In memoriam – Soham

Soham (Jacques C. H. Philippeau) passed away at his home in Transformation on 19th September, 2024, due to cancer. He was 73 years old.

Soham spent some of his younger years in Corsica on an isolated goat farm, where it was hard to get even essential amenities. He came to Auroville in 1987, together with his former partner Djouna, and continued this simple life in Auroville. He was known to have been a disciplined and hard worker. As a lover of flowers and nature, he worked for a long time in the Matrimandir Nursery’s hibiscus garden, and tended with meticulous care to his own garden in Transformation, sharing his plants and flowers with others.

Many years ago, Soham lost his voice due to cancer of the throat and began to feel isolated, and eventually fell prey to depression. He worked on overcoming the instability in parts of his being with the help of Dr. Alok Pandey. One of his carers mentioned that a recent insight of his was that his yoga was a selfish one and that he hurt people because of this. Physically he had to face many difficulties but managed to address his health problems using alternative means, and in the meantime kept his discipline and ability to smile.

Soham was a gifted artist. He showed a deep understanding of mandala symbolism and intricate design. He recently donated his mandalas and other paintings to Art for Land. His paintings can be seen online in the website of Art for Land, artforland.in.

He was immersed in the Mother’s and Sri Aurobindo’s writings and, at the same time, kept himself informed about happenings in Auroville and the world outside. He occasionally published long extracts from Sri Aurobindo”s works in the weekly News & Notes, adding his – equally long – unusual comments and distinctive views about Auroville and the world to it.

During his last few months, Soham volunteered and was happy to do shopping for Mahalakshmi Home for the elderly.

Soham’s remains were cremated on September 22nd at the Adventure Burial and Cremation Grounds.