Patna Centre organised a state level programme on 17 January 2009

News from Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry)
Upcoming Events
The Mother's First Arrival at Puducherry - 29 March
The Mother in Japan
The Mother came to Puducherry on 29 March 1914 and met Sri Aurobindo for the first time. The Mother, after Her first meeting with Sri Aurobindo, wrote in Her diary:
It matters little that there are thousands of beings plunged in the densest ignorance, He whom we saw yesterday is on earth; his presence is enough to prove that a day will come when darkness shall be transformed into light, and Thy reign shall be indeed established upon earth.
The day, 29 March 1914, was also the beginning of what has now grown into the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and a worldwide spiritual movement.
There will be a collective meditation at 7:45 pm in the Ashram playground on this day.
Recent Events131st Birth Anniversary of the Mother - 21 February
The Mother's 131st anniversary was observed on 21 February 2009 at the Ashram with a collective meditation around the Samadhi from 6:00 to 6:30 am. The devotees visited the Mother's and Sri Aurobindo's rooms from 4:30 am to 6 pm. In the evening, there was a march-past in the playground with the Vande Mataram song played by the Ashram band. This was followed by collective meditation.
Study Camp by Dr. Alok Pandey on 'Savitri' - 22 Feb. to 1 March 2009
The Savitri Study Sessions, conducted by Dr. Alok Pandey, were held at the Beach Office Hall, Puducherry, from 22 to 28 February 2009, with an additional session at 5-6 pm on 1st March at Savitri Bhavan, Auroville. The Talks were regularly attended by about 200 devotees from all over the country.
Some Special Days in February 2009
Holi - 14 March
Colours of Holi…
Holi or Holikotsava, one of the most colourful of Hindu festivals, is celebrated on 14th of March this year. According to some legends, Holi was instituted to commemorate the killing of Holika, a female demon, by fire, when she tried to kill Prahlada, a great child devotee of Lord Vishnu.
It is also a Spring festival, celebrated over two days. On the evening of the first day, bonfires are lit, usually in a public place, to re-enact the scene of cremation of the she-demon Putana who was sent to kill the baby Krishna. On the second day people throw coloured powder and water at each other in gay merry-making. The first day is the Holi proper, and the second day is called Dhuleti or Rangapanchami (ranga - colour, panchami - fifth day). Ranga-panchami was originally the fifth day as the festival was earlier spread over five days and was celebrated till the fifth day of that fortnight.
News from Branches and Centres
News from India
Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
Shri Kaivalyabhai, speaking on 'Sri Aravindopanishad'
A view of the audience
Study Talks by Shri Kaivalyabhai Smart on "Sri Aravindopanishad" were held on 25 & 26 Jan. 2009 at the Sri Auorbindo Sadhana Kendra, Ahmedabad.
Noida (U.P.) - February 2009 Programmes
Talk on "Atma Parichay - Atma Vikas in the words of The Mother" by Shri Hans Dholakia
A view of the audience
Special programmes:14 February 2009: A talk on "Atma Parichay - Atma Vikas, in the words of The Mother" by Shri Hans Dholakia was organised at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan on Saturday, the 14th February, 2009. About 20 devotees and their families participated in the programme.
The flower decoration of symbols Sri Aurobindo and the Mother
21 February 2009: The Noida branch celebrated the Mother's Birthday by organising collective meditation from 7 to 7:30 pm. About 50 devotees and their families attended the collective meditation. On this auspicious occasion, Sri Aurobindo Bhavan and the Holy Shrine were lit with lamps and Sri Aurobindo's and the Mother's symbols made with flowers were displayed. In the morning, free stationary and sweets were distributed to students of the school being run by Sri Aurobindo Society, Noida Branch.
Study Circle: (a) On every Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon in the month of February 2009, about ten devotees took part in reading books on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The books 'Sri Aurobindo - An Introduction' and 'What is Hindu Dharma' were read.
(b) Second Thursday of every month from 4 to 5 pm has been fixed for Reading from the book 'The Mother' and bhajans. On Thursday, the 12th Feb. 2009, ten devotees took part in reading of the book 'Maataa' and sung Bhajans.
Education at Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan: 7, 14 & 21 Feb. 2009: On every Thursdays in February 2008, Shri Vishwa Mohan Tiwari, Air Vice Marshal (retd.) and Dr. Keshav Rattan came to Sri Aurobindo Bhavan and interacted for two hours with the children of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan. Poems, stories, good manners and discipline are taught to children. Impact of their visit is being felt on the behaviour of the children. The visiting dignitaries along with the children also visited the Holy Shrine and paid tributes to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
Free Music Classes for Children: Free Music Classes have been started twice a week at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan by Smt. Anamika Sengupta from 21st February 2009. About twenty students are attending the music classes.
Health: Activities of Treatment by Acupressure Therapy, Homeopathy Dispensary, Yogasan, Pranayam and Eye Check-up/Consultation at the Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, are going on well.
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.

