S A I I E R SRI AUROBINDO INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH A N N U A L R E P O R T Volume 2: Units of SAIIER

Transcription

1 S A I I E R SRI AUROBINDO INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH A N N U A L R E P O R T Volume 2: Units of SAIIER EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RESEARCH IN AUROVILLE S A I I E R, Bharat Nivas, Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India, PIN Ph: , saiier@auroville.org.in Web:

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3 Sl. No. C O N T E N T S Page Name of Centre / Unit Nos. Introduction 1 1 CENTRE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH See Vol 1 2 CENTRE OF STUDIES IN SRI AUROBINDO AND THE MOTHER Savitri Bhavan 5 Laboratory of Evolution 10 House of Mother s Agenda 14 3 CENTRE OF RESEARCH IN INDIAN CULTURE Centre of research in Indian Culture (CIC) 19 4 CENTRE OF EAST WEST AND HUMAN UNITY Unity Pavilion 25 Auroville Archives 27 Mitra Hostel 29 5 CENTRE OF MAN, NATURE & ENVIRONMENT Botanical Garden 33 PROJECTS Permanent Exhibition of Sustainable Technologies and Energy in Auroville 41 Aranya Forest & Sanctuary 55 Bicycle friendly area design workshop 58 6 CENTRE OF ARTS, CRAFTS & TECHNOLGY Aurofilm 65 CRIPA 77 Hindustani Classical Music 79 Kalabhumi Music Studio 80 Kalabhumi Art Studio 81 Aurohamsadhwani 84 Mirra Women s Group 86 PROJECTS Chakra Viyuha 91 Stairway to Heaven 92 Legends of Creation 93 7 CENTRE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND PERFECTION OF THE BODY Dehashakti School of Physical Education 97 Auroville Sports Resource Centre 100 Pitanga 104 PROJECTS Aurolympics 111

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5 INTRODUCTION The work of SAIIER forms an integral whole with the experiment of Auroville. The experiment itself is an attempt to work out, give content and practical shape to the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother on the future evolution of man. SAIIER aims to serve as an institution for new experiments and research in integral education within Auroville, ultimately an endeavour towards human unity. Being located in the International Township of Auroville and situated adjacent to several villages SAIIER possesses unique potential for research and experimentation in education. SAIIER was founded on 1984 to coordinate and further develop the educational research in Auroville. By this year, there are about 200 researchers working under the Institute umbrella, organised in research teams around the following themes: Experiments in objectives, contents and methods of a new system of education Experiments in fine arts Experiments in village extension work Experiments in physical education Research in special themes such as Indian culture, evolution and Savitri The Institute is composed of a number of autonomous research units, each of which functions in a democratic style of internal organization. The administrative work of the Institute is being coordinated from a central office situated at Bharat Nivas. The construction of the new building of SAIIER Office has been started this year in the administrative area of Auroville. All the units under SAIIER are grouped into 7 centres which carry out research and their research activities. The following seven centres of SAIIER cover all aspects of Auroville experiment: 1. Centre of Educational Research 2. Centre of Studies in Sri Aurobindo and the Mother 3. Centre of East, West, and Human Unity 4. Centre of Indian Culture 5. Centre of Arts, Crafts and Technologies 6. Centre of Man, Nature and Environment 7. Centre of Physical Education and Perfection of the Body Volume 1 of this Annual Report contains only the reports of the Auroville Schools, Outreach Schools and their projects under the Centre of Educational Research. The rest is available in this Volume 2. 1

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9 S A V I T R I B H A V A N Objectives: The overall aim of Savitri Bhavan is to foster the spiritual values on which a true and lasting human unity can be founded, by making available to different types of people from varying educational, social and cultural backgrounds, and of different age groups, students and seekers worldwide all possible materials, facilities, regular programmes of varied educational activities and assistance that would aid a deeper and more widespread awareness and understanding of the vision and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and of the aims and ideals of Auroville. The learning materials collected, created and made available at and by Savitri Bhavan as well as the research projects undertaken at Savitri Bhavan are intended to support this overall aim. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES Outputs: Regular weekly classes : Fostering spiritual values to the public Name No. of sessions Average attendance Savitri Study Circle Foundations of Indian culture 17 (to September 09) 15 How to practice Sri Aurobindo s Yoga 15 (from Dec. 09 onwards) 15 Mother s Recorded Talks Cultivating Concentration 62 (involving about 80 individuals) 2-3 Om Choir Upanishads The Life Divine The English of Savitri Synthesis of Yoga Savitri Study in Tamil 52 6 Savitri Study in Tamil in Arulvazhi School Sanskrit Grammar 52 5 Study on Bhagavad Gita 5 (started from March 2010) 15 5

10 Special Events Exhibitions - Meditations on Savitri paintings created by the Mother with Huta : - Aug. to October 2009 : Book One Cantos 3, 4 and 5 The Yoga of the King and The Secret Knowledge - Jan.-March 2010 : Book Two The Book of the Traveller of the Worlds Cantos Sri Aurobindo the Revolutionary Years, throughout August Paintings and Sculptures by Auroville artists Agnus Gastmans and Henk von Putten January Sri Aurobindo and the Mother on The Psychic Being Feb.-March 2010 Filmshows June 6 th Matrimandir A Labour of Love (for Mirra Women s Group) July 20 th The Aim of Life August 17 th Meditations on Savitri: Book V The Book of Love Dec.14 th Meditations on Savitri: Book VI the Book of Fate Dec.19 th Supramental Consciousness and Human Evolution - A filmed talk by Sraddhalu Feb.21 The One whom we adore as The Mother- a new film from the SriAurobindo Archives Feb.25 Meditations on Savitri Book VII The Book of Yoga Guest Lectures - 4 th April How to Practice Sri Aurobindo s Yoga concluding session of 12-week series by Dr. Alok Pandey - 18 th April The Kingdoms of the Greater Knowledge talk by Sraddhalu Ranade on Savitri Book 2, Canto April 25 th Remembering Sri Aurobindo talk by Professor Arabindam Basu - 30 th May Sri Aurobindo s Second Major Spiritual Experience - presentation by Shraddhavan on Sri Aurobindo s Uttarpara speech - 22 nd August The Kingoms and Godheads of the Greater Life - concluding session of Dr. Alok Pandey s Savitri Study Camp - 18 th July Sri Aurobindo s Savitri and Savitri in the Mahabarata - talk in Tamil by Mrs. S. Bhuvana Sundari - March 7 th Dr.M.V. Nadkarni Memorial Lecture : Mr. Narad spoke on Savitri the Way Of Love Orientation Sessions 16 Orientation Sessions were held during the year, for groups of Guests, Volunteers and Newcomers Other Events June 2 nd Savitri Bhavan Team gathering Aug.8 th Savitri Bhavan s 10 th Anniversary Celebration Sep.15 th Inauguration of Medhananda Archive in the Reading Rook Jan.21 st Power point presentation on Mayan Calendar and Evolution by Turkish scholar, Mr. Fatih Kecelioglu 6

