AUROVILLE— THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

...see a world that is from a world to be.

Sri Aurobindo

We have seen what the Ashram, within the last forty years of its existence, has done for the all-round development of man and his evolution into a higher consciousness. Now it intends to carry out its experiment on a larger scale, in a wider field, in the shape of a town modelled on the vision of the Mother, named by her"Auroville" ("Auro" meaning dawn and "ville" city).

Auroville is not just another city nor is it simply a stupendous project. It is a vision of the future. It is a creation of the Yogic consciousness. Life will flow here "more and more progressively towards Light and Consciousness".¹ In proportion as our consciousness grows, it would reflect itself on the progress and development of Auroville.

It is to be noted here that the Ashram stands for prosperity and not austerity. Prosperity oriented to and controlled by spirituality. Ordinarily, poverty is taken to be the first step towards spirituality. That is not, however, our way of life.

Ashram children who are brought up by the Mother are lovers of beauty, worshippers of perfection. We are taught not to keep closed but open the doors of life to Light so that all may have the halo spirituality...

The first architectural adventure of the Ashram was "Golconde". Even after twenty years it looks as when it was built. Now Auroville seems to be its natural conclusion.

Let us recall Sri Aurobindo's aim in the creation of the Ashram:

'This Ashram has been created with another object than that

1. Bulletin, February 1968, p. 83.

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ordinarily common to such institutions, not for the renunciation of the world but as a centre and a field of practice for the evolution of another kind and form of life which would in the final end be moved by a higher spiritual consciousness and embody a greater life of the spirit."²

THE ORIGIN

Auroville has its origin in the dream of the Mother in which she said : "...there should be somewhere upon earth a place that no nation could claim as its sole property, a place where all human beings of good will, sincere in their aspiration, could live freely as citizens of the world....

"This is exactly what we are seeking to do in the Ashram of Sri Aurobindo on a small scale... One day we shall be able to hold before the world a practical and effective means of coming out of the present chaos in order to be bom into a more true, more harmonious new life."

THE PLAN

The basic pattern of the township is circular. The four sectors are: Residential, Industrial, Cultural and International, symbolising the four aspects of the Mother. Remarkable was the way the whole planning developed. The plan had been made and the diagram completed after several weeks of research and labour when the Mother's symbol emerged from a nebula which came floating before the eyes of one of the architects working in collaboration with the chief architect, Roger Anger of Paris of international standing, and the whole plan took a new and happy turn. The architects themselves felt that their hands were guided by some secret power.

The site chosen will blossom into a spot of beauty, with three

2. Letters of Sri Aurobindo, Second Series, p. 465.

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lakes on one side and the sea on another.

The whole of the Residential Zone will express the plan to give the inhabitants of Auroville a constant contact with multiple expressions of beauty.

The Industrial Zone will meet the needs of the inhabitants of Auroville. The area is planned to reflect its own forms of beauty. A world trade centre will be the prominent feature of this Zone.

Another feature is the village development programme. Workers will have no wages. When they have all they need, naturally there will be no necessity of wages. The joy of self-giving and self-expression is no less a compensation. Nothing can bring more joy than giving one's best to the selfless service of the Divine.

When there will be no exploitation, strike and lock-out will become things of the past. All these developments will give a new shape to industries and infuse a new spirit into them.

One of the first large enterprises to go up will be a flour mill. Orders have already been placed with a firm in England for the machinery.

The Cultural Zone will be a representation of the wealth of the civilisation of the world. The main feature of this Zone will be a World University developing the patterns of education to suit the demands of the future. Giving his talk on All India Radio (Pondicherry), on November 11, 1967 Navajata said, "In fact, the whole of Auroville will be a living University.

"Permanent cultural pavilions for each country and also for each State of India are an important feature of Auroville activities.

'To give an example, the Japanese pavilion will have a Japanese garden, houses built in the Japanese style, a lake, a boat pier, a meditation house, rooms for the Tea ceremony, guest rooms, library, museum and an exhibition hall for Japanese handicrafts, works of art, etc. One will experience in this pavilion the aesthetic sense and culture of Japan in a living manner. Thus each

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country and each State of India will plan its own pavilion."