Sri Aurobindo Complex: Sri Aurobindo Marg, J.P. Nagar 1st Phase, Bangalore - 560 0781) Sri Aurobindo Society State Committee Karnataka participated in Book Exhibition at National College Grounds, Basavanagudi, Bangalore from 25th December to 31st December 2008, on the occasion of Spiritual Programme on "Ahimsa Shanti Dhyana Maha Yagnam" organized by Bangalore Pyramid Spiritual Society. Response was very positive.
2) 1st January 2009, New Year Day was celebrated at Sri Aurobindo Complex. Group meditation at Meditation Hall between 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. was held followed by distribution of message cards & prasadam. A unique Film Show on "Science of Meditation" was screened. Devotees, Staff of Sri Aurobindo Complex & Mirambika School participated.

Mirambika Teacher Education Institute (New Delhi) - 3 year Teacher Training Course
Announcing the Academic Session 2009-2012: 3 years Training Course Content - Starting 15th July 2009 * Education & Principles of Education. * Free Progress Learning * Integral Five - fold Education & Free Progress Learning * Study of Psychology & Principles. * Planning, Implementation and Evaluation. * Resources Management & Development of skills. * Language & Communication. * Theatre, Music, Art in Education, Physical Education.
For further information, contact: 011 - 2656-7863/2686-3741 or write to the e-mail id: aurobindo@vsnl.com
Dehradun (Uttar Pradesh)
Sri Aurobindo Society, Dehradun Branch, organised a talk by Dr. S.C. Tyagi on 1st February 2009. The programme began with meditation and readings from Savitri. Dr. Tyagi spoke on the subject "The Meaning of Spirituality (in the light of Sri Aurobindo) and the place of Meditation in Sadhana (in the light of The Mother)". About forty persons were present in the programme. The programme ended with Prasad distribution. Booklets were also distributed among the members present.
Ballia (Uttar Pradesh)
The Ballia Centre organised a Seminar on 8 February 2009, at Bothia. The subject of the Seminar was "Practical Aspects of Sri Aurobindo's Philosophy". Shri Neeraj Shekhar, Member of Parliament, was the Chief Guest. Dr. J.P. Singh, Vice Chairman, U.P. & Uttarakhand State Committee and Dr. Umesh Chandra Dwivedi, Prof. & H.O.D., Department of Philosophy, Banaras Hindu University, were special guests.
Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)
A one-day Youth Camp was conducted at the Mantra School of Management in Hyderabad. The camp had twenty-five participants. Topics covered included Planes & Parts of the Being, Discovering one's Goals & Aspirations and Spirituality in Daily Life. Topics such as Gratitude, Courage, Difficulties, Success etc. were covered with quotations from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Preeti Chottai and Srinivas Mulugu conducted the camp, with the help of Mr. Raju, Director of the MBA College, who provided all the amenities.
Kovvur (Andhra Pradesh)
The Kovvur Centre of Sri Aurobindo Society conducted a Youth Awareness Programme on 28 Dec. 2008 at the ABN & PRR College of Science, Kovvur. About 150 undergraduate and postgraduate boys and girls participated in the programme. Shri P.C. Swaroop and Shri Harshavardhan conducted the programme. The subjects covered were 'Who am I' and 'Aim of Life'. A video on the life of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother was also shown to the participants.
Hanamkonda (Andhra Pradesh)
The Hanamkonda Branch of the Society celebrated the Relics Enshrinement Day on 25 December 2008. The Chief Guest was Shri K. Surendracharya and the speaker was Shri Kongara Bhaskar Rao.
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma, Chairman of the Gwalior Centre, addressed a gathering in the Jiwaji University, Agricultural University, and Sri Sarada Sangh at Gwalior on 12, 16 and 17 January 2009, on the topic "Remain Young" in Hindi. The booklet published by the Society on the subject was distributed to all who attended.
Dharwad (Karnataka)
The construction of the school which began in February 2003 is almost complete. The school has two floors of 3000 sq.ft. each. The school has made a mark for itself in Dharwad.
Gulbarga (Karnataka)
Gulbarga Branch of Sri Aurobindo Society organised a programme on 26 January 2009, by school children of Meerambika School for New Age at Sri Aurobindo Dhyan Mandir, Gulbarga. The Programme started at 9:00 am, in which children presented the item Fancy Dress. Chief Guest Dr. Sujatha Jangamshetty, Member Karnataka Natak Academy, Bangalore, gave away prizes to children. Ms. A. Radha Devi, District Forest Officer, Gulbarga hoisted the flag. About 200 people attended the programme.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
The Chennai branch organised the following talks during the month of January 2009: Date Name of the speaker Topic 01.01.2009 Shri M.K. Ramaswamy "Delayed Golden Day" 04.01.2009 Shri S. Rangarajan "Sri Aurobindo Shows the Path" 11.01.2009 Kavinjar Chandramohan "How to face Difficulties" 18.01.2009 Shri M.K. Ramaswamy "Early Experiences" 25.01.2009 Smt. Malini Narayanan "Sri Aurobindo on Gita"

