Issue Nº428 – In Memoriam

Shipra Di from the Sri Aurobindo Ashram passed away on 2 January at 2:35 pm in the Ashram Nursing Home.

Born in 1935, she spent her early years in Delhi and Shimla. In 1956, having completed her undergraduate studies in history, she started teaching at the Mother’s School in New Delhi, which is where she met Chamanlal Ji, whom she married in 1962 with the Mother’s blessings. The Mother gave permission to the couple to work in Australia for some years, where Chamanlal Ji worked with the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization), and where Shipra Di served as a librarian.

Her visit to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1968 was profound. She was tasked by the Mother to be part of the cooking team for delegates during Auroville’s inauguration, and from that time she maintained a deep bond with Auroville. In 1972, she took up Mother’s invitations to join the Ashram and reside permanently in Pondicherry.

Shipra Di played a pivotal role in several organisations, including the early development of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in Pondicherry, establishing the solar energy unit in the Ashram, and serving as a founding member of the Keystone Foundation in 1993.

Shipra Di’s exceptional work in documenting and disseminating research and experimentation in renewable energy earned her the reputation of being a “human google” long before the search engine was invented. With her remarkable memory and vast network, she could effortlessly connect people to ex-students, publications, or projects, providing the exact documentation, research, or information they needed.

For over two decades, she served as the key point of contact for the renowned Golconde building in Pondicherry. Architects, planners, and designers visiting the Ashram were treated to Shilpa Di’s personalised tours, enriched with captivating anecdotes about the building’s history, along with insightful interpretations of its spatial design, materials, and architectural details. These tours inspired many visitors to feature Golconde in prestigious journals and author monographs about the building.

While she dedicated herself to supporting the complex technical and administrative work of Chamanlal Ji, Shipra Di was cherished for her warmth, hospitality, and remarkable ability to create a welcoming environment. Her home was a hub of inspiration, where she hosted distinguished personalities, JRD Tata, Eckhart Tolle, Dr. BV Doshi and many more, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed her path.

Her vibrant and nurturing spirit touched countless lives, especially students, who continued to hold her in their hearts through the decades. She was a motherly figure to many, radiating kindness, grace and unconditional love throughout her remarkable journey.

Her cremation took place on 28 January at the cremation ground at Karuvadikupam, next to Muthialpet.

Donald “Don” Kelman (91) passed away on 30 January 2025 at his home in the Prarthana Community in Auroville. He had valiantly fought dementia for several years with the support of his loved ones and a community of dear friends. Don dedicated his life to the craft of teaching and to serving his community wherever he lived. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he taught math and chemistry in the USA and Germany. Shortly after his return to the USA, he was granted a position in Kyoto, Japan, where he studied at a traditional art restoration workshop for several years. One thing led to another, and he embarked on a career at the prestigious Doshisha University as the head English teacher for their International High School, working with Japanese students who had returned from living overseas.

Upon retiring in 1988 after 30 years in Japan, he moved with his wife Marie-Ange to Auroville to start anew. He served in several areas, including the library, Pour Tous (PTDC), Entry Service and others, contributing tirelessly to the community for over 20 years before he was struck by various illnesses.

Don was a deeply social and warm-hearted person, known for the kindness and affection with which he addressed everyone. He had an incredible ability to make people feel seen and valued, greeting each person with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Whether sharing a story, offering advice, or engaging in long conversations over a cup of coffee, he always exuded a sense of ease and camaraderie. His love for classical music was well known, and many of his friendships were built on a shared appreciation for the arts.

His funeral took place on 31 January at the Auroville Burial Ground.

Joya Diane Skye left her body on 19 February. Born 13 April 1945, Skye (known as Diane from the early days), arrived in Auroville in May 1970 with her partner Philip and unborn child Lunaura. They stayed at the Ashram for the first three months and then moved to Aspiration where they participated in building the keet-roofed homes of that time, meditation, community building, tree planting amongst others.

Skye and Philip built what has come to be known as The Center Guest House in Center Field in 1976. They later built a Kindergarten next to the house to help provide a place for the children of Auroville to learn and play. This Kindergarten is still there today though the keet roof building has been replaced.

Skye was an international songwriter with five gold records to her name in the USA. In Auroville, she was always ready to get creative, share her music, lend a hand or an ear.

When Skye was just 26, her heart stopped in a doctor’s office and she had an ‘after death’ experience. She has always felt she would return “there” and “there” she felt “the greatest unconditional love”.

She has always considered Auroville her home and the Divine her place of belonging. Skye sent her love to ALL of Auroville in her final hours.