11 Outcomes: As a result of all these varied activities large numbers of Aurovilians, both adults and children, as well as visitors from all over India and many other countries, have been made aware of the work and vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and the aims and ideals of Auroville. LEARNING MATERIALS Outputs: Four major areas of activity were maintained throughout the year: 1: Reading Room: The specialist collection has been maintained and enlarged throughout the year. 205 new titles and 22 new issues of journals have been added to the collection. Cataloguing and processing of books is being done by two permanent staff members, who also assist users with queries. In February and March the Reading Room hosted a student of the University of Washington s visiting programme. She chose to study Sri Aurobindo s Savitri. We advised her on suitable aids to understanding the text. At the end of the study period she made a presentation on her work to two faculty members of the University as well as to the Library Staff and the Project Coordinator. The Reading Room is being used regularly by a few adult students, and the collection is the base for research being carried out by Savitri Bhavan team-members as well as visiting researchers. 2. The Huta D. Hindocha Collection: This collection of materials relating to the work done with the Mother by Huta has been carefully conserved throughout the period. It is used as the base for the exhibitions of Meditations on Savitri paintings prepared by the Mother with Huta, as well as the preparation of DVDs of the paintings which is going on at Huta s request. 2 major exhibitions were shown during the period and 3 new films were completed and shown. A series of 6 DVDs is being prepared for distribution. 3. Audio-visual archive and mediatheque: All guest-lectures and many of the regular classes held at Savitri Bhavan are recorded in both audio and video. In this way over the years a large collection of valuable learning materials has been built up and is constantly being enlarged. One staff member maintains the archives; another prepares and distributes copies according to the needs of on-going programmes, or requests from outside. The Mediatheque offers visitors the chance to make use of audio-visual learning materials on the spot. 4. Publications: Apart from numerous texts prepared for use by students in various ongoing courses, the following publications were prepared and issued during the year: two issues (August.09 and Feb.10) of Prarthana Tamil language journal of Study notes on Savitri (800 addresses on the mailing list); two issues (April 09 and Nov.09) of Invocation English language journal of study notes on Savitri (2500 addresses in 45 countries on the mailing list); Introduction to Savitri Calendar for 2010; a 36-page pamphlet in English entitled The Supramental Consciousness and Human Evolution, by Sraddhalu Ranade; and an audio CD in Tamil based on another talk by Sraddhalu entitled Integral Yoga and Human Unity, which had earlier been published in pamphlet form in English, French and Tamil. A new information brochure about Savitri Bhavan was published in the month of Aug

12 Outcomes: By the provision of a wide variety of learning materials suitable for the use of very varied types of students, in the four languages of Auroville, a large number of users have had their understanding and appreciation of the vision and work of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and the aims and ideals of Auroville deepened and widened. RESEARCH PROJECTS Outputs: 8 Research projects were undertaken by team members over the year, as follows: 1) Savitri Study Circle: The study circle, consisting of about 25 people, meets every Sunday morning without fail throughout the year. In the period there was detailed study of the text of Books Two and Three of Sri Aurobindo s Savitri. An article based on this study, entitled Allusions in Savitri was published in Invocation issue no. 31, November 2009, and insights gained as an outcome of the group study are shared with enquirers around the world through and correspondence. Studying Savitri every Sunday morning 2) Savitri Bibliography: The aim of this project is to provide researchers and students with a comprehensive bibliography covering a wide range of Savitri-related materials. This is obviously an on-going work. In all new materials appearing during the year have been listed. An updated list is being prepared for publication in June ) Matter in Sri Aurobindo s Savitri: After a careful study of descriptions of Matter by scientists, and by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, two papers have been prepared: first Matter scientific and spiritual, which is an overview of the different views; and second, The Consummation of Matter in Sri Aurobindo s Savitri a detailed exploration of references to matter in the Epic. 4) The Role of Concentration in inner discovery: The aim of this project was to collect all the words of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo on Concentration and Meditation. During the year writings of Sri Aurobindo have been consulted, especially The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga, Letters on Yoga, and The Supramental Manifestation upon Earth; from these about 175 pages of passages relating to the topic have been compiled. An article has been prepared for publication in Invocation entitled The Role of Concentration in Spiritual 8

13 Development. During a USA visit (Sep.09 to Jan.10) on the invitation of Julian Lines, Coordinator, AVI USA and Member of IAC AV Foundation, a talk was delivered on 22 nd Nov. 09 at Matagiri on the topic Spiritual Ecology: Meditation and Path to Human Unity. Another talk was delivered on 9 th Jan at New York City Sri Aurobindo Centre on the topic Cultivating Concentration in the light of Sri Aurobindo s Yoga. Both talks are available on CD at Savitri Bhavan. 5) The Word, in the Veda and in Sri Aurobindo s Savitri: Annotated translations of selected verses from different hymns of the Veda that are related to the theme of the project were made, as well as complete translations of 5 hymns to the Vedic god Brihaspati / Brahmanaspati from the Rig-veda, including interpretation, comments and vocabulary. These have been published on the websites of UHU (University of Human Unity Auroville) and IPI (Indian Psychology Institute Puducherry). Public sharing and collective discussion of these outputs was held on a weekly basis during the months of January to March 2010 at IPI and is continuing. An article in English has been prepared and awaits publication - The Word in the Veda and in Sri Aurobindo s epic poem Savitri. Three articles have been published in a German Yoga-Magazine on the usage of the Vedic Word, with original translations from the Veda and quotes from Sri Aurobindo s writings. 6) The Imagery of Surya Savitri in the Veda and its parallels in Sri Aurobindo s Savitri: Detailed study of 12 hymns to Surya-Savitri in the Rig Veda in the light of Sri Aurobindo resulted in creating a course held at Savitri Bhavan (Sept.-Dec.2009) and the course read at the ICIS, Gnostic Centre New Delhi. The course material is published online as a 100-page book entitled Studies of the Rig Veda ; Hymns to the Sun God. 7) Sri Aurobindo s Uttarpara Speech: The Centenary of Sri Aurobindo s Uttarpara Speech fell on May 30 th For the occasion an extended study of the speech and related materials was undertaken. In this, the first public speech given after his release from Alipore Jail, Sri Aurobindo spoke about his second major spiritual realization, of the Cosmic Spirit and Cosmic Consciousness. The materials gathered were presented in a talk at Savitri Bhavan on May 30 th, and in an article published in Sraddha journal of Kolkata in August ) Seer deep-hearted: The form of a metrical fragment by Sri Aurobindo was studied in depth, and presented at two conferences: the National Conference on Re-reading Sri Aurobindo, held at Pondicherry University on 4 th and 5 th March 2010, and the National Conference on Sri Aurobindo s contributions to a global culture, held at the Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research, Puducherry on th March The abstracts and texts of the two presentations are to be published in the Proceedings of the respective Conferences. Outcomes: The research pursued for these 8 projects has resulted in the production of learning materials of lasting worth, and contributed to enhancing and widening awareness, appreciation and understanding of Sri Aurobindo s work and writings. 9

14 L A B O R A T O R Y OF E V O L U T I O N C E N T R E F O R H U M A M U N I T Y BHAGA S RESEARCH Objective: The LOE-CHU (Laboratory of Evolution / Centre for Human Unity) aims at furthering and documenting experimentation in Conscious Evolution within Auroville itself and elsewhere, so as to facilitate and accelerate the current new step in evolution on this planet as indicated and initiated by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Program / Activity details: Bhaga is a researcher who does her research work not in a classroom, but in her own life and body, in the collective life of Auroville and in the various events and trends in the world. The time limit in such unusual frameworks is obviously difficult to assess, so the normal one year period that this report covers will be kept as a convenient yardstick. Inputs: This type of research means using Internet a lot, writing diary, articles and books, giving workshops to interested other people. Funding is required every year for books for the LOE specialized library, work on the existing LOE specialized website, publication of research documents. Outputs: This year , Bhaga's health was particularly bad almost all the time, except in the last two months when she was at last really better. So her outer activities had to be reduced to the minimum for most of the year. Her research work could go on, though, focused more on what could be done alone and at home: writing articles that generalised and so made more visible and understandable the lessons in Human Unity to be learnt from some current events within Auroville. continuing the ongoing research work started one year ago with Bhaga's closest collaborator, Namah, on the evolutive contents of some of the contemporary books and films, particularly in the West: There are indeed already many humble beginnings revealing to the observant eye the gradual transformation of the human species along with the other aspects of life on this planet; nothing is left unaffected. Studying all these encouraging signs planetarywise is Bhaga and Namah's shared passion. They keep looking eagerly in all areas 10