Patna (Bihar)
Patna Centre organised a state level programme on 17 January 2009. It was attended by quite a few centres of Bihar and Jharkhand. Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee, Joint Secretary & International Secretary, Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, attended the programme. Shri D.N. Gautam, D.G.P., Bihar, was the Chief Guest. Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee spoke on "Sri Aurobindo's Ideals and their Relevance in present day Conflicting Situations". Shri D.N. Gautam spoke on "Spirituality".

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..."

The crisis at the Auroville library

Home > Journals & Media > Journals > Auroville Today > Current issue February 2009
January 20th, 2009 was a special day. The United States of America witnessed the inauguration of its 44th President, Mr. Barack Obama. On the other side of the planet, in Auroville, His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated the Pavilion of Tibetan Culture. He also addressed residents of Auroville and others on the theme of ‘Human Unity and Universal Responsibility' at a public function behind the Pavilion. The visit of His Holiness formed the core of the February 2009 issue of Auroville Today with the speech of the Dalai Lama, the exclusive interview with Auroville Today and an interview with Claude Arpi who, more than anybody else has held the vision and been responsible for the manifestation of the Pavilion of Tibetan Culture.

The February issue further carries an interview with newly appointed member of the International Advisory Council Julian Lines; with former Aurovilians Alain and Patricia who revisited Auroville for a brief while; and with Doris , who spoke about the remarkable vibrations of Auroville.

In the section Auroville surroundings there is an article on the Irumbai temple, its restoration and how the connected legend of the Kaluveli Sidhar was translated into prose and dance. Finally we report on the crisis at the Auroville library and on the fatal attraction of Auroville

Previous issues AV-today index January 2009
The main article of the January 2009 issue of Auroville Today is about the social and environmental business programmes of one of Auroville's commercial units, Upasana. We further report on Auroville's work towards child protection in the Auroville area and about the activities at Auroville's Youth Centre. In the section environment we report on the canyons of Auroville, in the section farming, on the success of Annapurna farm. We further present the memories of Jan Allan, a forecomer at Fertile; a review of the play ‘The King's Stag'; and a portrait of Tewa, Jivan and their children. Guest editor B writes about ‘A hyperlink to Human Unity'; and Allen reflects on the forest as a living being.

