Acres for Auroville

Sri Aurobindo wrote extensively on his vision of human evolution, the destiny of humankind, and of our role in a growing spirituality and change for the Earth. Here we share two of his seminal essays : “The Hour of God” and “Man, a Transitional Being”. Written at the start of the 20th century, these texts retain their full relevance: “Man’s greatness is not in what he is, but in what he makes possible.” and especially in today’s times “… it is the hour of the unexpected.”

Gunasundari was born in the bio-region of Auroville, and joined the community at the age of 16. Her family worked and became good friends with the first pioneers who came to Auroville to begin building the dream city it aspires to become. After marrying Aurovillian Arumugam, who has been involved with Auroville since childhood and manages the ‘La Ferme’ Cheese Unit, Guna joined the Unity Fund where she has worked for 17 years. She received her Business degree while raising their two children, both who grew up and went through Auroville schooling, before stepping out for higher education. Guna’s story is one of deep commitment to Auroville, part of a family chain of four generations.

The Charter of Auroville speaks as one of its ideals “youth that never ages”. It could be understood in the sense that regardless of the years one has lived, one can be full of energy and enthusiasm in reaching the goal one has set before oneself. It also means that, regardless of the
body’s age, one can be full of great dreams and tasks to be accomplished. It means one is never pessimistic, regardless of failures and difficulties. We present in this article the life-story and works of one such person – Gijubhai – a newcomer to Auroville at 87!

To honor Sri Aurobindo’s Birthday, we are holding the 2023 main Art for Land Exhibition, « Individual and Collective Auroville – Moving Forward Together » from 13 August till 17 September 17. The symbol of our collective unity – the Banyan tree at the Matrimandir – is the exhibition’s central artistic theme. We are grateful for the continuing solidarity response from our many Artist supporters, and this year’s participation of Cedric Brognard with his collectively-produced painting of the Banyan. Works can be seen and purchased at the Unity Pavilion and also online at https://artforland.in/ AFL’s proceeds all go for Auroville land purchase via the A4A campaign!

Last year, Auroville lost one of its forerunners who was deeply committed to the Mother’s and Sri Aurobindo’s vision, and was an example for so many. Named Shraddhavan – “one who has faith in the higher being” – by The Mother, she joined Auroville from England in 1970. A teacher, Matrimandir worker, writer and poet, she is best known for the creation of Savitri Bhavan with her partner Helmut. Here we share glimpses of her life and links to her many in-depth talks on Savitri and The Life Divine, an inestimable treasure for us all.