15 of human life for new forms of behaviour, new concepts, new trends of thought appearing, that manifest a change of the human collective consciousness in the right direction. In that way Bhaga introduced her friend several years ago to 'The Lord of the Rings' (the recent films and also her beloved old books), Namah reciprocated with 'Matrix' and then later 'Harry Potter'; Bhaga discovered and then shared with Namah the incredible, beautifully inspired old gems of the 80s, 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'; in the same way now Namah has introduced Bhaga to 'Twilight', the books and films which are at present the most avidly sought after in the West - and for good reasons, the two researchers are finding out with joy. discovering ways to counteract and solve her health problems, starting with the body-cells consciousness which is active since twenty years in Bhaga's body. 5) Outcome: Some positive outcome of the work done towards Human Unity has been manifest in the interest expressed by more people in the issues raised and pointed at, and by the thanks some of them expressed for Bhaga's articles having highlighted the problems, their causes and their possible solutions. Official groups in Auroville got a better grasp at what was happening and helped implement the solutions proposed. Regarding 'Twilight', pointing out the very interesting evolutive contents of the story, Bhaga has written an essay that will be first published online on the LOE website, and so hopefully reach some of the fans of the books and films who had never realised clearly what exactly made them love that story so much. A film-maker from Switzerland who had chosen Bhaga as the subject of a small documentary film he would make about her and Auroville seen through her eyes, delivered a gem of a little film, half an hour long only, but very appreciated at the Auroville Film Festival in October The Outreach Media group of Aurovilians selected that film to be distributed to the Auroville International Centers all over the world, because of its focus on Conscious Evolution, the Integral Yoga, and the Founders of Auroville, Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and because of the clarity as well as simplicity with which those important topics were presented by Bhaga. Regarding Bhaga's own health difficulties, some definite new developments in the cellular consciousness did come about as a result of a deliberate focus in what the Mother in her 'Agenda' has called the ' Ondulating Movement': the way her body-cells perceived and were progressively entrained by the immense, slow wave-like form that Reality took in its own depths, under the surface reality as usually perceived by our physical senses. This very special experience had occurred only a few rare times before in Bhaga's body, but after that recent period of what could be called self-training in the ways Mother herself had indicated, the outcome has been very encouraging indeed: This 'Ondulating Movement' became something her body-cells learnt to enter and live with almost at will, particularly with the help of a certain piece of music that in the third and last 'Lord of the Rings' film, 'The Return of the King', accompanies a most wonderful moment: when the exhausted main hero, instead of dying a terrible death near an erupting volcano, finds himself lifted up and taken away from danger by one of the huge Eagles sent as 11

16 Helpers by the Divine Grace, he experiences a totally blissful moment, carried by the slowly undulating, majestic movement of the Eagle's wings... The music composer at that point, although not knowing of course anything of the Mother nor of her evolutive work, managed by some divine inspiration to give a brief, but unbelievably beautiful musical equivalent of the experience the Mother used to call with loving awe 'the Wings of the Lord'. It must, she said, become our new way of life in the future... THE LOE WEBSITE Some time ago, the LOE-CHU website has been hacked, and most of the documents already entered under the various main headings and sections were lost. After a few months spent studying the possibilities of re-starting the website on a different, more flexible structure, as no funds could be found for going ahead with the major changes envisaged, it has been decided to simply re-start the website more or less as it was before, but to introduce as much flexibility as would be possible under the present structure. The member of the LOE team who takes care of all the technicalities for maintaining and developing the website, has been himself quite ill recently. Here are the news he was able to give Bhaga, which will give an idea of the difficulties involved in restoring to the website its former richness, and more: I have just managed to begin putting some of the documents back on the website. I started with the Cellular Consciousness materials and will work my way to other areas. However, I am finding that there are some files/documents that I don't have, so I cannot reload them onto the site. All the files relating to the Tolkien book I don't have, so I assume you have it? You will have to send me these, or put them on the site yourself, for them to be there again. It will take quite some time, I am finding, to reload everything, and some of them are not working, so I will need to talk to T... about this problem. Otherwise, most of the Cellular documents are there. I was also thinking of asking this woman who wrote this Evolution newsletter which I sent to you about cellular experiences, if she would like to contribute in some way, at least in terms of her cellular experiences.' As can be seen in the end of this note, an encouraging fact is that an increasing number of potential contributors are in contact with LOE. They have valid and valuable experiences in the different areas of research and experimentation covered by the website and by the overall research work of the LOE. LABORATORY OF EVOLUTION RESEARCH LIBRARY Our main purpose is to give information about the Vision and Work of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. We have more and more visitors from foreign countries who pass by our place and declare themselves very happy that such a place exists. Our main focus is to have all the written works of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in all the languages and to advise people according to their needs: some are more interested in Sri Aurobindo s vision of Evolution s 7 steps ladder, others are more focused on the present stage of Evolution that is to say the passage of Earth from the Mental stage to the Supramental stage, while scientists and biologists are more inclined to discover the Mother s work on the Cells. 12

17 Another main subject of interest in our research library is the new way of looking at diseases, and finding the healing process in the emotional and mental bodies as well as in the physical. Our shelves on this subject are full of new books often donated by people who cured themselves that way. It is so obviously linked to the observation of The Mother each disease is sent with an awareness to achieve. The disease lasts the time which is taken to carry out the awareness: days, months or years Apart from guests, the library attracts also a lot of Newcomers who want to discover more deeply the work of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, and also get more acquainted with the deepest ideals of Auroville. In this perspective, our team provides information in various ways: brochures, compilations, posters, photocopies, files etc This year we got a fresh new look thanks to some donations and we are ever trying to improve the physical aspect of beauty, order and cleanliness of the place, as a reminder of a higher physical consciousness. The people can also receive here guidance in Pranayama (private classes are conducted on the terrace-roof early morning when needed), Yoga and Ayurveda (workshops are conducted by members of the team in adequate places). Apart from reviewing all our Lectures CD and DVD and cleaning all the documentaries and films DVD, our essential task this year has been to facilitate communication, exchange and orientation for our visitors and aurovilian users. The Laboratory of Evolution Research library 13

18 H O U S E O F M O T H E R S A G E N D A Objective: The House of Mother s Agenda was created in 1988 to gather, house and make available all editions, translations and recordings of the 13 volumes of the Mother s Agenda, along with related materials and activities. Since 2006 it has been incorporated into Savitri Bhavan and its activities are continuing there. The aim is to make the deep insights recorded in the Mother s Agenda the Mother s own record of her sadhana after the Supramental Manifestation of February 1956 accessible to everyone interested. Since the Mother s Agenda is in French, the activities of the House of Mother s Agenda target in particular French-speaking people and most of the activities and research are done in the French language one of the four languages prescribed by the Mother to be taught in Auroville. Outputs: Over the financial year of the following activities have been carried out: A regular weekly programme of playing the recordings of the Mother s Entretiens (Questions and Answers) talks of the Mother to the young people of the Ashram have been conducted throughout the year. For each talk a leaflet giving the text of the talk in French and English is distributed to those who attend. (52 sessions, average attendance about 10 people; 52 bi-lingual pamphlets prepared and distributed). Since September 2009, value-oriented education sessions for students of the New Creation Free Progress section (c 15 children aged 8-12) have been coming every Thursday morning for 2 hours, for value-oriented education. The children, who belong to the local villages around Auroville and board at New Creation are fluent in French and the classes are held in French (25 2hr. sessions, average attendance 15) A specialist Library is open daily for the use of Aurovilians and interested visitors. In addition to the Mother s Agenda in the original French, translations into many languages are available. Recordings of the Mother s talks in the form of cassettes and CDs are also made available. Reference services: The person in charge of the House of Mother s Agenda is available to answer questions; she undertakes research on particular topics and distributes materials on request, for example this year in response to some queries about references to China in the Agenda, references were located and copies of the relevant texts were supplied. This service benefits numerous individuals in the course of the year. Also during the year, two talks in French were given, one on The Creation of Auroville, the other on the Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Documentation: Passages are selected every week from the Mother s Agenda for publication in the Auroville News and Notes a journal for internal circulation within Auroville which reaches the whole Auroville population. 14

