Issue Nº308 – News in brief

In the afternoon of February 21, a festive ceremony of the European pavilion groups took place attended by 160 people. In a beautiful atmosphere – concentrated and charged with the aspiration for freedom, peace and unity on the European continent and for the world at large, but also light and cheerful with impromptu musical performances – a tree was planted to mark the beginning of further development in the European area of Auroville’s International Zone. Soil from 44 European countries and soil from the Samadhi was mixed with the Auroville soil with the sincere wish that it may nourish the tree and also our own dedication and joy of togetherness. As a companion to the tree (Alstonia Scholars), a stone sculpture was close by, a combination of white marble pieces from Matrimandir, originally hailing from Italy, and a shell limestone which is common all over Europe. The central marble piece carries the Mother’s name, Mirra, in Sanskrit, a symbol with great protective power, as once described by Her. Protection is very much needed, for the International Zone and for Auroville’s overall integrity, so it is hoped that this little ceremony will have positive repercussions in the future!

From February 2nd to 8th 2015, the second Pondicherry Equestrian Challenge (PEC) was hosted at Red Earth Riding School, Brihaspati, Auroville. Horses and riders came from Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupur, Tuticorin and even as far as Calcutta.

Auroville riders, who had been training at Red Earth and felt ready to meet the challenge, also took the opportunity to showcase the progress they have made in the past year to crowds of up to 1,500 spectators from Auroville, Pondicherry and the surrounding areas.

The tournament started with two days of dressage, which was part of the Indian Dressage League (IDL), an ongoing competition across India, and the National Dressage Championship. Two Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) judges travelled to Auroville to oversee the event.

On the weekend, there were twelve thrilling showjumping courses, ranging from 80 cm jumps for beginners to a 130 cm jumps grand prix finale on Sunday afternoon.

Special guests from Pondicherry, including the Honorouble Lieutenant-Governor A.K. Singh and the Minister of Tourism Mr Rajavelu, attended during the weekend, and they deeply appreciated the spirit of the occasion. For the PEC presents a wonderful opportunity for people from Pondicherry and the surrounding area to participate in an event in Auroville which is free and open to all. Visiting riders enjoy being in a supportive environment where they perceive there is a common effort to make the show a success and to help everybody to progress in their riding.