Why am I in Auroville?

Why am I in Auroville? I choose to stay here because I am inspired by Auroville – by its dream and ideals, by its people and their stories, by its beauty and unending possibilities.

Yes, I am idealistic.

And yes, there isn’t only beauty and charm. But it doesn’t seem to change much whether we criticize or praise, be cynics or saints, somehow we each have a connection with this dream, this place, with each other and with something more. Whether we live here or elsewhere, whether we agree or disagree, whether we like each other or we don’t, there is more to Auroville than us.

I do not know why life in Auroville is at times simple at times very complicated, easier for some and harder for others, but who’s to judge where and how and why we learn what we need to...

I have always received whatever I needed or wanted. I am now staying in a studio in Citadine and have an ‘apprentice maintenance’ and I am happy with both. I have never felt unable to do something – there always seems to be a way – and if there isn’t, maybe there will be the next time, or the time after.

I am grateful.

This year I have been working with Shrishti on art-related projects: doing the decor of venues for an event, the interior for an Auroville unit, an art project in the Health Center (with Aurevan), and an installation for an exhibition in the Visitor’s Center which is awaiting completion. We also helped shifting Last School to its new campus and are a part of Jean’s team of backstage helpers for the Bharat Nivas Auditorium.

For each of these projects, people have been so generous with their time and energy and happy to be of assistance that one cannot help but feel grateful. Those few people who are not spontaneously helpful bring contrast and perspective (and give you a chance to complain!).

All this is not to say that everything is as it ‘should be’ in Auroville, far from it; or to say that the world outside Auroville isn’t full of beauty and unending possibilities too.

But there is something special in the ‘air of Auroville’.

That is why I am here.