19 Two major research projects were taken up in the course of the last year: o o (1) a French version of an earlier English study on References to Sri Aurobindo s Savitri in the Mother s Agenda ; (2) a correlation of the Mother s experiences, as described in the Agenda, with corresponding passages in Savitri. Both projects are on-going. Outcomes: As a result of the above-mentioned activities, the deep insights shared by the Mother in her talks and recorded in the Mother s Agenda are being made more widely accessible to interested Aurovilians, young people and visitors, especially those who speak or are learning French. 15

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23 C E N T R E O F R E S E A R C H I N I N D I A N C U L T U R E During the year , a major consolidation of the work of these Centres, since their inception in 1984, has taken place. These Centres were housed, from time to time, in different unfinished buildings in the Bharat Nivas campus. Since a master plan to complete the campus has now been undertaken by Shri B.V. Doshi, an adequate new construction to provide a permanent home for these Centres has been included in this plan and the funds for this will be part of the total budget sanctioned by the Government of India. This construction has been undertaken by the Auroville team of architects, Suhasini Aiyar- Guigan and Tejaswini Mistri under the guidance of Shri Doshi. The bhumi-puja on site took place on January 4, 2010 with the ceremony being performed by Dr. Karan Singh and a recitation from Sri Aurobindo by Smt. Jhumur of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The Centre will now be known as Sri Aurobindo Centre for Studies India and the world The activities during this time were as follows 1. Annual Conference of the Centre: It took place from February 12-14, 2010 on the theme Mutation... a process This is a regular event organised by the Centre and looked forward to by participants and guests. This year, a far greater number of Aurovilians came forward to speak and share their experience. This was much appreciated. We had a few members of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry who were present and who spoke. The theme of the Conference-event evoked a special response. We give here the introduction to the theme and the programme of the three days. A sense of 'mutation' seizes us. Not as individuals but as a collective of humanity. The changes taking place are not within the 'established order' of things and of beings. The 'established order' itself is ceasing to be. 19

24 An 'otherness of 'being' has begun to take its place. Is it a shift of 'dimension'... of 'hemisphere' that is happening? Is the very stuff of matter, out of which all else has evolved, bringing forth a new matrix from its core from which an 'other' life and an 'other' mind may arise? Not just another step in evolution but an 'other' evolution beginning from a point where 'involution' is no longer latent and implicit. But becomes 'explicit' in an outflowering of its original content? Are we treading on dramatic ground? There are others, in this wide world, who sense that we are in the midst of a 'process of mutation'... of the human order. Not mere change... or a series of changes. But a veritable mutation. Do our lives and the world's events... give us clues to the process? How does it proceed? Whither will it lead? All the ages and millennia of human life that have elapsed so far have prepared the advent of this new state, and now the time has come for its concrete and tangible realisation. That is the very essence of Sri Aurobindo s teaching... _ The Mother The programme: February 12, 2010 What is this sense of mutation? Is it other than that of evolution? How does humanity reach a point of mutation? How do the life and events of the world give an indication of it? Because of the collapse or, increasing chaos of the present established order? February 13, 2010 In the midst of this confused rubble of all that is crumbling, are there new emergences that are clearly visible? As identity of being in terms of ways of thinking and perceiving, feeling, acting? As new life-styles in terms of new processes, new goals? As new forms of creativity? February 14, 2010 Is this otherness of being a sign of the mutation taking place? Is this moment of a conscious transition mankind's great privilege? Can we focus on it and explore the same in our own consciousness and in the events of the world around us as they unfold and tell their hidden story? Is this the agenda of our times? As on previous occasions, we had brought out an art brochure presenting the theme. This was widely shared within the country, with friends in other parts of the world and put on the internet. Auroville Radio broadcast live the programme of the three days. There was a music concert and an art projection in the evenings. 2. Guest lecturers: We had two major guest lecturers around this time a) Dr. Debashish Banerji, from Los Angeles, on A New Emergence: The Need for Policy Change b) Dr. Binu Mukherjee, from Toronto, on Science, Mind and Yoga. 20

25 c) Michael Pergola, of the Spiritual Interfaith movement, New York, had a round of interaction with us. 3. Celebrating the Centunary of Sri Aurobindo s Arrival in Pondicherry The Centre played a role in organizing a series of programmes for celebrating the Centenary of Sri Aurobindo s Arrival in Pondicherry on April 4, Programmes that have been taken up specifically by the Centre s team: a) A gathering of Aurovilians on March 27 to invoke the Presence of Sri Aurobindo and offer our gratitude to Him in silence, or by the spoken word as one feels moved b) A presentation of some pages of the manuscripts of Sri Aurobindo on April 4, The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, Pondicherry has given us these photocopies, which come for the first time to Auroville and for which we are very grateful. These will be kept permanently in the new building being constructed for the Centre, under the guidance of Shri Doshiji. c) The Centre collaborated with others in Bharat Nivas to host a dance-drama choreographed by Mallika Sarabhai and performed by her group of Darpana Academy called, Sampradayam. This was very much appreciated. d) Dr. Karan Singh s address on The Last Message of Sri Aurobindo in the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, Bharat Nivas, April 3, 6 p.m 4. New building Work on the construction of the new building to house the Centre has begun, after the bhumi puja that took place on January 4, 2010 performed by Dr. Karan Singh. A souvenir setting out the purpose and modalities of this research work in the words of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother was brought out on the occasion. A copy is enclosed. 21

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29 U N I T Y P A V I L I O N In September 2009 we got the good news that money would be made available from the GOI grant for the Unity Pavilion main building. A big effort went into finalizing plans and subsequently starting the construction. Activities in the annex building continued. There is a visible increase in Cultural Pavilion activities. The Spanish group has been very present and the French Group will now also move in to the Unity Pavilion. The Korean and the Russian group use the office on a regular basis and the Russian Bell playing sessions and practicing continue with their weekly arrangements. Jyoti, Japanese national, brought new ideas and a lot of energy. During 2 months he created together with a large team a number of events with the theme ONE ASIA The tea ceremony took a central place. A lot of work is focused on the Africa House project. We had the visit of 65 African students studying presently in Universities in Tamil Nadu. They come from different African countries, representing mainly Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia. In the evening they presented a cultural program of African dance and music at the Visitor Center. As a follow up of this there is a continued Office work at Unity Pavilion collaboration with their student organizations and many students are interested to participate in the realization of the African pavilion in Auroville. Aurovilians were also invited to participate in the commemoration of the Rwandan Genocide together with the Rwandan students in Chidambaram and a group of Aurovilians and African students studying in Puducherry went there together. A large exhibition on the International Zone and the different National Cultural Pavilion groups and their areas of activity as well as all the other Institutions and activities relating to the International zone is in process. The total of 30 + panels will be shown to the public from July onwards. The exhibition material is lightweight and can be moved and used in other locations. The master plan for the International zone was finally ratified by L'Avenir d Auroville. After a lengthy process we can say that there is finally a large acceptance of the basic layout of the plan. An International Zone Development Group is being formed and when the new L'Avenir d'auroville is in place we hope that the planning of the International Zone can move forward with greater speed. Several projects are in the pipeline with a special focus on creating Guest facilities for young volunteers and interns coming from the various countries. The University of Human Unity has offered Saturday morning sessions throughout this year, partly as a collaborative effort with Living Routes program. The office of Auroville Volunteer Internship & Study Programs (AVIS) has been very active. Many people write or come to Unity Pavilion to get help with finding a place for internship or 25

30 volunteer service and also for information about study possibilities in Auroville. Monthly Orientation programs for volunteers are held. Further Research work has been done to find out how many volunteers come to Auroville per year. 26

