Editorial

While we project Auroville as an international township dedicated to human unity, in fact we do not know much about each other’s lives and aspirations.

Take our young people, for example. It is often said that we need their fresh energy and ideas to unblock and give new direction to our ‘fossilized’ community processes.

Yet, many young Aurovilians leave the community for longer or shorter periods, or for ever. And even when they return they sometimes need to leave again. Why?

What does Auroville mean to these young people when they live elsewhere? Do they remain connected to Auroville? If so, how do they experience that connection?

While some feel the need to leave, other young Aurovilians have chosen to stay and participate in the unfolding of Auroville, with all its attendant joys and frustrations. What are their stories?

Finally, what about the youngsters who are still at school? What is it about Auroville that they feel drawn to?

In this issue young people speak for themselves. We start with anonymous essays by students of Future School on why they love Auroville.