Auroville is a unique experimental township located in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, also known as "The Mother," as a universal town where people from all over the world could live together in peace and harmony. Auroville"s motto is "Unity in Diversity," and it is home to people from over 50 countries. The township is dedicated to the vision of Sri Aurobindo, an Indian philosopher and yogi who believed in the evolution of consciousness.Auroville is known for its sustainable practices, and it has been recognized by UNESCO as a model city for its efforts towards environmental conservation. The township is also home to the Matrimandir, a golden spherical structure that serves as a symbol of the town"s spiritual aspirations. Auroville is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique culture and way of life.
Auroville is a unique township located in Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated approximately 10 km north of the city of Pondicherry and is recognized as an international community dedicated to peace, sustainable living, and human unity. The idea of Auroville was born out of the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, the founders of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry.
History
Auroville was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, who was affectionately known as the Mother. She was a disciple of Sri Aurobindo and the spiritual collaborator in the foundation of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The Mother envisioned Auroville as a place where people from all over the world could come together to live in harmony and work towards a common goal of human unity. The concept of Auroville was formally endorsed by the Government of India and the UNESCO in 1966 and 1968 respectively.
Culture
Auroville is a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities. The residents of Auroville come from over 50 countries and speak different languages. The cultural diversity of Auroville is reflected in its architecture, art, music, and cuisine. Auroville has several cultural centers that promote different forms of art such as dance, music, theater, and painting. The most famous cultural center in Auroville is the Matrimandir, which is a spherical building that serves as a meditation center. The Matrimandir is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has become a popular tourist attraction.
Governance
Auroville is a self-governing community, and its residents are responsible for managing and maintaining the township. The governance structure of Auroville is unique and democratic. The Auroville Charter, which was signed in 1968, serves as the guiding principle for the residents of Auroville. The Charter states that Auroville belongs to nobody in particular and that it belongs to humanity as a whole. The residents of Auroville are organized into several working groups and committees that oversee different aspects of the township's administration. The Auroville Council, which is the highest decision-making body in Auroville, is elected every two years by the residents of Auroville.
Activities
Auroville has several activities and programs that promote sustainable living, environmental conservation, and community building. The residents of Auroville have created several sustainable businesses that provide employment opportunities to the local population. Auroville has several organic farms, dairy farms, and food processing units that produce organic food products. Auroville also has several eco-friendly initiatives such as solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, and waste management. The residents of Auroville are actively involved in environmental conservation and have created several green belts and forests in the township. Auroville also has several educational institutions that promote holistic learning and personal growth.
State :
Tamil Nadu
How to Reach Auroville
Complete List of Tehsils in Auroville District, Tamil Nadu