemap what's new related links archive feedback audio "Om namoh bhagvate..."

Sri Aurobindo's Relics was installed by Sri Chhote Narayan Sharma

Sri Aurobindo Bhaban Koraput
Code : SAM.KOR.R31
Managing Trustee : Sri Prasant Kumar Swain
Date of Installation : 3rd, January, 1996, 12.15 P M
Installed by : Sri Chhote Narayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Ashramites : Seven
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 6 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 9 PM
Cost of Construction : RS.6,00,000 (APPX. Six lakhs)
No. of persons visiting daily : About 350 persons daily.
Plan made by : Self
Flooring Marble finish : Marble and mosaic
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation, Weekly Study Circles, and other functions etc.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
To Thee who hast been the material envelope of our Master, to Thee our infinite gratitude. Before Thee who hast who hast done so much for us, who hast worked, struggled, suffered, hoped, endured so much, before Thee who hast willed all, attempted all, prepared, achieved all for us, before Thee we bow down and implore that we may never forget, even for a moment, all we owe to Thee. -The Mother

Greater need to establish a culture of scientific displays by students

State Level Science Exhibition of Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada 2008
A Report

Sri Aurobindo Engineering and Technical Group
ALL ORISSA SRI AUROBINDO STUDY CIRCLE COMMITTEE
MATRUBHABAN, CUTTACK
Phone: 0671-2344338, 09437741408,
E-mail: matrubhaban@bsnl

Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada (SABP), a unit of Sri Aurobindo Engineering and Technical Group (SAETG), organised its 4th state level science exhibitionon 6th and 7th September 2008 at Matrubhaban, Cuttack. Here is a brief report on the exhibition.
SABP was originally formed as a unit of SAETG as the Mother’s work through "Dasa Karmadhara" gradually started taking shape in Orissa. It was formed out of a spontaneous aspiration to bring Science and Technology in a new light and objective to the students of Integral Education and work towards nurturing the scientist in the students who has an urge to see and learn science in a way the Mother has wanted us to see.
As the objectives of SABP were slowly refined, activities identified, science exhibitions came up as an effective way to encourage the interest towards science among the students and also to start experiments in the field of science education. Study circles and schools were encouraged to
organize such events. Many schools used to do the science exhibition earlier.

District and Zonal level exhibitions started and in 2005 the first state level exhibition was organised. From the 1st in 2005 to the 4th in 2008, the state level science exhibition has seen changes in terms of quality as well as quantity of participation.
This year, almost 41 Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centres from different parts of Orissa participated in the exhibition. Total number of delegates was 208 including 141 students and 67 guides. Three seminars were presented by students and 72 projects were in display.
The exhibition in 2008 was organized in four segments.
1. Seminars by students
2. Question and answer on the spiritual aspect of science
3. Project displays
4. Interaction among the participants

Seminars by Students:
We started this practice this year and looking at the impact on students and their interest, we feel to continue and expand this going forward. The objective of the session was to encourage students to share their knowledge with the delegates through a presentation. We had considered three different streams for presentation this year.
1. Seminar on a theme of Science as represented by The Mother and Sri Aurobindo – the essence was to encourage students to know what the Mother and Sri Aurobindo have written about Science and its various different aspects. Students from Matrubhaban, Cuttack presented on "Evolution" through an excellent compilation of the words of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo on the topic.
2. Seminar on a theme of Practical utility of science in our day to day lives – the essence was to encourage schools to come forward and share their experience in handling a problem in theirs schools through a practical implementation of scientific concepts. Students from Khallikote presented a very valuable and important project that they had carried out in their school to clean a pond through natural and cost effective way. The presentation was well received and appreciated by the delegates

3. Seminar on some of the modern developments in Science – the objective of the session was to share the recent happenings and developments in science with the young students to tickle their grey cells so that they feel encouraged and challenged to know more about the scientific practices around the world. Students from Bargarh delivered a very valuable presentation on the energy crisis and recent developments in the field of alternative energy sources.
The seminars were conducted in the afternoon of 6th September 2008 with every participant speaking for about 20 minutes. Another interesting aspect of the seminars was that the entire session was chaired and managed by students only.

Question and answer on science & spirituality:
The second session was conducted in the evening of 6th September 2008 with an elaborate discussion on questions raised by students with respect to science and spirituality. Prior to the exhibition, questions related to this were collected from members of Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada at Matrubhaban and other students. Sri Ch. Nirakar responded to these questions in this session, through his collection of explanations from the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. It was truly an enlightening session as students and teachers were exposed to the truth of getting answer to every question one may have, including that on science, from the works of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo.

