In memoriam - Mani Jayraman

On December 15th, Mani Jayraman left his body at the age of 54.

Mani, as he was known in Auroville, was born in 1969, the year after Auroville was founded. He was part of Auroville’s early generation as his mother Poongavanam was one of the first Tamil Aurovilians. Mani was educated partly in Auroville schools, such as attending Auroville's first kindergarten in Aspiration and partly in the French Lycée in Pondicherry. Having an affinity for languages Mani spoke French, English and Tamil fluently. He was a good student and spent a year studying abroad in the US in Los Angeles. He was a remarkable sports person, excelling in basketball, cricket, tennis, kabadi.

In 1996 he married Saroja and they had three children: Surya, Malvi and Deeksha. He went on to give service in various set ups in Auroville Pour Tous, opening and managing for many years AV Transport Service (later New Creation Transport) and also serving in Auroville’s organisational structure. In 2004 when the tsunami hit he had a dedicated role in the relief organisation that followed. In his final years Mani lived a more withdrawn life.

Mani will foremost be remembered as a man with a radiating charming positivity, a good heart, and as a generous and caring friend.

Mani’s remains were cremated on December 16th at the Auroville Cremation and Burial ground.