In memoriam - Lachman Melvani (Lachmanben)

Long-term Aurovilian Lachmanben (Lachman Melvani) peacefully left her body in the early morning on the eve of the Mother’s Birthday, February 20, in her house in Aurobrindavan. She was 85 years old.

Born in Karachi in the late twenties, Lakshmanben joined Auroville in June 1969. Very soon she started experimenting with various food and other products with a handful of local employees. This developed into the New School Crafts enterprise in Aurobrindavan, which produced amongst other things the now famous, and very much Auroville-used, Avatar hibiscus juice.

Lachmanben maintained a close contact with her workers, whose wellbeing was dear to her. Up till her very last day she was passionately talking about new plans and projects for her company.

Lachmanben was a friendly, low-profile and self-contained person whose strong link with Sri Aurobindo and Mother was the guiding line in her life. Having friends and family in the Ashram, the connection always remained close. Her remains were taken care of by her family there.