Auroville
You say that Auroville is a dream. Yes, it is a “dream” of the Lord and generally these “dreams” turn out to be true—much truer than the human so-called realities!
The Mother
There should be somewhere on earth a place which no nation could claim as its own, where all human beings of goodwill who have a sincere aspiration could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority, that of the supreme Truth.
The Mother
Auroville is an experimental township in India that was founded in 1968. The concept of Auroville—an ideal township devoted to an experiment in human unity based on the vision of the great seer and spiritual master, Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa known as “the Mother”. She founded the township in 1968 and gave it its Charter.
At its core, Auroville aspires to be a place transcending the present status of human consciousness and materializes the extraordinary—a universal township where people from all backgrounds, castes, creeds, and religions come together in a harmonious coexistence to rise beyond ego-based divisions, societal differences, and superficial appearances.
On 28th February 1968, on the occasion of Auroville’s inauguration, The Mother read out the following invitation and the Auroville charter:
“Greetings from Auroville to all men of goodwill. All who thirst for progress and aspire for a higher and truer life are invited.” – The Mother
The Auroville Charter
1. Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville one must be the willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.”
2. “Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.”
3. “Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realizations.”
4. “Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity.”
In the mid-1960s, the concept of Auroville as an international city was developed and presented to the Government of India, which supported the initiative and took it to the General Assembly of UNESCO. In 1966, UNESCO passed a unanimous resolution commending it as a project of importance to the future of humanity, thereby giving their full encouragement.
Auroville aspires to be a universal city where men and women of all countries can live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, politics, and nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity. At its core stands the Matrimandir, conceived by the Mother as “a symbol of the Divine’s answer to man’s aspiration for perfection.” The Matrimandir is surrounded by an oval-shaped Peace Area and a lake, from which the city radiates outwards in four zones: Industrial (north), Cultural (northeast), Residential (south/southwest), and International (west), each focusing on an important aspect of the city’s life. Surrounding the city is a Green Belt consisting of green areas, recreational areas, farms, and sanctuaries.
In February, there is an annual Auroville Festival that is organised starting from 21st February to mark The Mother’s birth anniversary and ending with Auroville’s birthday on 28 February. At this time people from all over the world visit and participate in various events and activities.
Auroville offers a wide range of experiences and activities that are designed to support its vision of human unity, unity in diversity and sustainable living. These activities and services encompass society development, educational initiatives, cultural activities, and environmental conservation. Some key services and activities offered in Auroville:
Education & Learning: Integral education, workshops, research programs. Cultural & Arts: Music, dance, theatre, exhibitions, and festivals. Spiritual Practices: Yoga, meditation, alternative healing therapies. Sustainability & Ecology: Organic farming, afforestation, renewable energy, eco-housing. Community Engagement: Volunteering, skill-sharing, collaborative projects. Health & Wellness: Holistic healthcare, natural healing, wellness retreats. Workshops & Training: Sustainable living, permaculture, alternative technologies. Sports & Recreation: Cycling, trekking, community sports events. Food & Hospitality: Community Kitchens, Farms, Food Processing etc.
Services Available at Auroville
Accommodation: Eco-friendly guesthouses, dormitories, and community lodgings. Food & Dining: Organic cafés, restaurants, community kitchens. Healthcare: Clinics, alternative medicine, wellness centers. Transport: Bicycle and electric vehicle rentals, shared mobility services. Visitor Information: Guided tours, Visitor’s Center, community outreach. Commerce & Local Economy: Ethical enterprises, handmade crafts, organic products. Governance & Community Participation: Residents’ Assembly, working groups, conflict resolution. International Collaboration: Global partnerships, UNESCO-supported projects, development of National Pavilions. Representation and Participation of the Countries of the World for the full realisation of Auroville: The involvements of UNESCO and the member Nations for the creation and manifestation of National Cultural Pavilions in the International Zones representing the Nations and Cultures of the World.
For more details, visit auroville.org
What Auroville Needs:
Auroville welcomes individuals and organizations to contribute and participate towards its vision in various ways:
Volunteering & Internships: Opportunities to work in community projects, research, and sustainable development initiatives. Donations & Sponsorships: Contributions towards securing the lands for the Auroville’s Masterplan including the Green Belt , for completion of the Matrimandir Peace Area , support for development of institutions and projects; education, and social initiatives and environmental conservation. Residency & Long-Term Stay: Individuals who resonate with Auroville’s philosophy can explore the process of becoming a permanent resident. Collaborations: Auroville encourages partnerships with organizations, researchers, and professionals working in fields aligned with its values.
How to Volunteer in Auroville:
Interested individuals can apply through Auroville’s official website or contact the Volunteer Coordination Office.
Volunteers can participate in short-term (weeks/months) or long-term (six months and above) projects.
Based on the nature of their involvement and the options available, volunteers may be provided with basic accommodation, meals, and access to community facilities.
Some volunteering positions may not be able to provide material support but still offer the opportunity to live and work in an international, conscious-living environment.
For more details, visit https://auroville.org/volunteering