Here follow a few of the articles. We wish you happy reading. Please subscribe if you want to read more, or ask for a free copy. Details are elsewhere on this web page. Subscriptions can now also be ordered and paid on line through www.auroville.com/auroville-today .

Sri Aurobindo Purna Yoga Pitha, Mahisapat, Dhenkanal, Orissa

Sri Aurobindo Purna Yoga Pitha
Mahisapat, Dhenkanal
Code : (KRU.DHE.R47)
Date of Installation : 15th February, 1999 4 PM
Installed by : Prof. Chotte Narayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : No
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 6.30 AM to 7.30 PM
Cost of Construction : Rs 3,50,000 (Appx.Three lakhs and fifty thousands only)
No. of persons visiting daily : About 50 persons daily
Plan made by : Members of the Study Circle
Flooring Marbel finish : The inner Chamber only
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

Gokulananda Patra, Gyanendra Pattanayak, Smita Pattanayak

SRI AUROBINDO DHYANA MANDIR
MAJURAI, PO. SAILO GOVINDPUR, DIST. CUTTACK-754003
Code : SAT.CUT.R45
Managing Trustee : SRI GOKULANANDA PATRA
Date of Installation : 13th February, 1999 at 4.30 PM
Installed by : Prof. Chhotte Narayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 6 Am to 8 Pm
Cost of Construction : Two lakhs
No. of persons visiting daily : More than one hundred
Plan made by : Sri Jyanendra Pattnaik
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation in the morning and evening. Weekly Study Circles and other functions
BRIEF HISTORY : We were verily inspired by Sri Prapatti in his last visit to Orissa on 2nd February,

Harekrushna Tripathy, Narahari Bhadra, Lalatendu Mohan Das

SRI AUROBINDO SAHITYA MANDIR
AT/PO – VELORA, VIA - AMARDA ROAD, DIST- BALESWAR
CODE: AST.BAL.R44
Managing Trustee : SRI NARAHARI BHADRA
Date of Installation : 12th February, 1999, 2.20 PM
Installed by : Prof. Chhotte Narayan 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 9 PM
Cost of Construction : Rs. 2,00,000 (Two lakhs)
No. of persons visiting daily : Within one hundred
Plan made by : Self
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation in the morning and evening. Weekely Study Circles and other functions
BRIEF HISTORY :
The members of SRI AUROBINDO SAHITYA MANDIR, Vellora decided to have Sri Aurobindo’s Relics at their Centre and Babaji Maharaj and Sri Prapatti gave support to their feelings. Sri Harekrushna Tripathy, Narahari Bhadra, Lalatendu Mohan Das and few other friends worked together for this great event. Sri Champaklalji visited the place on 11th February, 1983 and his visit became the source of great inspiration to all the members. Finally, the Relics was installed on 12th February,1999 in a gathering of nearly nine thousand people.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
"When Sri Aurobindo left his body he said that he would not abandon us. And in truth.....He has always been with us, guiding and helping all those who are receptive and open to his influence......... The future is for those who have the soul of a hero. The stronger and more sincere our faith, the more powerful and effective will be the help received." --The Mother.

Sri Aurobindo Bhaban, Matakambeda, Kendujhar

Sri Aurobindo Bhaban
Matakambeda, Kendujhar
Code : AST.KEO.R43
Managing Trustee : Sri Askhya Prasad Mallik
Date of Installation : 10th February, 1999 at 10 AM
Installed by : Prof. Chotte Narayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : No
Ashramites : Seven
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 5.45AM to 8PM
Cost of Construction : Rs2,00000 (Approx Two lakhs only)
Plan made by : Sri P.K.Dey, IDCOL, Matkambeda
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation,Weekely Study Circles 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

Madhabananda Debata, Prahallad Charan Sahu, Guna Charan Sahu, Mayadhar Sahu, and Satyabhma Sahu (Lily Apa)

