Auroville, the experimental township in southern India, was envisioned as a place where people from all over the world could live together in harmony, devoid of social, political and economic distinctions. The township was also meant to be an example of sustainable living, where people live a simple life, share resources and work for the betterment of the community. However, over the years, the concept of Auroville has been compromised by some unscrupulous residents who have encroached upon Auroville’s assets, such as common spaces, parks, workspaces, and even houses.
This encroachment has led to a loss of the essence of Auroville, which was founded on the principles of human unity and sustainable living. Instead of a community that shares resources and lives in harmony, some residents have built lavish houses, occupied public spaces, and taken control of community resources. This has led to a growing concern among Aurovilians that the original vision of Auroville is being compromised, and that immediate action is needed to restore the spirit of the township.
This is where the concept of “uncroaching” comes in. The term “uncroach” refers to the process of undoing encroachments and returning Auroville’s assets to the community. This initiative is being led by AWARE Auroville, a group of concerned residents who are determined to restore the township’s original vision. The idea behind the “uncroach” initiative is simple: it is a call to action for all Aurovilians to take responsibility for the township’s assets and to ensure that they are used for the betterment of the community, as originally intended.
The importance of “uncroaching” Auroville’s assets cannot be overstated. By taking back control of these assets, Aurovilians can restore the township’s original spirit and create a community that is truly sustainable, harmonious, and equitable. The uncroaching process involves reclaiming public spaces, dismantling excessive structures, and ensuring that all residents have access to community resources.
Uncroaching also means ensuring that the principles of Auroville are upheld, which include living a simple life, sharing resources, and working for the betterment of the community. By uncroaching the assets of Auroville, residents can also prevent the emergence of a two-tiered society within the township, where some residents enjoy a lavish lifestyle while others struggle to make ends meet.
In addition, uncroaching is also essential for the sustainability of Auroville. The township was founded on the principle of sustainable living, and uncroaching will ensure that resources are shared and used judiciously. This will not only benefit the community in the short term but will also help ensure the long-term sustainability of Auroville as a model community for the world.
In conclusion, the importance of uncroaching Auroville’s assets cannot be overstated. It is a call to action for all residents to take responsibility for the township’s assets and ensure that they are used for the betterment of the community. By uncroaching Auroville’s assets, we can restore the township’s original spirit and create a sustainable, harmonious, and equitable community. The future of Auroville depends on our ability to uncroach and restore the township to its original vision.