Exhibition of projects:
Exhibition was inaugurated at 10AM on 7th September 2008.
This time we had about 72 projects in display from different schools. Since most of the participants had confirmed their project to be displayed in advance, we had organized the displays by scientific themes e.g. environmental, physical, chemical, biological, spiritual etc. Special arrangements were made for projects that require electricity, sunlight and dark room. Many students from Matrubhaban, near by Integral Education Centers, as well as members of study circles visited the projects with lot of interest and encouraged the student delegates. The exhibition was closed at 1:30 PM

Interaction between delegates:
We had the post lunch concluding session . It was an open forum for all the delegates to share their experiences both as a part of the exhibition and also as a member of Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada in their schools. While the exhibition was on, we had requested the participating schools to share their feedback through a feedback form, about the organization, structure & constituent of the event, recommendations for future events and activities of Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada. It was heartening to see every school had responded to this request. We had collected the feedback from the schools prior to the interaction session and shared it with the entire group of delegates. Many of the schools came forward to share their understanding of objectives of Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada, approach and activities of Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada in their schools and future plans. Each delegate participated actively in this session and contributed to make this event even better and meaningful in the future.
The session concluded around 4:30PM on 7th September with all participating delegates receiving a special blessings from the Mother’s room.
A special certificate expressing gratitude from the organizing team was also distributed to the student delegates.

Some of the key feedbacks:
1. There should be a mechanism to share knowledge among delegates through a reference publication either as a monthly science magazine, or a booklet of the projects displayed.
2. While some of the delegates suggested that the project themes should be more innovative, others suggested it to be more related to syllabus.
3. Some others suggested the entire exhibition to be organized on a single theme.
4. With respect to activities of Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada, there were a few suggestions.
a. Every school should have SABP.
b. Having an orientation programmes for SABPs.
c. Talks / seminars by eminent scientists should be organisd.
5. There were some operational suggestions to make the exhibition more effective and useful.
a. To conduct the exhibition in winter.
b. Having the exhibition conducted over 3 days instead of 2 days.
c. To organize the exhibition in a more disciplined way.
d. To have a discussion among the participating schools before the start of the exhibition.
e. To organize the exhibition in different places of Orissa.

The road ahead:
Based on the interaction among the delegates, suggestions from experts in the field and above all the essential objective of Sri Aurobindo Bigyana Parishada, here are some of the key activities to be taken up in the future course of time.

Practical implementation of projects:
One of the essential objectives of SABP is to encourage its members to identify the needs at the schools and centres and come up with practical projects with help from science and technology to address them. These projects when implemented at a place can become example for other centres and schools to take them up depending on their needs. One of the closest examples in this are is the project executed at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre at Khallikote.

Seminars by students:
It was introduced for the first time this year and it was very well appreciated and received by delegates – both students and teachers. Going forward we intend to orient the state level exhibition focusing more on presentation of actual project reports and words of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo on relevant themes as well as key scientific invention/ discoveries.

Strengthen school, district and zonal level exhibitions:
While seminars and presentation of actual work done by students are important, so are the experimental models and display of scientific experiments by the students to generate interest in young minds. We feel there is a greater needs to establish a culture of such scientific displays and seminar at the school, districts and zonal level. This will also help us refine the participations in the state level exhibition.

Early confirmations of participation:
One of the key objectives of State Level Exhibition among the students of Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centers is to encourage the genuine urge to share something new one has learnt in the field of science and technology. Most of the time, we come up with commonly available project ideas. While it is good to come and share the knowledge behind these theories or concepts, it will be great if such ideas/ concepts / theories being displayed are unique in nature. In order to achieve this, we had requested for an early confirmation of participation from schools so that we can ensure uniqueness of the participating themes. While many of the schools followed the principle, some could not. During the interaction session also we felt a strong urge to publish the proceedings of the exhibition by providing details of the experiments being displayed so that students and teachers can use it as a reference for future use. We appreciate if we take it as a discipline to confirm early about the participation with the details of the projects.

Active collaboration among SABPs in different schools:
While we gradually work towards refining the objectives and activities of SABP it is necessary that the SABP in different schools actually collaborate with their ideas to make it a better and effective instrument to serve the Mother. During the interaction session among the participants many stressed up on the need for such a collaboration and we aspire soon this will be a reality. Home Relics Centers Dasa Karmadhara Events Publications Gallery Miscellaneous Sri Aurobindo University Contact Us Key events of the year Events Calendar News from events Monthly News