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Auroville is going through tough times, but there is much that we can do to collectively protect all that has been realized in 50+ years, while moving towards Auroville’s progress and future. 

Here are just a few examples of what you, as an individual, can do: 

  • Sign the Change.org petition
  • Keep yourself updated
  • Spread the news on all social platforms and in conversations
  • Reach out to diplomats, journalists and change-makers
  • Contribute financially to support affected Aurovilians, or to cover legal and delegation fees
  • Offer your time, skills and energy
  • Offer inner presence and emotional support
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On Self Organisation

Auroville Foundation explained

The Auroville Foundation Act was voted unanimously by the Parliament of India in 1988. This Act was written specifically to create a unique structure, the Auroville Foundation, to vest the funds and undertakings of Auroville. The prime purpose of this Act was to offer the residents of Auroville a legal framework under which the Auroville experiment could continue to unfold, and in which Auroville residents would be protected, supported and encouraged while striving towards a new reality.

The Auroville Foundation comprises three authorities which are meant to function in a spirit of mutuality, according to the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988:

Governing Board

9 members

The Governing Board and its Secretary are nominated by the Central Government of India. The Governing Board has the overall responsibility for the ongoing development of Auroville in keeping with its aims and ideals. One could see the Governing Board as a helping hand which would be able to support the Residents’ Assembly in making coherent choices for Auroville.

For the first time in decades of the Auroville Foundation’s history, the new Governing Board and Secretary who were appointed in 2021 are exercing power in a top-down, autocratic approach, creating havoc in the community and putting Auroville at risk.

Residents' Assembly

Currently about 2500 adults

The Residents’ Assembly is composed of all residents of Auroville above 18. It is in charge of formulating the Master Plan, deciding on the terms of its membership, and managing and monitoring the various activities of Auroville. In interactions with other entities, it is represented by a 7-member Working Committee selected from amongst itself.

The Residents’ Assembly is arguably the most important entity of the Auroville Foundation, as the residents of Auroville are the first stakeholders of the Auroville experiment. Many Aurovilians have dedicated their lives, including their savings and decades of work, to progressively build Auroville.

International Advisory Council

5 members

The International Advisory Council is also nominated by the Central Government of India from among renown international seekers in the field of human unity, integral yoga, and other activities or values promoted by Auroville. Its primary function is to advise the Governing Board on affairs related to the supervision of Auroville.

More specifically, the Advisory Council’s mandate is to ensure that the residents of Auroville are given the freedom to grow and to experiment in the spirit of the Auroville Charter. It ensures mutuality and a proper balance of powers.

Governing Board

9 members

The Governing Board and its Secretary are nominated by the Central Government of India. The Governing Board has the overall responsibility for the ongoing development of Auroville in keeping with its aims and ideals. One could see the Governing Board as a helping hand which would be able to support the Residents’ Assembly in making coherent choices for Auroville.

For the first time in decades of the Auroville Foundation’s history, the new Governing Board and Secretary who were appointed in 2021 are exercing power in a top-down, autocratic approach, creating havoc in the community and putting Auroville at risk.

Residents' Assembly

Currently about 2500 adults

The Residents’ Assembly is composed of all residents of Auroville above 18. It is in charge of formulating the Master Plan, deciding on the terms of its membership, and managing and monitoring the various activities of Auroville. In interactions with other entities, it is represented by a 7-member Working Committee selected from amongst itself.

The Residents’ Assembly is arguably the most important entity of the Auroville Foundation, as the residents of Auroville are the first stakeholders of the Auroville experiment. Many Aurovilians have dedicated their lives, including their savings and decades of work, to progressively build Auroville.

International Advisory Council

5 members

The International Advisory Council is also nominated by the Central Government of India from among renown international seekers in the field of human unity, integral yoga, and other activities or values promoted by Auroville. Its primary function is to advise the Governing Board on affairs related to the supervision of Auroville.

More specifically, the Advisory Council’s mandate is to ensure that the residents of Auroville are given the freedom to grow and to experiment in the spirit of the Auroville Charter. It ensures mutuality and a proper balance of powers.

"This particular act has been so designed that even as it is, whatever it is, you have complete freedom to develop Auroville according to the Charter of Auroville, there’s nobody who can prevent you [...]. And how is this been designed? There are three provisions in the Act [...] and all the three are equal authorities. And what will be the relationship between these three bodies? The relationship is of mutuality and this word ‘mutuality’ is very important."

Shri Kireet Joshi, architect of the Auroville Foundation Act, 19th July 2003.

A Talk by Sri Kireet Joshi

This talk, given by Sri Kireet Joshi on July 19, 2003, explores the subject of Self Governance in Auroville. Sri Kireet Joshi was the Education Advisor to the Government of India, and Chairman of Auroville Foundation. Being the main architect of the Auroville Foundation Act, Sri Kireet Joshi gives an enlightening perspective about what the Auroville organization could be and how Aurovilians could reinvent the way they are living together to fulfill the Dream which brought them here.

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If you have questions about what’s happening to Auroville, or would like to help – financially or otherwise – please get in touch!

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Planning in Auroville

Self Organisation in Auroville

Re-afforestation in Auroville

On Auroville's achievements

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