Issue Nº387 – News in brief

The Working Committee has stated that all residents and volunteers who will be out of Auroville for more than 2 months, even if traveling to other parts of India, need to inform the Residents’ Service so that current information about who is in and out of Auroville is always available. This was a big challenge during the first lockdown of the pandemic, when updated lists of those present in Auroville were needed.

The Auroville Council has informed the community that it is removing postings on Auronet – Auroville’s internal internet site – that contain disrespectful or insulting language to defame individuals or groups. The Council emphasised that in a culturally diverse community, a difference of opinion should not be a reason to accost each other and that any serious allegations need to be submitted to the appropriate working groups.

Auroville Botanical Gardens has released a video on the ecological restoration of the depleted limestone mines of Ramco Cements in Pandalgudi, India. The ongoing collaboration with Ramco, which started in October 2019, has now resulted in the restoration of 200 acres by planting over 300,000 trees and shrubs from more than 80 species. While the ultimate aim is to restore 800 acres, over the next 12 months this flagship project will take on another 100 acres. To watch the video visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI84gB3do_4

Kirtan and AV Art Service have started a website with an inventory of the artworks of Auroville artists that fellow Aurovilians can temporarily borrow, to enjoy their beauty, and decorate their homes, offices, and activities.

The Working Committee informed all residents of Auroville that everyone, irrespective of nationality, is required to have an Aadhar Card and that henceforth, the Office of the Secretary will not process any requests from residents, newcomers, friends of Auroville and spouses of residents for validation of residence or visa recommendations without the reference of an Aadhar Card.

The Budget Coordination Group (BCC) has announced that self-supporting units, services and guesthouses can apply for economic relief grants to cover their fixed costs such as salaries, rent, electricity, internet and accounting charges. This is the second time that the BCC is allocating funds in support of Auroville units which have been impacted by the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BCC also allocates temporary emergency maintenances to those units and services whose economic situation makes it challenging to continue to provide Aurovilian maintenances.

The funds for providing economic relief have all been donated to Auroville.