31 A U R O V I L L E A R C H I V E S Objective: Auroville Archives was setup in 1991 to keep a comprehensive and accurate record of all the experimental activities in the unique International Township project, a Living Laboratory as the Mother called it. It was founded on 28 February 1968, based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo on the future evolution of man and Human Unity under a four point Charter laid down by the Mother. It was planned for building an International city for 50,000 in a most challenging environment on a barren land in Tamil Nadu by inviting people from all around the world. There was virtually no laid down hierarchy or even rules and regulations (except for one - NO DRUGS). Over the years, besides restoring life into the barren land and converting it into lush green forests today and other challenges, natural and manmade, various experiments have been done in soil reclamation, education, community life, health, technology, agriculture, industries to raise much needed funds for construction and other collective ventures to name just a few - keeping in mind the needs of the local village population in the planned township area. Through the years, problems have been faced and tackled by the present lot of about 1500 adult Aurovilians today from more than 45 countries successfully and even through failures in certain cases, keeping in mind the four point Charter for Auroville given by the Mother. It was felt that a complete record must be kept of all the material and spiritual experiments and other activities in this unique project, the only one of its kind in the world backed by the numerous unanimous resolutions of the world body, UNESCO and supported by the Government of India on its soil. This invaluable record has to be preserved for posterity for future researches and study. To meet the above needs, Auroville Archives was established in 1991 in the only available space in the galleries below the Sri Aurobindo auditorium in Bharat Nivas meant for electrical cables and air conditioning ducts. All materials from the widely spread out individual communities around the planned township area, had to be collected and preserved centrally, to be free from damage by dust, heat, humidity and insects, of which there is no dearth in Auroville area. All the materials paper, audio, video, photographs and slides have to be converted to digital form for long term preservation and future research. There are severe limitations in the ongoing work presently due to the improvised and limited space available for the ever increasing lot of Archival records. A project for a permanent and properly designed building for the Auroville Archives has been prepared and it awaits sanction by the authorities concerned. After 42 years of its existence, Auroville today has a population of only about 2200 but has to grow to its full strength of 50,000 in the years to come. All this requires a sound understanding of the needs of not only additional storage space but of additional and modern technical equipments and financial resources for the same by the authorities concerned. 27

32 Outputs: Besides the ongoing work on collection/sorting out of all written material and conversion to digital formats, another project titled Face cum Voice record was taken up during This project was aimed at recording voices of Aurovilians on how they came to know about Auroville and why they decided to join it from different parts of the world and what they have done. More than 150 Aurovilians have been interviewed so far and their recordings converted into DVDs. Outcomes: As stated above, ongoing work on preservation and conversion to Digital format continues. Remarks: An immediate sanction for the proposed permanent building for the Archives is needed. Besides the above, there are urgent modifications proposed in the existing habitat which need financial sanction urgently- such as a small cold storage place for special equipments and a generator for the constant power supply in light of frequent breakdowns of power supply. 28

33 M I T R A H O S T E L Mitra hostel provides housing for bonafide students who are either undertaking a course of study in Auroville in association with a Centre of SAIIER or other centers of study recognized by SAIIER. By providing collective housing for student volunteers, Mitra seeks to promote student volunteer collaboration and exchange of ideas and knowledge about Auroville and present research activities. Exchange and communication between volunteers has improved since volunteers have the opportunity to meet regularly. This also enriches the cultural life of Auroville by encouraging collective studies and voluntary work. The hostel has become a place where people can learn from one another, not only pertaining to one s designated work, but also personal experiences. When students come to the hostel they are informed about the various activities taking place in Auroville. The aims and goals of Auroville are also given to incoming students. When small groups of students are received tours can be arranged to be guided around Auroville and information about the Mother s Dream is given. Mitra is financially self-sufficient for general functioning. This includes the employment of the manager, a watchman, a gardener, a cook and janitorial staff. 29

34 Mitra hosts students from various countries around the world, thus maintaining the international character of Auroville. Specifically, this past year Mitra received 592 Indian, 47 German, 44 French, 34 Korean, 19 American, 15 Spanish, 11 Thai, 10 Swiss, 10 Dutch, 9 Russian, 7 British, 7 Austrian, 4 Portuguese, 3 Japanese, 3 Hungarian, 2 Danish, 2 Italian, 2 Canadian, 2 Swedish, 1 Israeli, 1 Irish, 1 New Zealanders, 1 Chinese, 1 Polish, 1 Netherland, 1 Jordanian, 1 Turkish. From October to mid-march the hostel operates at full capacity. The total number of groups hosted by Mitra in the year April 09- March 10 was 14. Specifically, there was a group of 22 students from Korea. There was a group of 38 students from Sinhgad College of Architecture from Pune. There were 25 students from Latc Bhan Sahebtlilag College of Architecture from Bombay. There were 46 students from Rajghat Besant School from Varanasi. There were 27 students from Olcott Memorial High School from Chennai. There were 63 students from the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass communication Delhi. There were 26 students from KFI School from Chennai. There were 33 students from Srishti School of Art Design & Technology from Bangalore. There were 22 students from Rachana Sansad Institude of Environmental Architecture from Mumbai. There were 21 students from Samyak Sankalpa College of Architecture from Mumbai. There were 29 students from DIT Delwadam Architecture from Uttra Kant. There were 20 students from Indus International School from Hydrabad. There were 27 students from Goa College of Architecture from Goa. There were 11 students from Theater group from Thailand for giving a proffermance in the schools and auroville communities. Mitra is under the overall supervision of the SAIIER Board. The manager meets regularly with a support group with the intention of giving feedback and suggestions. Future plans for Mitra include the completion of the landscaping along the walking path leading to the entrance of the hostel and the front lawn of the hostel. There are plans to place round tables in the space adjacent to the communal bathrooms. 30

35 *** CENTRE OF MAN, NATURE & ENVIRONMENT U N I T S ***

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37 B O T A N I C A L G A R D E N Objective: Environmental Education Programs To raise children s awareness of the environment around them and develop their aspiration to help solve environmental problems (biodiversity, conservation, global warming, recycling, tree planting etc) To develop educational materials that can be used at the gardens and also within the local schools for the purpose of raising the children s awareness of environmental issues and helping them to develop a sensitive and respectful relationship with Nature in general. To create living displays and installations with the gardens that help to promote the children understands of the aims of the educational programs. To train teachers so that they can return to their local schools and teach environmental education to the children with in the schools. Program/Activity details: Environment Education Centre of the Auroville Botanical Gardens aims at providing education through observing & exploring the environment. Each and every part of the botanical gardens has something to expose which would enrich the knowledge of the students or visitors. Our eco-education programs mainly cover school & self help group visits, conducting awareness programs, summer camp and green teacher training programs. We assure that every visitor would have something to remember and to implement of their visit to AVBG. And we hope that every pair of legs and hands that has their prints in this garden would never tend to destroy nature, every eye that has sighted this Greenland would like to see it again and again and every nose inhaled the air here would like to have the same wherever they live. OUTREACH PROGRAMS No. Of Schools Student / School Duration (Sometimes even a whole class) 45 Minutes to 1 Hour These programs were conducted on the respective schools which were selected to visit the Auroville Botanical Garden. A briefing about their visit to the AVBG would be given to the selected students. The duration of this program was about 45 Minutes to 1 Hour. On this academic year we have conducted outreach programs in 83 schools of the Villupuram District. 33

38 SCHOOL VISITS: No. of Schools No. of. Students No. of. Teachers 83 2, School visits cover the most of the total visits to Auroville Botanical Garden. It s a full day Program. This program was carried out through the following topics: School visit Introduction: History & Mission of the Botanical Garden were explained. i. TDEF (Nursery, Maze Garden, Arboretum, TDEF forest): Origin, features and the need to conserve TDEF, trees and animals habitating in the forest were explained. ii. Herbal Garden: Medicinal values & Botanical names of the Herbal plants of the tropical region were explained. iii. Organic Farming: Methods of organic farming like dip water irrigation method, organic manure, pesticides and the need of indigenous seeds were explained. 34