SRI AUROBINDO SADHANA PITHA, Kainipura, Kendujhar
Code : ASTH.KEND.R42
Managing Trustee : Sri Guna Charan Sahu
Date of Installation : 8th February, 1999, 4 P M
Installed by : Prof. Chhote Narayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Few meters from Relics Centre
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 5.30 AM to 9 PM
Cost of Construction : RS. 7,00,000 (APPX. SEVEN LAKHS ONLY)
No. of persons visiting daily : About 200 persons daily
Plan made by : Sri S.S.RAY
Flooring Marbel finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation,Weekely Study Circles,and other functions etc.
BRIEF HISTORY :
Sri Aurobindo Study Circle at Kainipura started on 13th May 1972 by the effort of Sri Madhabananda Debata with collboration from Prahallad Ch. Sahu, Guna Charan Sahu, Mayadhar Sahu and others. In 1989 Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre was established. On 15th September , 1999, by the aspiration and effort of Satyabhama(Lily), Mayadhar, Nirod and Guna Charan, the foundation of the Relics Centre was laid by Sri Bhajakrushna Sahu. Sri Aurobindo's Relics coming to Kainipura was the result of Satyabhma Sahu's (Lily Apa) prayer aspiration at Mother's Feet with the firing indomitable courage and this made the effort possible.
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

Udar’s immense enthusiasm and commitment to the Mother’s work

From: "SABDA eNews" mail@sabda.in Subject: Udar and Champaklal Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 16:53:12 +0530

Two of the new books introduced in this issue offer the reader quite special experiences. Udar, an evocation in photographs, stories, and remembrances of the life of the disciple who was formerly known as Laurence Pinto, provides a veritable history of Ashram activities from the late 1930s to the 1990s in which Udar played a significant role. Champaklal’s Treasures, a collection of letters, notes, and messages written by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and some early conversations of Sri Aurobindo, reveals an intimate portrait of how they gave shape and form to their sublime vision in so many different aspects of life.

Two young men of completely different background and education, Udar and Champaklal found themselves drawn to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, each through his own nature. Champaklal, when just a young man of twenty, came from his village in Gujarat to stay in the Ashram in 1923. He once said that “I came here with the object of God-realisation. But here, I found the stress on transformation. Very soon, however, both receded and service took hold of my being entirely.”

And it is as the faithful attendant, first to Sri Aurobindo and later to the Mother, that Champaklal was best known. The writings presented in Champaklal’s Treasures, whether just a few sentences or a long letter to a disciple, offer us unexpected insights into the life that was concentrated around Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Thus we have this note of the Mother’s dated 25 February 1952 that reads

“Who are you?” says the adverse force. “I am the impartial and truthful Mirror in which everyone finds his own real image.”

Later in the book is a long section containing correspondence with early disciples that includes several letters from Sri Aurobindo to his brother Barindra Kumar Ghose. The following is an extract from a letter written in 1920 and translated from the original Bengali:

Let me tell you in brief one or two things about what I have long seen. My idea is that the chief cause of the weakness of India is not subjection, nor poverty, nor the lack of spirituality, nor dharma but the decline of thought-power, the growth of ignorance in the Motherland of knowledge. Everywhere I see inability or unwillingness to think—thought incapacity or thought-phobia.…Whoever thinks most, seeks most, labours most can fathom and learn the truth of the world, gets so much more Shakti.

One finds such interesting passages on almost every page of this book. Champaklal must have kept these different papers with him over the course of many years, and his careful and precise attitude in this helps us to understand why the Mother came to rely on him to such an extent that she once commented, “Champaklal is my memory!”

While Champaklal’s mantra was service, Udar’s might well have been action. With the sound technical knowledge of a trained aeronautical engineer and a head for organisation, Udar became one of the pillars of the Ashram, called upon by the Mother to take up many new or complicated projects. The pages of the book Udar are filled with more than 400 photographs and numerous remembrances that clearly exhibit Udar’s immense enthusiasm and commitment to the Mother’s work.

Click to enlarge Udar showing the Mother sports results (1952)
His involvement with the Department of Physical Education is just one example. It was his idea to get the first batch of gymnastic apparatus from England. Then he manufactured additional equipment here itself in the Harpagon workshop. He founded the Department’s office, organised the filing and record keeping systems, made the competition schedules, acted as timekeeper and umpire, announced the results, and was himself captain of the Blue Group. He helped to prepare both the Tennis Ground and the Sports Ground, laying down the cinder running tracks, long jump and high jump runs, shot put and hammer rings, etc. according to international standards.

