A Systematic Takeover of Governance? A Call for Inclusive Organisation
It is important to acknowledge that Auroville’s governance is evolving, and change is inevitable. However, the idea of centralization is often misunderstood. The Government of India’s presence in Auroville, which dates back to 1988, was not an imposition but a necessary step to ensure that the ideals of Auroville could be safeguarded, supported, and realized. The creation of the Auroville Foundation was a response to the challenges faced with the Sri Aurobindo Society, which managed the town under the Mother’s guidance until 1988. With this official recognition, we sought to create an institution that would facilitate Auroville’s growth, not undermine it.
The involvement of government representatives should be seen as an opportunity for collaboration, not an intrusion. Rather than perceiving them as an authoritarian force, we must understand their role as co-creators in manifesting Auroville’s ideals. It is imperative that we work together, harmonize efforts, and avoid viewing the government’s engagement as a threat to our autonomy, but as a supportive force that can help us navigate challenges, both internal and external.
Silencing the Residents’ Assembly? A Question of Authenticity
The claim that the Residents’ Assembly is being silenced or marginalized is based on misunderstandings. The Residents’ Assembly, which should ideally be a reflection of Auroville’s diverse community, has in many cases been led by a select group of individuals whose actions may not represent the collective will. There are serious concerns regarding the authenticity of voting processes, which have often been criticized for being manipulated by a narrow group of people, especially those with strong foreign connections. These individuals have held power in Auroville for decades, often acting with little accountability. This has created an environment where a small, influential group decides on behalf of everyone else, undermining the voice of the larger community.
It is time for Auroville to reevaluate the functioning of its Residents’ Assembly. The Assembly must truly reflect the diverse perspectives of all residents, not just a privileged few. The process must be open, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that every voice counts. Only then can we restore faith in the system and move forward as a united community.
Dismissing Executives and Experts? Upholding Integrity and Accountability
When executives and experts are removed, it is often seen as a loss. However, it is important to ask: why were these individuals removed in the first place? Some have been found to be acting in ways that are not aligned with the values and principles of Auroville, including breaches of governance and ethics, and even actions contrary to the policies of the Government of India. The removal of individuals from positions of influence is not a sign of authoritarianism, but rather an attempt to preserve Auroville’s integrity.
In a place like Auroville, where the principles of transparency, sustainability, and collaboration are at the forefront, any actions that deviate from these principles cannot be ignored. It is necessary to replace such individuals with those who truly embody Auroville’s ethos—those who act in the best interest of the entire community and work collaboratively with the government and residents to move Auroville forward.
A Call for Synthesis and Progress
The issues we face today—governance challenges, strained relationships with the government, and tensions within the community—are complex, but they are not insurmountable. Rather than allowing these challenges to divide us and fuel a crisis mindset, we must come together and use these moments as an opportunity to reaffirm Auroville’s foundational values: collaboration, unity, and progress.
Auroville has always been an experiment—an experiment in human unity, sustainability, and integral living. It has never been about perfection but about constantly evolving and refining our collective vision. The role of the government, the experts, and all those involved in the administration of Auroville is to support that vision, not to impose it.
Instead of resisting the forces that seek to move Auroville forward, we must embrace them, work together, and ensure that our collective efforts are aligned with the ideals that the Mother and Sri Aurobindo envisioned. Let us create a future where collaboration, not division, is at the heart of Auroville’s progress. Together, we can overcome any challenge and continue to manifest the vision of Auroville as a beacon of human unity.
The Future is Ours to Shape
In the face of challenges, we must remember that Auroville is, above all, a calling—a calling for unity, for collaboration, and for the betterment of humanity. While there are undoubtedly tensions and difficulties within the community, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The involvement of the Government of India and other external forces is not an affront to Auroville’s spirit, but an opportunity to solidify and manifest the Mother’s dream.
Let us move forward with a positive mindset, drawing strength from our shared purpose. Together, we can overcome any obstacle, realign with our core values, and ensure that Auroville continues to thrive as a living experiment in human unity. The path forward is clear: collaboration, synthesis, and unwavering commitment to the vision that brought us all together in the first place.