39 iv. Renewable Energy: Working mode of solar panel and wind mill and the need to use appliances powered by renewable energy sources were explained. O Solar panels v. Observation skills: Students were asked to observe different types of leafs, tree shapes, thorns and were asked to answer questions like functions of leaf, veins, thorns and reasons for leaf being green etc. This year we had 2735 students of 83 schools along with 200 teachers to the Botanical Garden. WOMEN SELF HELP GROUP VISITS (WSHG) No. of Groups No. of. Members We mainly focus on the ways to promote income to the women self help group members. Production of vermi compost, growing medicinal plants in large scales were explained. Awareness towards plastics and need of following organic farming methods were explained 250 members of 18 clubs visited AVBG this year 35

40 HERBAL GARDEN School Name Variety No. Of. Plants Thiruchitrambalam Kootroad HSS New Creation Transition Schools who have space in their heart (i.e. care and affection to look after plants) and in their school premises would be gifted to have a herbal garden aided by the Botanical Garden. On this academic year we had made herbal gardens in the above three schools respectively. GREEN TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM Date Name of the Teacher Group No. Of. Teachers Saiier Night School Block Resource centre (BRC) Tribal health initiative 8 On this program several group of teachers visited the Botanical Garden and were explained the way of education taken through the gardens. Approximately 49 teachers attended this program on this year. AWARENESS PROGRAMS Cycle Rally : There were two cycle rallies organized in order to create awareness towards global warming. The first rally was a two day program where 20 students cycled from Botanical Garden to Gingee passing through more than 20 Villages & creating awareness. The rally started on and ended on The other rally was organized in Thazhuthali on where 30 students cycled through 15 villages & created awareness towards tree planting & global warming. Rally (by Walk): There was two rallies organized both the rallies were attended by 60 students of Gandhi her sec school. The first rally was organized in T.C. Kootroad on & the other in Edayanchavady. Exhibition: Awareness created towards aiding schools to participate in exhibition held by several organizations. This year we aided two schools to participate in exhibitions. 36

41 Edayanchavady PUMS participated in the exhibition held by ASSET (Auroville) in Isaimbalam. Bommayarpalayam PUMS participated in the exhibition held by Rural Tsunami affected schools organization in Puthupattu. The good news was that Bommayarpalayam School got the first Prize in which 30 schools participated. Clean up Work & Waste Management: 50 Students of the Edayanchavady PUMS Participated in the Cleanup work on where they cleaned up the premises of Edayanchavady temple pond and sports ground. Students also participated in the program where production of leaf manure by using EMI was explained. Tree planting Days: Tree planting days were organized in Edayanchavady PUMS, Gandhi Hr. Sec.School, Thazhuthali GHSS where students planted trees and vowed to protect the plants. SUMMER & NSS CAMPS Summer Camp: This camp was organized in the month of May. The camp started on and ended in Approximately 47 Students of the surrounding 6 schools along with teachers participated in the summer camp. The camp went on 4 days and all the participants stayed in the premises of the Botanical Garden. Cleanup work, forest trip to Gingee Mountains and other practical activities were carried out through the summer camp. NSS (National Service Scheme): Two NSS camps were held on this academic year. The first camp comprised of 30 students from T. Kootroad HSS along with 4 teachers was organized in the premises of Auroville Botanical Garden on the 4 th of September. Cleanup work was carried out on that day. The second camp was organized with the 30 students & 2 teachers of Thazhuthali GHSS in the Botanical Garden on 12 th October. Students did cleanup work and helped in shifting plants in the nursery. Outputs: 2800 students were given Environment Education Programme. Few schools planted trees at their schools campus. Some students and women self help group members have changed the LCD bulb at their home. Most of the participants are very conscious about the Global Warming. 260 teachers were given environment education awareness programme 37

42 Month No. Of Schools Schools Students Teachers Schools Students Schools Plants Clubs No. Of. Womens Teams Trainees Schools Students Out Reach Class School Visits to AVBG Awarness Rally and planting day Herbal Gardens Womens club visits Eco teacher Training Program Summer camp and NSS camp at AVBG Some students and parents are started utilizing the medicinal plants for cough, cold, fever from their own medicinal plant gardens. Some local teachers are turned as green teachers at their schools and initiated the plantation program, formed eco clubs, organized awareness programme and competitions on global warming among their school children and teachers. Outcome: April May June July August Septemb er October Novembe 2 r Decembe r Jan February March Total Progress Timelines: 2 year. (March 2008 to April 2009) 38

43 *** CENTRE OF MAN, NATURE & ENVIRONMENT P R O J E C T S ***

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45 EXHIBITION OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES AND ENERGY IN AUROVILLE (ESTEA) Objective: To convey the significance and relevance of sustainable technologies and renewable energies for a planet and society in crisis through the gentle but powerful medium of education. Program details: The project s agenda is to create and install an exhibition featuring all the crucial milestones achieved in the fields of sustainable development in Auroville over the years since its founding. The core objective of this project is EDUCATION through the medium of a permanent exhibition that represents and powerfully showcases the viability of sustainable approaches to development today.the exhibition is focusing on key technologies used in Architecture, Energy, Waste management, Farming, Water use, Land regeneration, Town planning and alternative non polluting Transportation that can be considered benign and sustainable. The purpose of this exhibition is to foster awareness and inspiration in visitors of the potential and relevance of alternative development models and practices, as pioneered in Auroville. Fostering awareness and inspiration in visitors The Mother, founder of Auroville, had noted perceptively that future societies would come to rely upon new forms of energy. These new forms would be from above - the Sun - as opposed to current energy sources that came from below - Fossil fuels. This shift in energy sources, from bottom to top as it were, would merit changes in lifestyle that would benefit mankind at large. India is not an environment-friendly country at the present moment. It still pays homage to an out-dated industrial model dependent on heavy energy use and massive generation of wastes and pollution. This exhibition is one attempt to send another message to those vast numbers of Indian visitors; a message that speaks of another benign model (however small it may be) that is friendly to both man and his environment; and one which has the potential to become a viable replacement in the years to come if believed in and supported. 41

46 The target audience for this exhibition is the large numbers (1500 visitors a day on average) of visitors to Auroville. These - consisting mainly of middle/lower middle class Indians - are not exposed to or aware of the desirability of sustainable approaches to development in India. Another major target segment is the school children from and around Auroville. School children are an impressionable group who are likely to imbibe the spirit and essence of the message that this exhibition intends to communicate with sincerity and passion. An attempt is being made with the exhibition to make all the exhibition material open-source on a web platform in such a way that schools/institutions can build their own systems in more places. Visual Identity: Objective: The objective of this project was to give a strong visual identity as well as a new name to the exhibition which had thus far been called the Eco-exhibition. This project was undertaken in order to raise curiousity amongst visitors about the exhibition as well as for it to become a strong brand for a project that we hope will spread in more places. Activity details: The new name that was created is Garden of E.D.E.N. (Ecological Development and Education Now). The Visual Identity was designed taking forward the name and concept. Also what was done was to use the main identity of the exhibition and use it to create identities for each of the areas (Water, Waste, Afforestation, Energy, Educator, Architecture, Farming, Mobility) Inputs: The name was created by members of the Aurore Team and the visual identity package was designed by Nitin Garg a graphic designer based out of Delhi. Although he did the project pro bono, we presented him a gift pack with Auroville Products as a token of our appreciation. Also, the new logo was painted on a stone panel (by a sign painter from Coot Road) to announce the rechristening. Outputs: The identity is now being applied in several places such as new directional panels that have been put up in the Visitor s Center. Also the new logo has been painted onto a stone panel that announces the exhibition to visitors on their way to the Matrimandir. The new logo system will also be used for all the new projects that we do including communication that is put out in conjunction with the Educator project. New logo system 42