And Japan is among the first countries to enter its design for its own pavilion.

Of the States of India, Orissa is the first to have come forward with funds for its pavilion even before its design.

This will help eliminate cultural and linguistic barriers and bring to the fore the underlying unity through a variety of cultures, variety enriching unity and contributing to World culture.

At the centre of the town will be a Park of Unity. The "Sanctuary of Truth" with the Matrimandir, by its form and position of elevation, will be the dominating point shedding rays of enlightenment, spiritual or otherwise, on the four sides. It will dominate the architectural ensemble, a constant reminder of the raison d'etre of Auroville.

Town-planning experts, surveyors, engineers, technicians and workers from 15 different countries are at work on the project, all without pay.

There are various artistic creations in the world that thrill the hearts of millions. Our hopes and aspirations are that Auroville will be one that lifts the spirit of man by sheer beauty of creation.

THE PURPOSE

Introducing the project the Mother declared:

"Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities.

'The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity."

Auroville will provide a model for those who aspire for a better and higher collective life everywhere.

On the subject of individuals and groups willing to aid in Auroville's development, the Mother said:

"They may not practise themselves, but if they do not know Yoga, how can they understand the purpose of Auroville?"

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"Auroville is meant not for the satisfaction of desires but for the growth of the true consciousness."

(16-6-1968)

SOME FEATURES

Auroville will do all that is possible to make life as little burdensome as possible.

Auroville will be a city close to nature, a town where people spend a large part of their time out of doors in the shade of trees or verandas, and in the coolness of airy courtyards. Even their places of work will be in the midst of flowers and gardens, where walls and fences are reduced almost to a zero. And then there is the magnificent white sand beach, bordered by coconut palms and swept by an almost continuous sea-breeze.

In Auroville there will be no uniformity of styles of living. People are expected to choose the work, dress, food, sports and entertainments which best serve them.

In Auroville there will be no unemployment, no beggars.

"Auroville will be a self-supporting township. All who live there will participate in its life and development...

"No rules or laws are being framed. Things will get formulated as the underlying Truth of the township emerges and takes shape progressively...³

Hate and horror will have no place in this City of Sri Aurobindo. It is understood that all will not only learn but love to be governed by a higher law so "that a diviner Force might enter life."⁴

UNESCO SUPPORT

The project has been unanimously approved by UNESCO at its general session in Paris (October-November 1966) and

3.Bulletin, February 1968, p. 75.

4.Savitri, p. 416.

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commended to 143 countries of the world.

Presenting the resolution before the UNESCO the Indian delegate Sri Poushpa Dass said : "It is an endeavour, unique in the world, to reconcile the highest spiritual life with the exigencies of our industrial civilisation. All the members of this Ashram lead at the same time a strictly normal external life, healthy and active, alongside an intense inner life.

"Now this extraordinary institution, unique in the world by its natural progression, seeks on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of our organisation...to enlarge its action and to radiate still further. It wants a vaster centre, a real town where people of the entire world will be ready to live according to the ideal of Sri Aurobindo's thought...The Government of India wish that the General Conference, acting in conformity with the aim of our organisation, whose ideals we solemnly reaffirm on the 20th Anniversary, give to this unique and exceptional project,—in some respects unprecedented—its moral support and its confidence."

Mr. Terrou (France) was very much struck by the level of the Indian delegate's speech and assured that the French delegation would warmly support the resolution which he had so nobly presented.

Mr. Gjespal (Assistant Director-General) observed finally that the Indian draft resolution (14 C/- DR6) was most welcome, and could be voted on.

Mr. A. A. Formin (USSR) stated that "the Soviet Delegation fully supported the draft resolution moved by India.

The UNESCO in its mouthpiece Courier which is published in II languages circulated the news about Auroville in its issue of September, 1967.

