Auroville's monthly news magazine since 1988

Issue Nº424

Nov 2024 (12 months ago)
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From waste to water

Feature, By Luise Pape

“... we all hold the power to create a world with healthy water for all living beings

Try to imagine a life without water. Just think of your morning routine: you drink water from your filter or tap, you flush your toilet, take a shower and brush your teeth.

Clarifying misconceptions: a response to recent statements about Auroville’s governance

An open letter, By Working Committee

In light of an interview published in Auroville Today’s October issue that presented a perspective on Auroville’s current governance situation, we feel it necessary to offer a different view that more accurately reflects the experiences and concerns of many in our community.

The absence of doubt

Reflection, By Alan

I would like to suggest that one of the main problems we are facing at present is that we ‘know’ too much. Or, rather, we think we know.

Jothi’s journey: a conversation on life, challenges, and Auroville

A profile of Jothi G., By Chandra

Jothi

Jothi was born in 1964 in Kuilapalayam. He joined Auroville by himself at a young age and has contributed in numerous ways, through service, education and sports, while battling long-term health challenges.

John Mandeen’s photography

Gallery

Bonfire at Amphitheatre 15th of August 2004

John Mandeen, who passed away recently, was one of the early Auroville Today photographers and designed the cover of its first compilation.

What farming could become

An interview with Anshul, By Alan

Harvesting at AuroOrchard

Anshul joined Auroville in 2019 and works at AuroOrchard. His journey with farming started in Auroville ten years ago with his intention to grow his own food.

Diversity in Expression

Art review, By Chandra

Jejune by Anwar Khan G

Walking into the room of this exhibition curated by Art Service and CREEVA feels like stepping into a conversation in multiple languages – some loud and vibrant, others quiet and subtle.

Governing Board members meet in Auroville A report in The Hindu newspaper said that on October 2nd the Board members were apprised of various projects and interacted with various community groups, including representatives from the Funds and Assets Management Committee (FAMC), the Working Committee, the Land Board and the Auroville Town Development Council, in the interest of “fostering dialogue”.

Diplomats visit Auroville On October 4th a delegation of diplomats from various nations visited Auroville. According to a press note, the delegation comprised figures in fields of diplomacy, global business and trade.

Meeting with Home Minister It was reported on Auronet that on Tuesday, September 24th a small group of Aurovilians met with the Union Home Minister in Delhi. Among other things, it was reported that in future the work with the residents will be in a collaborative way, and that if any amendment to the Foundation Act is required, this would be done only through consultation with and with the consent of the Auroville residents.

Judgement on legality of Foundation Office Working Committee The RA Working Committee’s Quo Warranto petition against seven members functioning as the Working Committee of the Residents Assembly was dismissed by a judge at the Madras High Court, citing there is no clear framework for selection of the Working Committee.

Mixed messages on entry The Admissions Committee (i.e. the Auroville Entry Board) reminded the community that there is currently a case pending in the Madras High Court about a document entitled ‘Auroville Foundation (Admission and Termination of Persons in the Register of Residents) Regulations, 2023’ published in The Gazette of India by the Secretary of the Auroville Foundation on behalf of the Governing Board.

AVI Board letter to Director-General of UNESCO The Chairman and Secretary of the Auroville International Governing Board have written to the Director-General of UNESCO regarding ‘disturbing developments’ in Auroville.

New Eco-Service landfill site RA L’Avenir reported that on the morning of Thursday, September 19th, the Nine Palms Forest Stewards discovered an area had been cleared without prior notice for a new Eco-Service landfill.

Forest clearances continue apace A 6 metre wide road has been cleared through Auroville’s Northern Forest Area (NFA), in order to gain access to the area that has been earmarked for a 30 meter tall hill to be built from the soil excavated from the Matrimandir Lake.

‘Red assets’ note A note from the RA L’Avenir and RA Working Committee, pointed out that there are feasible alternatives that would allow roads to be constructed without impacting our community’s assets.

Annapurna Farm in difficulty Annapurna, Auroville’s largest farm, is in financial difficulties. The managers say it is because the stewards’ maintenances have been cut by the FO FAMC, along with poor management decisions by Foodlink which has outstanding payments of Rs 3 lakhs to the farm, and problems with Annapurna’s dairy.

No new Foundation Secretary yet, but three new Deputy Secretaries The Auroville Foundation has announced via a recruitment notification that there will be three new Deputy Secretaries, alongside a new Under Secretary, recruited to work in the AVFO.

Earth Shastra Youth Alliance in Auroville Between September 21st – 29th, Auroville hosted the 8th edition of Earth Shastra, a 9-day immersive journey in the lap of nature, that brought together 30 young changemakers from across India.

Revising the Residents Assembly Service (RAS) mandate At a Residents’ Assembly meeting, the Council explained that this revision of the RAS mandate has been long overdue. The existing 2007 mandate framed the RAS more as a decision-making body, whereas their actual role is to facilitate processes for the Residents' Assembly and working groups.