47 Outcome: As soon as the stone was repainted, we noticed a marked increase in the number of people coming into the exhibition as the identity and the name piqued their curiousity. Progress Timelines December 2009 February 2010 New stone attracting more visitors Panels: Objective: To put up panels between the main exhibition about Auroville to continue the conversation that is started in the exhibition. What happens without the panels is that visitors see this exhibition and then come to the eco-exhibition and there is a bit of disconnect, but there needn t be. With the panels what we hope to do is carry the conversation forward from the indoor exhibition about Auroville to the outdoor eco-exhibition. Activity details: The aesthetics of the Auroville exhibition were studied and new panels were designed that were similar in design and selection of color. Also, the phrase that describes the work exhibited in the eco-exhibition (experiments, researches, studies) which is present in one of the panels inside is echoed in these panels. Inputs: Using photographs shot over various projects the panels were designed and printed. Outputs: Four panels that start where the indoor exhibition ends and lead the visitor into the eco-exhibition. Outcome: The panels have increased the number of people visiting the eco-exhibition in such a manner that they have enhanced understanding of Auroville s work in sustainability and research goes hand in hand with the aspects of spirituality. 4 panels lead the visitor into the ecoexhibition Pedal Power Reboot: Progress Timelines Nov March 2010 Objective: For a large majority of people energy is available on demand. As result one gets used to consuming energy without any thought or understanding of what it takes to produce that energy and how it affects our environment. The objective of the initiative is to bring awareness among visitors on the effort it takes to power basic electrical appliances such as a light and fan. The objective was to rework the pedal power exhibit put in place earlier so as to communicate these issues in a plain way. Also, we worked on this with 3 students from Transition School, so an effort was made to ensure that all ideas came from them. 43

48 Activity details: The pedal power exhibit has been reworked in such a way that it is now for a single person using it. To make it more ergonomic we have now installed an exercycle which also makes it easier to maintain. The exhibit now communicates the issue, so that when the visitor is cycling there is a graphic panel with LEDs that lights up to show how much electricity he/she is producing and what household appliance can be powered up by that much. Also, at a certain point if the visitor connects their cell phone the phone will start charging and further on a radio starts playing. Thus the exhibit is now a richer sensory experience. Inputs: The project was conceptualized almost entirely by three students from Transition school, also the circuitry was built by them with help from some elders from the Auroville community. Pedal power exhibit Outputs: A single stand alone exhibit that communicates the issue of the difficulty of power generation. This exhibit will go a long way in educating people about electricity generation and consumption. Outcome: Although people were cycling earlier, we have found that more and more people are spending more time at the exhibit because of its better communication and also since it is more comfortable to ride now (and safer) children also spend a lot of time at the exhibit. Progress Timelines: September 2009 March 2010 Educator (funded by PCG): Educator with children visitors Objective: The role of the educator, eco-exhibition, in this project is to create the design, outline and content for interactive workshop modules. These modules are to be then deployed by the educator to visiting school children from rural and semi-urban areas. The workshops address issues of waste and water management and energy and aim to increase the awareness of the target audience with regards to the above mentioned issues. Activity details: Scenario one (initial stages) Research - Online: programs and practices of alternative education the world over. - Gathering inputs from varied sources in the field of water, waste, education and sustainable living - Designing of the framework of the modules - Procurement of the materials needed for the workshops - Implementing the workshops to the designated target audience 44

49 Scenario two - Conducting the workshops for the designated audience - Collecting feedback from the workshops conducted and incorporating them into consequent workshops Outputs: A number of workshops were created and tested and a foundation has been created for future educators to build on this work. Progress Timelines: January 2010 March 2010 Video Unit: Objective: To set up a video unit in the exhibition where short informational and educational videos about sustainability and the environment can be shown. The video unit is being used to make the whole experience more visual and easier to relate to. Activity details: The Video unit has been worked out in such a way that we have used a 22 LCD TV that takes video directly from a USB drive. This drive is an 8Gb drive that stores a lot of video and this means that the footprint of the whole unit is only where it is installed and makes things simpler as compared to using a DVD player. Also, we have installed a blackboard on top of this so that new videos can be easily written about and children who come to the space can use chalk to make fun drawings inspired by the videos that they have just watched. Inputs: Videos have been gathered from a number of resources from the internet. Granite boulders have been placed in a strategic manner around the television to make it comfortable for visitors to rest and watch the videos in the shade. These boulders have been painted with simple graphic murals to make the whole space more inviting. Outputs: A video unit that has a 22 LCD TV is currently playing videos such as the Story of Stuff which explains the process that a product goes through from raw material to the dump. Outcome: The idea of showing videos was to awaken a sense of environment etc. in the youth that watch these videos. We have noticed that many students now spend time in the space watching the videos and thus also end up exploring the rest of the exhibition thus gaining the knowledge being offered there. Progress Timelines: December 2009 March 2010 A visitor watching a video 45

50 Eco-exhibition Blog: Objective: One of the things that we realised with this exhibition was that many students from states and cities further up north in India cannot come and experience the exhibition and thus we should make available the content created here for educators elsewhere so that people can create their own Gardens of E.D.E.N. thus helping to spread the message. Also, on the blog we documented the process very closely so as to collaborate with people who could not give their input as they were in remote locations but would still like to be involved. Activity details: Buying a domain and setting up of the blog as the first step towards creating a portal with downloadable material. Inputs: A free blog engine called Wordpress was used for the same and hosting and domain were bought for the next three years. Outputs: The blog was set up and has been running successfully for the last few months on another domain as a test and is in the process of being shifted to thegardenofeden.in Outcome: We have had over 15 people spread over different cities in and outside India giving input. Also, it has helped in telling the story of the development of the eco-exhibition to volunteers who have expressed interest in working on the exhibition. Progress Timelines: October 2009 March 2010 Show Home / Eco House: As part of the bigger eco-exhibition, a house is planned that showcases sustainable building technologies and ecologically friendly lifestyles that have been experimented in Auroville. The intention of this project is to create a collaborative process with different experts / contributors in Auroville. This process will continue till the execution of the project. Following are the materials and techniques used. WALLING TECHNIQUES: Rammed earth walls Rammed earth walls are made by compacting layers of an earth mixture between form works. The earth mixture consists of mud, cement and sand in varying proportions. This method is mainly adopted due to its compressive strength and the high thermal capacity. 46

51 Wattle and daub Wattle and daub is a building material used for making walls, in which a woven lattice of wooden/ bamboo/ cane strips called wattle is daubed with a sticky material usually made of some combination of wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung and straw. The material is elegant and can be adopted wherever cane/bamboo is available. Rat trap bond The rat-trap bond is laid by placing the bricks on their sides having a cavity of four inches with alternate course of stretchers and headers. This wall has a thickness of nine inches with its strength equal to that of a standard nine inch brick wall. It consumes 20% less bricks and mortar, hence reducing costs. The air gap created by the bond helps maintain thermal comfort inside the building. FOUNDATION TECHNIQUES: Rammed earth foundations Rammed earth foundations are made of well graded soil with a stabilizer for water resistance and higher strength. The foundation is made in formwork, in the same way as the walls: layers of 10 cm soil are tamped down to 6-7 cm, before the next layer is filled up. ROOFING: Country tiles and Palmira rafters Half round country tiles are used in several Indian villages. The tiles are laid in pairs as under-tiles and over-tiles. Palmira rafters are used in villages due to its availability. Jack arch roofing Jack arch roofs are easy to construct, and save on cement and steel. These roofs are more appropriate in hot climates and can be constructed using compressed earth blocks, bricks. 47

