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AAP Discovery

Auroville Discovery Programme for Volunteers, Interns, Staff & Workers

A first doorway into Auroville’s vision, life, and living experiment.

The Auroville Discovery Programme (ADP) is a monthly, two-hour orientation space hosted by Aware for those working in and contributing to Auroville.

It offers a grounded introduction to Auroville’s founding purpose, its lived realities, and the deeper meaning of work and participation in a city dedicated to human unity.

Discovery is for those who arrive with curiosity and goodwill — and wish to understand what Auroville is, why it exists, and how one may relate to it meaningfully.

Why Discovery Matters

Auroville is not self-explanatory.

Many people arrive inspired by its ideals, yet unsure how those ideals translate into daily life, work, and responsibility. Without context, this gap can lead to confusion, projection, or quiet disappointment.

Discovery helps bridge that gap.

It aligns aspiration with reality, curiosity with responsibility, and enthusiasm with discernment — allowing each person to relate to Auroville consciously rather than casually.

Who Is It For?

The programme is open to:

  • Volunteers (short-term or long-term)
  • Interns
  • Staff, contract employees, and workers
  • Others engaged in or contributing to Auroville’s work

Discovery is open and voluntary.
It does not replace Orientation, nor does it guarantee any role, status, or pathway.

Core Theme

Work as a Means of Inner Discovery

In Auroville, work is not merely employment or volunteering.
It is a field of learning — outer service linked with inner growth.

The Discovery Programme explores:

  • What it means to work in Auroville
  • The attitude with which work is offered
  • How contribution, sincerity, and self-awareness shape collective life
ADP Poster

Programme Format

Frequency
• Every 3rd Saturday of the month

Time
• 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Venue
• Within Auroville (shared after registration)

Session Flow

  • Welcome & context-setting
  • Short film on the purpose of Auroville
  • Practical presentation on how Auroville functions and how to engage meaningfully
  • Reflection by a seasoned Aurovilian
  • Open Q&A and sharing circle

The format is simple, participatory, and human-paced.

What the Programme Covers

  • Why Auroville was founded
  • The Dream and the Charter
  • Human unity as lived practice
  • Inner work and outer life
  • Work, service, and participation
  • Common misunderstandings about Auroville
  • Possible pathways: visitor → volunteer → deeper engagement
  • Clarity of direction
    A clearer sense of whether and how you wish to volunteer or contribute — now, later, or in another way.
  • Informed next steps
    An understanding of possible pathways in Auroville, without pressure to commit.
  • Optional follow-up support
    If you choose, you may receive personalised guidance or recommendations after the session.
  • Continued contact
    Access to an email helpline for questions that arise as you reflect further.

Other Alignment Programmes

Arrival Auroville
AAP Orientation
AAP Consecration

Discovery is not about deciding quickly — but about listening deeply. Auroville asks for sincerity, not speed or skill only.

  • Registration: Required (to help us prepare the space)
  • Fee: Free

Open to ALL...