THE CALL OF AUROVILLE

The call of the projected City of Dawn is to the people of all nationalities, of all countries, men of all walks of life who are in

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affinity with Sri Aurobindo's ideal of universal brotherhood and take part in the building of this township of world culture by installing pavilions, embassies of their own art, culture, science and something of what is their best. Here will be at least one place on earth where all shall have a chance to live in peace and harmony, like stars in the sky, free from all tension and breathe a spiritual atmosphere.

The only law that rules the world to-day is the law of Darkness. Here will be one place on earth where one will not fight for little gains, to seize and swallow, but be inspired by the sense of Service to the Divine, use money and machinery to spread His Light on earth.

It will not only be a meeting-place of East and West but a home of world culture and a practical demonstration of what science, art and architecture can achieve, sparked by the fire of spirituality.

"= 1" is the quarterly magazine of Auroville. It deals with the present as seen from the future.

Applications for residence in Auroville continue to come in from all parts of the world. Till May 28, 1968, 222 have been approved by the Mother.

THE ADVANCE COLONY

The ideal is no longer a mere word picture. It has begun to take shape. Already, a substantial portion of the land which will form the heart of the town has been acquired. The Advance Colony is meant mostly for those who want to work for the project. The foundation-stone of the first Guest House named by the Mother "Promesse" was laid on June 19,1967.

Auroville will require some time before it acquires a personality, a character and an atmosphere of its own. But what is most impressive about it at the moment is the earnestness with which the start is made.

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The first model residence, specially adapted to local conditions and climate is complete. Ultra-modern in design, its rooms are grouped around a central service core consisting of bath and kitchen. The rooms are large, hexagon-shaped and walled halfway with high glass windows. Half-peaked roofs, swooping low in triangular designs, let in the light and air but keep out the direct rays of the sun, while a neat new method of close thatching on the roofs further protects the interior from the heat.

Buildings for 'Auroville School' have been planned for early execution.

SOCIETY CONFERENCE

The main aim of Sri Aurobindo Society which has sponsored the project of Auroville is to work for "the advent of a progressive universal harmony." Auroville is expected to give this ideal a practical shape.

On the eve of the inauguration ceremony three resolutions on the project of World Unity were unanimously adopted at the conference.

Among the resolutions adopted one was a call upon all persons of goodwill to team up as "Workers for Human Unity."

A message from the Director General of UNESCO comprising greetings and best wishes to the Sri Aurobindo Society conference was personally delivered by Dr. Twefik. Addressing the conference he expressed the hope that the "Cultural township of Auroville will be a shining symbol of the intellectual, moral and cultural solidarity of mankind."

THE DEDICATION CEREMONY

The inauguration ceremony took place on

The Auroville ideal was put in practice, in its initial aspect, by giving all countries round the world, big and small, rich and poor, an equal opportunity for a representation.

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The earth the urn received came from many lands. Air France brought symbolic earth from 22 countries with their flags and Indian Airlines gave a free flight to a big group of children.

The first batch of 11 arrived on February 22. Among them were the delegates from Burma—Maung, Somalia—Bashir, Sudan—Henry, Denmark—Swen, Australia—Ross, Greece— Denise, South Arabia—Michel.

The exhibition arranged under the banian tree, reflected the vision of the architect. An Irish artist showed his paintings.

The Government of Pondicherry declared the day a public holiday. In and around Pondicherry the inauguration was something like a public festival. It surpassed all ceremonial activities of the Ashram in living memory. It was a memorable occasion. The Indian Express of February 29, 1968 wrote : "It is the chance of many life-times to be present at the birth of a city and of a city, too, that will be in tune with the noblest ideals of India and the world."

Judging from the many foreigners present, it was truly repre-sentative of world unity with a good start.

All arrangements made by the Society proved befitting the occasion. A newly laid-out road took us to a temporary amphitheatre. In the middle of it was a tall urn in the shape of a lotus bud. It was designed by the student of the Centre of Education. In this was deposited the soil of 23 States of the Indian Union and of the 121 country-members of UNESCO. 'Thus all lands became one."