Even reading poetry was a field of action for Udar. The Mother had told him that the whole of Savitri is a mantra for the transformation of the world and that he should make Savitri his life. He began to learn the entire poem by heart and later on, in the 1980s, started to recite and read from Savitri every day during regular sessions attended by many friends and visitors. It is typical that he delved deep into this work with his full energy, as he had done so often when the Mother called upon his faithfulness and ability.

NEW PUBLICATIONS
To order any book, click on the title, which will locate the book in our online catalogue. Next, add it to the shopping cart. You may then proceed to pay by credit card online.
ENGLISH
Udar one of Mother's children— Edited by Gauri Pinto Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Udyog Trust, Pondicherry Binding: Hard Cover Pages: 167 Price: Rs 280
This book commemorates the birth centenary of Laurence Pinto (1907–2001), who was given the name “Udar” by Sri Aurobindo in 1938. Printed on art paper, it is a collection of anecdotes, facts, stories, and over 400 photographs that reveal the story of Udar’s life. Educated and trained as an aeronautical engineer, his talents and skills were used by the Mother in the creation of Harpagon Workshop and the construction of Golconde, the organisation of the Physical Education Department, and the development of the Handmade Paper Unit, the Laboratoires Senteurs, Coco Garden Concrete Works, and Honesty Engineers and Contractors. The photographs and memories recorded here give vivid testimony to Udar’s dynamic presence in the daily life of the Ashram over a span of many years.

Champaklal's Treasures — Edited by M. P. Pandit, Revised by Roshan ISBN: 978-81-7058-895-5 Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Department, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 262 Price: Rs 165
This book comprises writings and talks of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother that were collected and preserved by Champaklal, who served them personally for more than five decades. It is organised into five parts: a section of short letters by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, which have been arranged and provided titles by the editor; some notes, prayers, and reflections of the Mother; a section that includes the significance of their blessings and symbols, and Sanskrit names given to disciples and devotees; letters written by Sri Aurobindo to some of the early disciples; and records of some interviews and talks. Containing new material recently found among Champaklal’s papers, this is a revised and enlarged edition. The book is available again after a long time.

BENGALI/ENGLISH
Songs of Youth — Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya Publisher: Department of Physical Education, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 189 Price: Rs 100
These forty-two songs, written and composed by Pranab Bhattacharya over the course of many years beginning around 1967, appear in their original Bengali with English translations. Musical notations have also been provided. When the first set of songs was published in 1971, the Mother gave a message calling them “ideal songs to give courage, determination, and a push towards realisation”.
BENGALI
Pather Katha — The Mother Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Pathamandir, Kolkata Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 282 Price: Rs 120
Bengali translation of Notes on the Way
Recorded conversations on the Mother's own spiritual experiences between 1964 and 1973, mostly on the subject of the physical transformation of the cells of the human body through spiritual means.
MARATHI
Jeevansafalyachi Kala (Part 1) — M. P. Pandit ISBN: 978-81-7509-104-7 Publisher: Dipti Publications, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 90 Price: Rs 40
KANNADA
Japa-Dhyana — M. P. Pandit Publisher: Karnataka Nilayam Trust, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 88 Price: Rs 45
ITALIAN
Su Il Cibo — Parole dagli scritti di Mère e Sri Aurobindo ISBN: 978-81-7058-905-1 Publisher: Domani, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 43 Price: Rs 75
"Il cibo è fatto per sostentare il corpo e a questo fine si deve prenderne quanto serve. Mangiare troppo appesantisce il corpo e lo vincola alla materia; mangiare troppo poco lo indebolisce e rende nervoso; bisogna trovare il giusto equilibrio fra bisogni del corpo e quantità di cibo. L’attaccamento al cibo, la golosità e l’avidità, che fanno del cibo una cosa così esageratamente importante nella vita, sono contrari allo spirito dello yoga. Infatti con il cibo assorbiamo ogni giorno e di continuo un’ enorme quantità d’ incoscienza, di pesantezza e stupidità.Il grande interesse che la quasi totalità degli esseri umani, anche i più intellettuali, ha per il cibo, per la sua preparazione e il suo ingerimento, deve far posto a una conoscenza quasi chimica dei bisogni del corpo e a un’ austerità scientifica nel soddisfarli.Quando l’animalità scomparirà, cadrà anche l’assoluta necessità di cibo e ci sarà probabilmente una transizione in cui si avrà sempre meno bisogno di cibo materiale."

