The Auroville Orientation Programme (AOP), organised by the Human Resource Service, is a comprehensive initiative designed specifically for newcomers to Auroville. Its purpose is to provide a deep understanding of Auroville’s ideals, vision, Charter, practicalities, participation opportunities, and essential processes, in line with the Auroville Foundation (Admission and Termination of Persons in the Register of Residents) Regulations, 2023.
The programme forms an integral part of the newcomer probation period and is mandatory for all newcomers, ensuring they are fully prepared to engage meaningfully with Auroville life. Volunteers transitioning to newcomers are also required to complete the AOP during their twelve-month probationary period. This approach ensures that participation in Auroville is guided by commitment and alignment with its ideals, rather than casual or temporary engagement.
The AOP is organised by the Human Resource Service, ensuring that newcomers receive a well-structured, integral introduction to Auroville’s living experiment. By attending this programme, newcomers gain the knowledge, context, and confidence to actively contribute to the community while respecting the Charter and Admission/Residence Criteria.
The Call of Auroville – Why Auroville was founded; the aspiration behind it.
Sri Aurobindo: The Evolutionary Vision – His life, work, and the supramental aim for humanity.
The Mother: Dreaming Auroville into Being – Her role, guidance, and living presence in Auroville.
The Auroville Charter & “To be a True Aurovilian,” – Its 10 points as the living compass of the community.
The Dream & Other Messages – The Mother’s 1954 Dream, and key messages.
The Five Dreams of Sri Aurobindo – Context, meaning, and their relation to Auroville.
Uttarpara Speech & Human Unity – Sri Aurobindo’s vision of India and humanity’s spiritual destiny.
Integral Yoga: The Foundation of Auroville – Aim, methods, and how it informs collective life.
Symbols, Flowers, and the Language of Consciousness – Their significance in Auroville’s spiritual culture.
Matrimandir: The Soul of Auroville – Its purpose as the centre of consecration.
Human Unity: A Spiritual Necessity – Beyond ideology or utopia, the deeper meaning of human oneness.
The Future: Supramental Evolution & Auroville’s Role – Looking ahead: Auroville as a laboratory of the future.
Residential Zone Exploration – Housing Models & Community Living
Industrial Zone Insights – Eco-Friendly Production & Innovation
International Zone Overview – India Pavilion & City Exhibition
Cultural Zone Immersion – Integral Education & Arts
Peace Zone Experience – Matrimandir
Green Zone Sustainability Tour – Farms & Ecology
Residential Zone Exploration – Services & Daily Life
Industrial Zone Insights – Knowledge-Based Units & Economy
International Zone Overview – Global Pavilions & Collaboration
Cultural Zone Immersion – Music, Theatre & Physical Culture
Peace Zone Experience – Crown Corridor & Harmony Projects
Green Zone Sustainability Tour – Parks of Auroville
Housing & Accommodation – How housing works in Auroville (no ownership), allocation, L’Avenir’s role, community living.
Work & Participation – Spirit of work, volunteering, collective service, opportunities to contribute skills.
Mobility & Transport – Bicycles, e-mobility, ITS, shared transport, eco-friendly mobility culture.
Education & Lifelong Learning – Schools, free progress approach, youth opportunities, continuous learning spaces.
Health & Well-being – Auroville health services, alternative therapies, yoga, integral health approaches.
Ecology, Waste & Sustainability – Farms, food link, waste management, eco-services, daily green practices.
Financial Contributions & Economy – Prosperity system, maintenance, Unity Fund, Financial Service, how money flows (or doesn’t).
Essential Services & Infrastructure – Water, electricity, maintenance, security, guest houses, and collective facilities.
Community Life & Culture – Shared spaces, food culture, festivals, youth spaces, glocal diversity in practice.
Communication & Information Channels – News & Notes, community meetings, AVnet, outreach media, channels for updates & collaboration.
Governance & Working Groups – Governing Board, RA, working groups, decision-making, conflict resolution.
Living Rhythm in Auroville – Daily life, balancing inner and outer work, finding one’s place in the collective journey.
Each month has a theme; units & services in that domain present, and newcomers with related skills share.
Education & Youth
Ecology & Farming
Health & Healing
Infrastructure & Housing
Mobility & Transport
Economy & Services
Culture & Arts
Media & Communication
Governance & Facilitation
Research & Innovation
Hospitality & Guest Care
Future Vision – Open Call
Human Resource Service is a service under FAMC.
Your reflections will help us understand what is working, what needs strengthening, and how we can support you better in your newcomer journey. Please answer with sincerity and clarity — your feedback will directly shape the next phase of the Orientation.
