Dear Aurovilians

The current situation in your community is affecting not only its residents but also people who may be interested in joining this special community. I’d like to share the point of view of an observer, something from the perspective of a non-Aurovilian. Every day more and more people in the world learn about this amazing place. This is good, taking into account that the issue of a community expansion towards becoming 50,000 residents seems to be on the front burner. Who are those people you expect to come and join the community?

These people should share the aim of a non-materialistic way of life, they have to be able to bring goodwill along with bright ideas and talents for developing the city, they have to be ready to work together and yet evolve as individuals. They should be aware of the ideals of the Mother regarding Auroville, its principles, values and the Charter. It would also be helpful if these people can donate some money in order to buy lands and/or build houses.

There are, of course, people like that out there, and they are keeping a close eye on the current situation. And those who are seriously considering to join Auroville want to get more information about the place, evaluate advantages as well as try to find any possible pitfalls. That’s what any person would do before taking a life changing decision.

So what do they find? Depending on how far one might advance in this search, one finds a place absolutely unlike any other place in the world. One discovers the beauty of the nature created and maintained by strong, intelligent, honest people working together. There are dozens of unique projects in the fields of environment and waste management, education, health care, social welfare and livelihood, the arts, architecture and sustainable building, and many more, deserving particular attention and spreading to other parts of India and the world.

But what about the pitfalls? One of the first things the person finds out about in the Auroville of today is the bulldozing of structures and forested areas to make way for a ‘Crown Road’. Picking up the pieces of available information, people learn about the existing divisions, the Secretary and residents in opposition.

Knowing that something is being destroyed without the consent of the majority of the community looks alarming. People who consider to accept the concept of no private property and donate their money, would like at least to be confident that the house or other objects built with this money won’t be destroyed in such a barbaric manner. It contradicts the values of the community, the Mother’s ideals and simply scares people away. Disappointed and intimidated at this point, people stop even making further inquiries.

People may assume that the Secretary is not really bothered by the way it looks for the potential newcomers because otherwise she and her supporters would have avoided such situations in order to keep the place attractive, interesting and safe for those willing to come and commit themselves and contribute to this great adventure.

So here comes the question: who do they want to attract and who will finance further (hopefully non-destructive) development of Auroville? I think everyone who is supporting the Secretary’s agenda should ask themselves this question and evaluate the possible options.

Isn’t it feasible to find a compromise and reconsider some plans, find other methods of development in order to keep peace and encourage the ideal of true unity in this unique place? It seems that the Mother wanted to create this community of people working together for the good of these people, and ultimately for humanity, and not for the sake of some architectural design. The uniqueness is within the people of Auroville who have all come here for the same Dream, anything else is secondary.

You see, many of us are watching this situation with aspiration. We are watching how people whose priority values are love and truth are trying to find a way out of the current distressing situation. We are watching how people who have followed a Dream and created a different life, choosing to leave their old lives behind, can find a way to work towards harmony and unity again. We are watching to see if they can do it without fights, without violence. This city must be, but not immersed by common problems of ego.

Auroville, you are truly a hope for us, and should once again become an example to the rest of the world.

Mariya (long-term guest in Auroville)