About 30 buses and a large number of cars were engaged to take the Ashramites and visitors to Auroville. Many tourist buses brought eager crowds. All cars and buses were numbered by the police. The entire route was reserved for Auroville traffic. We saw a big balloon floating high in the air as we reached the borders of Auroville.

The ceremony, simple but solemn, began with no speech no fanfare nor was it presided over by any dignitary. The words of

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the Mother, transmitted from her room six miles away, set the tone of the Dedication ceremony of Auroville. Just at the scheduled time of 10-30 a.m. the commencement gong was sounded. With this there reigned a silence—a silence indescribable amidst a vast gathering. There was hardly anyone who did not feel its impact.

In this soul-stirring silence the resonant voice of the Mother began : "Greetings from Auroville to all men of good will.

"Are invited to Auroville all those who thirst for progress and aspire to a higher and truer life."

Then she announced the ever-memorable Auroville Charter:

"Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville one must be the willing servitor of the divine Consciousness.

"Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.

"Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring toward future realisations.

"Auroville will be a site of a material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity."(28-2-1968)

First, two children of the Ashram, one, carrying the Mother's flag, placed some earth of the Ashram and the Charter of Auroville in a stainless steel container at the bottom of the urn. Then groups in twos, one holding a decorated flag with the name of their country or State inscribed on it, advanced in measured steps, in alphabetical order, to the urn. Diplomatic representatives from different countries watched as the youths representing various countries consecrated a handful of earth to the foundation structure. As they were coming up in successive groups, translations of the Charter were being read out in sixteen languages : Tamil, Sanskrit, English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish,

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and Tibetan. All the while the background music —universal in tone—added to the sublimity of the occasion.

Russia was represented by two charming children, a boy of 7 and a girl of 8. U.S.A. by John A. Ware and Jeanne Ernst.

There were more than 30 representatives from Western countries and 20 from African countries. Others were from Mongolia, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Viet-Nam, the Phillipines, Peru, etc.

Some of the pairs wore the costumes of their own countries. This gave a variety and colour to the function.

A young man from Kenya said that the earth-laying ceremony was the best he had witnessed. It was punctual, conducted harmoniously and dominated by a very special atmosphere.

Similar opinions were expressed by several young men from the African States.

A Burmese, a post-graduate student, said that the young people of the Ashram were much more informed and open to the events of the world than others in Delhi.

A boy representing Chandigarh expressed the same view adding that the students here learn to know whereas those outside learn to pass exams.

An African boy (Rhodesia) was so much moved by what he observed in the Ashram and felt in its atmosphere that he put down his impressions in his diary sitting up late all the nights he stayed here.

One of the delegates was a staunch Muslim (Kuwait) and believed in only one God. There was some seeking in him and he had the desire to know and learn. He could not understand how man could become God. One of his questions was : why people look to the Mother, to the Samadhi with so much reverence?

"Here there is full freedom. We do so because it gives us happiness"—came a smiling answer from a girl.

A youth Conference was called to explain to the delegates

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the project of Auroville. At that time a girl from Chandigarh said: We have mixed the soil of our country but we have not mixed ourselves.

After answering the question put to him, the speaker asked the person concerned, "What do you want ?" "I want happiness."

"What kind of happiness ? There is a happiness that lasts for five minutes. It comes from physical enjoyment. If one learns to live in his soul he can be happy as long as he lives. True happiness comes from liberation— liberation from the lower nature."

Last of all, was put the soil of Auroville itself and the ceremony concluded with the sealing of the foundation structure by Nolini Kanta Gupta. The ceremony lasted 75 minutes. The Government of India filmed the event.

A separate arrangement was made in Auroville for more than 5000 people to have lunch after the function.

Thus in an atmosphere redolent of Vedic aroma and music, mellowed with its deepening notes, was born the City of Dawn, the City of Sri Aurobindo.