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Gananath Swain, father of Sri Anadi Charan Swain, laid the foundation

MATRU SIKSHYA KENDRA
Taharpur, Jajpur Code-SATY.JAJP.R41
Managing Trustee : Sri Kirtan Behari Rout
Date of Installation : 7th February, 1999, 4 PM
Installed by : Sri Chotte Narayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Ashramites : 95
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 6 AM to 8 PM
Cost of Construction : Rs. 8,00,000/- (Approx eight lakhs only)
No. of persons visiting daily : About 100 persons
Plan made by : Sri Byomakesha Dash, Engineering in chief
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation, Daily Study Circles, and other functions through out the year
BRIEF HISTORY :
We offered our prayer at Mother’s Room on 21st February, 1974 for Sri Aurobindo’s Relics at Taharpur. Babaji Maharaj and Sri Prapatti supported us and inspired us to work out the programme. By their advice Sri B.K. Dash the then engineering in chief of Orissa gave the plan of the building. Sri Gananath Swain the father of Sri Anadi Charan Swain laid the foundation. The loving help of Sri Banshidharji through Sri Kirtan Behari Rout resulted the installation Of Lord’s Material Presence on 7th February, 1999 at 4 PM.
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

Beharilal Pattnaik and B.V.K. Deo

Aurosri Vihar, Gunupur
Managing Trustee : Sri Jogendra Narayan Deo
Date of Installation : 6th February,2002 , at 10.45 AM.
Installed by : Prof. Chottenarayan Sharma
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Ashramites : 1
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 7AM to 3 P.M. & 6 PM to7.30 PM (working days) 7Am to 10.30 AM and 6 PM to 7.30PM (Sunday)
Cost of Construction : Rs.10,00000 (Approx ten lakhs)
No. of persons visiting daily : About 50 numbers
Plan made by : Own Plan
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation,Weekly Study Circle,
BRIEF HISTORY :
Sri Aurobindo Study Circle started at the residence of Sri Beharilal Pattnaik in the year 1966 and then at the palace of Sri B.V.K. Deo. The study circle was visited by Sri Babaji Maharaj Ramakrishna Das (1972, 1974), Prapatti (many times), Sri Champaklalji (1978, 1982), Prof. Chotte Narayan Sharma (many times) and Sri V.Madhusudan Reddy (many times). The inspiring person behind all the work was Sri Babaji Maharaj and Prapatti. Champaklalji gave the foundation stone in 1982 and on 6th February, 2002, the Sacred Relics was installed by Sri Chhotte Narayanji.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
What Sri Aurobindo represents in the history of the earth's spritual progress, is not a teaching, not even a revelation; it is a mighty action straight from the Supreme. -The Mother
***

Other States - Orissa Discourses on Aurobindo's works Correspondent : The Hindu Monday, Feb 12, 2007 KORAPUT: The 5th anniversary of installation of relics of Sri Aurobindo in Aurosrivihar was celebrated at Gunupur in Rayagada district. Badrika Nath Patra, PA of ITDA, Gunupur, attended as chief guest and hoisted the spiritual flag. Students took part in the march past on the occasion.

[February was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 in the old Roman calendar.]

