Population statistics 2014

Question: what’s new about our 2014 population statistics? Answer: virtually nothing. The Indian population has increased by less than 3%, the German nationals number a few more, the French a few less, but these three nations still make up two thirds of our so-called ‘international’ community. The Spanish, Belgians, Israelis, South Africans and Chinese increased their representation, but not by vast amounts, three Portuguese and the lone New Zealander disappeared off the radar, while the Americans, Dutch and many other nationalities continue to be stuck in the population doldrums. The one new entry is two people from Rwanda. Perhaps this is the beginning of a surge from the African continent.

The total population increased by 69, as against an increase of 62 last year. This gives a population growth rate of around 3%. At this rate, it will take a yuga or two to reach the target of 50,000, so perhaps we should put on hold those plans for 6 lane highways in the city.

As for the male-female ratio, males (1231) continue to outnumber the females (1169) of the species, but not by a significant amount.

Why does our population continue to stagnate? Is it due to the lack of or cost of housing? The high cost of living in Auroville? Is it our contracting economy or dysfunctional governance system? Do young, idealistic people no longer find us cutting edge and so look elsewhere for interesting experiments in human unity or ecological restoration or alternative life styles?

Or are we simply not living up to the ideals that Mother has placed before us? Have we lost faith in the Dream, or our ability to realize it, and so are on the way to becoming very ‘ordinary’?

Food for thought…