WORLD CITY

There was a record gathering of Press representatives at the ceremony and almost overnight Auroville was acclaimed by the Press a "World City". To quote a few :

"Auroville is going to be a laboratory of the evolving world city."

—The Amrita Bazar Patrika.

"Auroville—if constructed as now envisioned—may well become the world's first international city and provide a unique example in international living."

— The Statesman.

'The simple ceremony represented history in the making, with all countries of the world participating in the first attempt ever to provide mankind with a place where all human beings of good will, sincere in their aspiration, could live freely as citizens of the world."

— The Times of India.

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"Auroville will serve to translate into reality the teachings of the Plato of modern India, Aurobindo Gosh."

— Prof. Angelo

Morretta, in Giomale d'Italia,

(26-5-1968).

"Auroville, the City of joy, is born, the city which will mark the dawn of a new way of life"

— Maurizio Legheb in A. B. C, Italy.

Headlines of journals and scraps:

"Auroville City of Hope"

— International Scala (English Edition), Frankfurt.

"International City for Youth is Born"

—The Manchester Evening News.

"A Town Named Friendship"

—The Sun, Ceylon,

"...in this ideal place money would be no more sovereign lord."

— The Beacon, (Editor's Desk)

"Back from New Indian Township :

'Two young Zambians both attending the Zambia University last Monday returned from the international cultural township, feeling that what they saw there should be practised by the world and particularly Zambia.

"Miss Chilengwa a third year Social Welfare student said on arrival: 'I am convinced there is plenty that Zambia and other countries could copy from this township in the way of human relations and international understanding.' "

"Mr. Nyumbu, an engineering student, said : 'From the culture that is being evolved there right down to architecture, Auroville is marvellous.' " — Times of Zambia (6-3-1968)

On May 17, 1968 Henry Bell and his wife came from Zambia to stay in Auroville for life. The site for his house has been chosen in the Residential Zone. His 10 year-old daughter Hillary has already been here since June 1, 1967 and has joined the Ashram School. She had come all alone from Zambia by plane. While in Zambia one day she surprised her father by saying,

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"Everyone in the world is my brother and sister."⁵

Two British representatives, J. J. Earle of 19, and J. Lancashire of 18, back home, gave their impressions, a few extracts from which are: "...The Ashram school employs an education system which in respect of its apparent success might well be second to none. Education as we know it consists of injecting the mind of the student with thought processes from outside. Here the idea is to allow whatever is latent in the individual to come out...The students, from the age of 21/2,

"The ceremony itself took place on the 28th of February at the symbolically planned and impressive site...It is unfortunate that the solemnity and sincerity of the occasion could not have been communicated to a wider audience, both in India and abroad...

"...As an ideal, Auroville symbolises the route towards world unity, to the breaking down of international, national, political and religious barriers...collective harmony results in collective peace...

The aim of Auroville is to provide an environment free from financial and social pressures and to guide the individual along the paths of consciousness towards collective harmony... It is merely an attempt to find a way towards world unity. And who can say that this cause is not admirable, bearing in mind that even the failure of Auroville would be a step towards a final path..."

(10-3-1968)

Auroville does not claim to offer a ready-made solution to the

5. As noted in Bell's diary dated 29-5-1967. This must be the effect of the Mother's words on the child's mind', added Mr. Bell while narrating the story of the girl's insistence on seeking permission for her stay in the Ashram.

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ills of humanity. It offers only an opportunity for those who wish to attempt a better way of doing things.

Its return will be the gift of a life well spent in a necessary endeavour, the first experimental Research for human Unity.

The success of the experiment will be not only for India but for the whole world.

It means replacement of mental civilisation by the civilisation of a higher or spiritual consciousness.⁶

All this multiform blossoming of the Ashram and now of Auroville is born of the Mother's spirit of adventure and limitless power of creativity:

Insignificant her means, infinite her work;

An endless truth she endlessly unfolds...⁷

6...a higher upward evolution of human soul and human nature.' —Sri Aurobindo.

7.Savitri,

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