Babaji Maharaj Sri Ramakrishna Das visited Dharamgarh in 1968

SRI AUROBINDO KENDRA
DHARAMGARH, Kalahandi
Code : SAM.KAL.R52
Managing Trustee : Sri Bhanu Pratap Mishra
Date of Installation : 04.02.2002 at 4 p.m.
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 : 5.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost of Construction : Rs. 5,00,000/-
No. of persons visiting daily : 100
Plan made by : Sri Biranchi Karan
Flooring Marble finish : Marble finished
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation in the morning and evening. Weekly Study Circles and other functions.
BRIEF HISTORY :
Babaji Maharaj Sri Ramakrishna Das visited the Dharmagad in 1968 and suggested to construct the Study Circle building.The Mother Herself approved the plan in the year 1970 and the building was inagurated by Champaklalji in the presence of Kamalaben and Prapatti. Again Champaklalaji visited the place in 1982 with Kamalaben and Prapatti. In 1984 Babaji Maharaj suggested to start Relics Centre at Dharamagad and in the year 1999 the construction started. Finally Sri Aurobindo’s Material Presence was installed in 2002. We are ever grateful at Her Feet.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
What Sri Aurobindo represents in world’s history is not a teaching, not even a revelation; it is a decisive action direct from the Supreme. -The Mother

Bidyadhar Pradhan and Lambodar Pradhan

SRI AUROBINDO PEETHA, RUCHIDA Code : SAN.BAR.R51
Managing Trustee : Sri KSHITI BHUSANA PRADHAN
Date of Installation : 2nd, February, 2002, 4 PM
Installed by : Prof. Chotte Narayan Sharma
Library attached : No
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 8AM to 12 Noon and 4 PM to 9 PM
Cost of Construction : Rs. 7,00,000 (Seven Lakh)
No. of persons visiting daily : Within 100
Plan made by : Sri Byomakesha Dash, Engineering in chief
Flooring Marble finish : Mosic and Marble
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation, Study Circles, and other functions
BRIEF HISTORY : The instruction and inspiration of Babaji Maharaj, the guidance of Sri Bidyadhar Pradhan, the help of Sri Lambodar Pradhan and many well wishers, directed our steps to invoke Sri Champaklalji to lay the foundation of the Relics Centre on 17th January, 1982, at night11.18 PM. Aftera lot of struggle and with the help of all Sri Aurobindo Study Circle members of this area , the Relics centre could be constructed.
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

Prapatti was born in the village Bharogole near Kalapada

SRI AUROBINDO YOGA MANDIR
42 MOUJA, AT/PO KALAPADA VIA BENTAKAR-754 112
Code : SAT.CUT.R25 [8:22 AM ]
Managing Trustee : SRI SUKANTA KUMAR CHOUDHRY
Date of Installation : 2nd February, 1987 at 3.15 PM
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 : 30
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 5.45 Am to 9.30 Pm
Cost of Construction : 1.5 lakhs
No. of persons visiting daily : More than one hundred
Plan made by : Sri B.K. Dash, Engineering in Chief
Flooring Marble finish : Yes
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation in the morning and evening. Weekly Study Circles, student seminars and observation of all Darshan days.
THE MESSAGE INSCRIBED ON SAMADHI :
Lord, we are upon earth to accomplish Thy work of transformation.It is our sole will, our sole preoccupation. Grant that it may be also our sole occupation and that all our actions may help us towards this single goal. -THE MOTHER

Sri Aurobindo's Relics at Aurovihar, Bheden, Orissa

AUROVIHAR, BHEDEN, DIST -BARGARH- 758104 SAN.BAR.R50
Managing Trustee : ANIRUDHA BHOI
Date of Installation : 1st February, 2002 at 3.45 PM
Installed by : Prof. Chhote Narayan Sharma
Library attached : Yes
Garden attached : Yes
Integral School attached to the Premises of RC : Yes
Hostel attached to the school : Yes
Ashramites : 7 persons
Timings of Public Darshan of RC : 5 AM to 10 PM
Cost of Construction : Rupees Three Lakhs only
No. of persons visiting daily : More than 150
Plan made by : Sri Biranchi Karan
Flooring Marble finish : Only Samadhi Area
Daily activities of the Ashram : Daily Meditation in the morning and evening. Weekely Study Circles, annual Day of the Centre, annual seminar and observation of all days as in Ashram.
BRIEF HISTORY :
Babaji Maharaj inspired us and gave us Mother's Blessings for the Relics work in 1989. All the the members of the Sri Aurobindo Study aspired from the heart and prayed Mother for Sri Aurobindo's Relics.
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

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