Auroville Day 1

Auroville Day 1  24/09/11

As it stands now i want to live here. I would love to be a part of this growing community. We did so much today and it felt really good. I feel like i accomplished a lot and saw a lot.

First we had breakfast (toast, eggs, papaya and amazing mango pineapple chutney). We headed down to the entrance of the center guest house to get our bicycles. Motor bikes and bicycles are the main mode of transportation as most of the roads within Auroville are not paved. 

Matrimandir

Cycling around Auroville was amazing. There is so much greenery (thanks to their aggressive water conservation strategies) and so many little things to see. We first went to see their meditation center, the Matrimandir. 

Afterwards we went to an art gallery where a beautiful story was told through paintings and words. Unfortunately i could not take photos nor did i have enough time to read the full story. Oh well... at least I’ll be back soon. The building was all concrete, with that modern feel of sixties architecture. Out in front was a pond with some lily pads and a statue.

Then my bike broke.... why I am not surprised, that’s old Indian bikes for you! Luckily i fixed it, don’t really know how, but at least i did it!

Next stop was the visitor’s center, we got to look around, read their statements, goals, what they are working on as well as a short informative film on what Auroville is and where/why it came to be. Auroville was founded by Mirra Alfassa, "The Mother" in 1968 as a project of the Sri Aurobindo society. She believed that this experiment (Auroville) would contribute significantly in the "progress of humanity towards its splendid future by bringing people of goodwill and aspiration for a better world". Auroville receives funding from the Indian government for various programs and education within Auroville. Over forty years later Auroville has grown to have 2600 resident, with over a hundred nationalities represented. It is a place where people of all cultures can be global citizens in a local community. The sense of community is very strong among aurovillians. 

After the film we roamed around the visitor’s center. They had information signs set up throughout that informed the reader about what Auroville is doing in regards to water, waste, food, energy, education, re-greening of the landscape, their land and mobility. They had some interactive displays like a stationary bicycle you could ride to power a light in front of you. They also had a medicinal herb garden promoting natural medicines and traditional healing practices of Indian culture.

We had lunch in a restaurant in the visitor’s center; veg soup, mixed salad, couscous salad, rice, cucumber-yogurt raita and delicious pesto pasta. I had seconds.... and dessert...

After lunch we biked over to Upasana which is Auroville's socially conscious business. they create garments to be sold to the general public. We got a tour of the buildings and were able to see people in action, doing what they do on a daily basis. People who work there are free to take breaks, maybe play some games, read in their library or meditate. Every day they start there day with a fifteen minute meditation. We then saw where they make initial patterns as well as their all original fabric designs. They make a pattern and send it out to be stitched by local tailors which actively support the surrounding communities. They also have items based on a gift economy, like the Tsunamika dolls. These dolls are distributed absolutely free, the funny thing is though that it is now their biggest money maker! People make enough donations to make the project self-sufficient. 

Upasana is also involved in various projects

Tsunamika: To help local fishing villages cope with the after effects of the 2006 tsunami, Upasana started teaching the children to make these little dolls, soon enough the mother's joined in. The dolls were then distributed free of charge. People started donating to the project and now it is completely sufficient. These dolls gave something back to the local women, a livelihood, something they are eternally grateful for.

Small Steps: This project is also based on the gift economy. Upasana started making reusable fabric bags to discourage the use of plastic bags. They go around to local schools educating children on the harmful environmental impact plastic bags have. The children each get a bag that they can take home, where they in turn educate their families.

Varanasi Weavers: The weavers in Varanasi were well known for producing high quality silks. China entered the global silk market with cheaper, lower quality silks. Buyers opted for cheaper silk which devastated the Varanasi weavers, there were several suicides which prompted Upasana to get involved and help. They started buying silks from the remaining weavers and recharging their industry. Upasana provides the weavers with fabric designs and gets back beautiful handmade, high quality silks.

Louis

We left Upasana and went to a local artist’s house, Louis, who is one of Bryan Plymale’s friends. He also happens to be my political science teacher's father. Louis has lived in Auroville for the past 19 years. He built his own house from bamboo, wood and clay. It was completely open and integrated with nature. His art was beautiful and very captivating. A lot of his pieces were based on one colour, and integrated various shades of that colour.

Next stop was the youth camp. Some part of me wishes I grew up in Auroville. As soon as you entered you were greeted by a big old abandoned bus that was colourfully painted. There were tree houses, various climbing things, a giant see-saw, hammocks, floating bridges from one structure to another. There was also a covered area with a pool table, couches, speakers and a small kitchenette. It was like an adventure park, I could’ve spent hours in there. It looked like something out of Peter Pan, but unfortunately I did not have hours to spend there (even though I could have).

Just when you think it’s over there is still more! We biked to the Certitude which is pretty much a big open space to play Frisbee and what not. We got to play a game of Ultimate with Auroville’s Frisbee team. It was actually really fun, the only downside was the heat. It was so hot the whole day, I’ve never experienced heat like this. Oh, and Bryan said I could come to Chennai for the Ultimate Frisbee tournament… Chennai Heat. I’m super excited to get to go to Chennai again.

So after a long day we got back to the Centre Guest House, had some dinner then went to a dance show. We arrived late because the bus that was meant to pick us up was late. We didn’t bike because it was dark, and Auroville was confusing enough to navigate during the day, I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like at night. The show was beautiful, however. Afterwards everyone went back to CGH, but I stayed back with Bryan to talk with some of his friends. It was great to talk to some newcomers to understand what the process is like to become an Aurovillian. They mentioned that there is a big need for gardeners. What a perfect fit! This exactly what I want to do!

I could actually see myself living here. I don’t want to leave. I am getting such good vibes, I immediately felt welcome, almost as if I was home. Today was such an amazing day I can’t wait for tomorrow!

For all the photos please check out my facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150300906141666.336652.505031665&l=a1d8b0dcd7&type=1 or http://s1126.photobucket.com/albums/l620/angelica_rayne/