IAC and AVI meeting

The International Advisory Council (IAC) and the AVI Board met for their second exchange via Zoom on 15th November 2022. Dena Merriam, Gabi Gillessen and HP Rama participated from the IAC’s side and 13 members from the AVI Board. It was agreed to meet in person in Auroville in mid-February 2023.

AVI explained it is engaged in many fields, while the IAC members said they have many individual contacts in Auroville, and aim to understand all points of view. Now the question is how to move forward, and how to find a concrete way to ease the tensions. The IAC members also explained that until now they are not functioning well as a group, they all have different approaches, and a greater dialogue and clarity about the IAC’s role is needed. The exchange with the Governing Board has been limited so far, and they have not received any Governing Board meeting minutes.

Dena reported that she is working with the Secretary, Dr. Ravi, on the visa issue and that she is willing to discuss all 140 pending cases with her. She said that everyone in Auroville will get a 1-year visa which will allow time to work on 5-year visas. AVI members underlined that it is not only the visa problems and the fear of being thrown out of India, which is creating anxiety but also the fear of losing their voice altogether, of losing their material basis, like homes and maintenances. Dena promised to also look into those problems. 

Gabi sees her and the IAC’s role as upholding international laws and standards. Freedom of speech and personal expression must not be silenced by taking control of emails, media, archives, and by threatening people who represent the community. HP Rama shared he has had a relation with Auroville since 1969 and is impressed by what has been achieved. He is committed to help with the American pavilion and exhibitions, not only as a US pavilion but for the continent of the Americas.

AVI members answered that Aurovilians acknowledge freely that they needed “a kick”, but help and support are needed and not a take-over and forced development.