My Auroville Journey – Community, Service, and Growth
by Navanitha
My Auroville Journey – Community, Service, and Growth – by Navanitha.pdf
Auroville, created to be a place of human unity, peace, and progress, has profoundly shaped my life. My name is Navanitha Krishan, and I am an Aurovillian. I was born in Nadukuppam Village on 12th October 1991 and I lived there with my grandparents until the age of 14.
I spent my early years deeply connected with the natural beauty of this peaceful, traditional fishing community on the coast. My childhood was simple and full of joy – playing cricket with my friends, swimming in the sea, and enjoying life without the distractions of technology. There were no smartphones or internet, just the freedom to explore and be present in nature.
My connection to Auroville began when I moved to join my parents in 1997. Auroville, a city founded on idealism and diversity, felt like a natural progression in my life. My mother, Premalatha, became part of Auroville in 2000. She joined to help build a city where people could live in peace, free from divisions of caste and culture. My father, Jayamoorthi, had already joined Auroville in 1992. Before that, he worked in the nearby village of Kuilapaliyam, where he participated in various youth development programs.
Both of my parents believed in Auroville’s vision and contributed in different ways, shaping my understanding of community and collective progress. Here we all are – my parents, my sister Subapradha, and me:
Growing up in a family devoted to the ideals of Auroville, I developed an early appreciation for the values of unity, collaboration, and a sense of purpose. My mother worked in the Auroville Dental Center, where she spent over 31 years providing healthcare services.
My father worked in Auroville’s various departments, including Eco-Service and the Water Service, before eventually contributing to the Matrimandir. Their dedication to service and community laid the foundation for my own path in Auroville.
When I moved to Auroville, I had already completed my primary education at Sri Aravindar Higher Secondary School in Pondicherry. In Auroville, I attended New Era Secondary School from 9th to 12th grade, a school that embodies Auroville’s values of freedom and individuality.
There we weren’t just taught academics but were encouraged to explore and grow through physical activities and sports, which played a significant role in my school years. I was deeply involved in volleyball, basketball, football, and baseball. We also had the opportunity to take part in programs like Dhavashakthi Sports, which promoted physical fitness and community engagement. Auroville encouraged us to participate in sports tournaments, and I cherished the moments of camaraderie and teamwork.
The experience of playing and interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds and cultures was a reminder of Auroville’s inclusive, unifying spirit.
During my schooling years, I also discovered a deep interest in academics. I pursued higher education at Siddhar Sivagnaani Arts and Science College in Bommayapalayam and I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Commerce, from 2012 to 2018. During these years, I started to shape my future ambitions, finally realizing that I wanted to contribute to the growth and well-being of Auroville in a professional capacity. But after completing my studies, I first wanted to gain work experience in several important fields,
I initially struggled to find my place in the workforce. However, I soon found an opportunity with the National Disaster Management Program, where I worked as a Village Cluster Facilitator. This state government initiative taught me valuable skills in disaster management, including how to deal with emergencies like cyclones, floods, and tsunamis. It also gave me a strong foundation in first aid and emergency responses, which have been useful in both personal and professional situations.
After a year in disaster management, I turned my attention to volunteering in Auroville’s Dental Center for seven months. There, I worked as an assistant and office helper, gaining experience in healthcare administration. My time at the dental center was a reminder of how Auroville offers its residents opportunities to serve the community and contribute to its collective well-being.
In 2020, I took on a more substantial role when I joined the Auroville Land Board. For the past four years, I have worked as a Survey Team Coordinator, where I oversee efforts to protect Auroville’s land from outside encroachments (here shown with longtime Land Service members Manipilli, Murugan and former member Ayyanar).
This job has taught me the intricacies of land management, boundary surveying, and land record maintenance. It has also allowed me to collaborate closely with government officials and local villagers to safeguard Auroville’s land and ensure its sustainability. Contributing to the Land Board’s purpose has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work life. I have had the privilege of working with a dedicated team, including other Aurovilians and long-term Auroville employees like Sathiyaseelan, Anjali, Jothi, Rajavelu, Adhi, Geetha, and several other field staff, all of whom contribute significantly to Auroville’s land protection and consolidation efforts.
Through our work, I have learned the importance of preserving not just the land itself, but the values that Auroville holds dear: unity, peace, and sustainability.
While my work keeps me grounded in Auroville, I also value my leisure time. Meditation at Matrimandir, walks through its serene gardens, and volleyball games with friends are just a few of the ways I unwind. These activities provide balance and peace in my life, helping me stay connected to the spiritual as well as physical aspects of Auroville.
Travel has also been an important part. In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore Tamil Nadu, visiting historical sites like the Gingee Fort and Thanjavur ‘s Brihadeeswarar Temple.
I have been fascinated by the ancient Tamil architecture, the stories of past kings, and the rich history that the region holds. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of the region but have also inspired me to appreciate the diversity and beauty of the world beyond Auroville.
Beyond travel and personal hobbies, I am deeply involved in community activities. One of my most impactful experiences was participating in the Auroville Nature Camp to Kodaikanal in 2024. As a caretaker for children, I had the chance to lead hikes, share knowledge about nature, and learn from the local communities.
This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of connecting with nature and understanding different cultures.
Another main activity is my collaboration with Sameer, the founder of the Future and Further Foundation, whose aim is to promote environmental awareness and social responsibility.
The FandfFoundation is dedicated to planting trees, cleaning up coastal areas – like the beaches of my native Nadukuppam …
… and raising awareness among schoolchildren about the importance of protecting the environment.
Our Foundation’s “Green Hands” and “Eco Club” initiatives began at the end of 2023 with partnerships in Auroville outreach and bioregion schools. Our goal is to plant between 1000 and 2500 saplings this year – by children and nurtured by children. It is an effort to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the earth’s natural resources.
As our brochure explains “Instilling the concept of protecting the Earth in young minds is to plant the seeds of environmental stewardship, nurtuting the idea of saving the planet.” (Fandffoundation.info@gmail.com)
Auroville’s work of planting millions of trees and saplings is a great model and inspiration!
Recently, someone has asked me how Auroville has shaped my life. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize the degree to which Auroville has had a profound impact on my life. It has given me the freedom to explore my ideas, to work in a way that aligns with my values, and to contribute to the greater good of the community. It has shown me that living with purpose and unity, free from the constraints of traditional societal structures, is not only possible and is deeply fulfilling.
Without Auroville, my life would have been very different. In a traditional setting, I would have worked under a boss, focused on meeting targets and climbing the corporate ladder. But here, I have the opportunity to pursue my passions, contribute to a shared vision, and live in harmony with others. The freedom I experience in Auroville is a luxury that many people outside the community do not have, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Ultimately, Auroville has helped me realize that true progress lies not just in personal success but in contributing to the community’s and humanity’s well-being. It has taught me that unity, peace, and sustainability are not just ideals—they are achievable goals that can be realized through collective effort and mutual respect.
Auroville is more than just a place, it is a vision – a growing and developing vision.
Each Aurovilian is aspiring and trying in his or her own way to make the vision and Auroville’s ideals more and more a reality – cultural diversity, respect for the earth, spiritual progress, collective harmony, and human unity.
Navanitha,
Auroville, February 2025