52 Filler slab The idea of a filler slab is to save concrete in the making of a roof. This is achieved by using clay block, fly-ash block or hollow concrete block or even Mangalore tiles as a filler material between the concrete. About 30 to 40 per cent less concrete is used in these slabs. LINTELS: Granite slabs Stone lintels can be effectively used for openings as they eliminate the use of steel and concrete in RCC lintels. FINISHES: Lime plaster: Lime plaster is a key feature of Tamil houses. The plaster involves the application of the finely ground mixture of powdered shell, lime, jaggery and spices to walls. This technique keeps the interior of the house cool during the hot and humid Indian summers and lasts a lifetime. Mud plaster Mud plaster is usually a mixture of heavy clay and water, often containing chopped straw or manure to improve its mechanical strength when dry. FLOORING: Ips IPS is short for Indian Patent Stone and is used to describe a type of cement. It is primarily made of two layers. The bottom 30-mm-thick layer is made up of cement concrete in the ratio 1 (cement): 2 (coarse sand): 4 (stone chips of 12.5 mm nominal size). A 10-mm-thick top layer of cement mortar is then plastered on top of this hard layer of cement concrete. Typically, this top layer contains (by volume) 1 part cement and 3 parts coarse sand. Some people also add colour pigments such as red oxide or even stone chips for greater strength. 48

53 Athangudi tiles Athangudi tiles are named after the place of manufacture in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu. These tiles are handmade by a unique process using local soil and come in myriad colors and patterns Cuddapah / Tandoor flooring Cuddapah Black Limestone is one of the most popular limestone that is available in black colour. It is generally used for interiors as well as exteriors. The main attraction of this black limestone is that it is quite hard and is used in extreme temperatures. FURNITURE: Bamboo furniture Bamboo Furniture is fashionable, functional, durable and Eco-Friendly. Bamboo furniture is durable for indoor as well as outdoor settings. Local timber furniture Acacia is a local variety of hardwood which is very durable and dense, having a beautiful grain with rich colours. 49

54 Built-in furniture The usage of built-in furniture in an inexpensive choice for making built-in seats, beds, work tables, etc and this helps save on timber. DOORS: Local wood doors: Acacia is a locally available timber is hard and durable and used for doors with carvings, wood work etc. Bamboo doors Bamboo is a material of great adaptability and is widely used for pillar, linter, floor, roof, door etc. Their strength, straightness and lightness combined with extraordinary hardness, range in sizes, abundance, easy propagation and the short period in which they attain maturity make them suitable for the purpose. WINDOWS: Brick jalli A brick jalli is a brick version of traditional south Indian patterned wooden grillwork: Gaps between bricks let air and daylight through a wall, while diffusing the glare of direct sunlight. Exposed bamboo mat: Windows made of bamboo matting and these are fastened against the wall. In some cases the windows are made of split bamboos. 50

55 Rotating pivot window The simplest window consists of a vertical plank set into two holes or pivot hinges, one at the top and one at the bottom. DESIGN BRIEF: Sectional and axonometric views of walls help one understand the way the wall is built and also the material used for construction. Walls with plaster and exposed wall without plaster The internal walls can be plastered with mud plaster and the exterior walls with lime plaster. Walls that are exposed display the brick pattern as well as the natural texture of the walls. Vetiver screens It is a common practice to use the curtains made of Khus (Vetiver) roots also known as Khus Ki Tatti for cooling rooms thereby protecting from the heat waves. Solar water heater A solar water heater consists of a collector to collect solar energy and an insulated storage tank to store hot water. The solar energy incident on the absorber panel coated with selected coating transfers the hat to the riser pipes underneath the absorber panel. The water passing through the riser gets heated up and is delivered the storage tank. The water heater and the storage tank are usually placed on the roof and the hot water supply pipes are provided from the storage tank to the bathroom below. 51

56 Solar Home lighting kit Solar Home lighting System is powered by solar energy using solar cells that convert solar power energy (sunlight) directly to electricity. The electricity is stored in batteries and used for the purpose of lighting whenever required Kitchen Garden: A kitchen garden in a small area is inexpensive and helps in improving the nutrition of the people of the house. The cost of the meals can be reduced as well as an income can be obtained by selling the produce in the market Composting pit: Compost pit can be constructed in the backyard or garden or in a field. It may be single pit, two pits or tank of any sizes with brick and mortar with proper water outlets. The most convenient pit or chamber of easily manageable size is 2m x 1m x 0.75m. The size of the pits and chambers should be determined according to the volume of biomass and agricultural waste. Segregation of waste Segregate of garbage happens at its place of origin in the house - as wet / organic waste, and other dry wastes such as plastics, paper, glass, metal etc. The wet / organic waste can be composted for making organic manure to be used in the gardens / lawns of the complex. GARDEN AREA Walling: Walls using waste material Waste materials such as glass bottles, cans, plastic bottles, etc can be used as filler materials while constructing walls. 52

57 Adobe walls Adobe bricks are made from sand, clay, horse manure and water, with some kind of fibrous or organic material (sticks and/or straw,). These bricks are shaped using frames and dried in the sun. Direct shaping Direct shaping makes use of the plastic properties of earth, allowing forms to be made without the use of a mold or frame. Tire walls Waste or unused tires can be used as filler materials for walls. A house made out of old tires is economical, both in its building and in the energy efficiency of the home. Additionally, covered in adobe, a tire house can be just as attractive as any house. Guna tile roof Guna tile roof is very useful for villages. Its construction is possible only with use of Terracotta cones made by village potter and village artisans with nominal cost. Appropriate water resistant treatment can be given on top. It is cheaper by 30 percent than normal roof. 53

58 Ferro cement Ferrocement is a thin cement mortar laid over wire mesh, which acts as a reinforcement. It is relatively cheap, strong and durable, and the basic technique is easily acquired. Ferrocement is used in the construction of roof channels, doors, water tanks, latrines, slabs, etc. Bamboo structures Building with bamboo looks back on an ancient tradition in the regions in which plant grows in abundance, such as South America, South-East-Asia, etc. Bamboo is one of the oldest and strongest construction materials. DEWATS - Decentralised waste water system -Saving capital investment on sewerage systems -Reduction of operation and maintenance costs -Reuse of treated waste water for irrigation 54

59 A R A N Y A F O R E S T & S A N C T U A R Y (Soil and Water Conservation models and Trainings in a Canyon Ecosystem) Introduction: Aranya is a part of Auroville consist of nearly 100 acres of land have a unique topography, as old as sand stone rocks of Cuddalore series formed during Meiosine Period. It comprises deep ravines, wider canyon, gully, rift, puddle etc. The soil erosion was controlled by the construction of contour bunds, check dams, ponds and planted more than one lakh seedlings of indigenous species. Owing to plantation the ecosystem was changed as well as retained the landscape and habitat for the endangered plant species like Derris ovalifolia and animal, Indian eagle owl, Buboubo bengalensis. The primary objective of this project is to develop an education centre for Soil and Water conservation methods by using local venegation and also to take a part of this knowledge to the school children, College students and researchers and public in details with applicable methods and practical trainings. To achieve the project aims the following activities were carried out. Activities: Nursery Development: With the expert advice of foresters, a small nursery was established. Seed collection trips to different forest areas like Gingee forest, Tiruvannamalai Hills, Mailam, Puthupet sacred grove, Javadi Hills and the nurseries in Odukkam and Pitchandikulam resulted in a fine cross section of native genetic stock. The nursery was able to germinate and grow its own seedlings for plantation in Aranya Forest and Sanctuary. Formation of Eco-Clubs: Totally six eco-clubs have been established in three different villages in Manaveli (1club), Poothurai (3 clubs) and Thirucitrambalam (2 clubs). Mostly the students are members. They regularly visited Aranya Forest and were involved in nursery and plantation activities. At the same time they have learned a lot from College students and researchers who are often visiting the Aranya. The following rules and regulations were laid down for the eco-clubs: Each club will elect by consensus a Coordinator and an assistant Coordinator; a Secretary and a Minutes Keeper. Each club will maintain: an attendance register, an accounts book and a minutes book. Each member of the eco-club is expected to pay a monthly subscription, which will be collected by the Secretary and Minutes Keeper and accounted for. The money will be utilized for undertaking activities of the eco-club. Each club will not be beyond the size of members to enable effectiveness, learning and sharing. Attendance is compulsory for continuing membership in the club. Three weeks of continuous absence will automatically cancel membership from the club, unless a written explanation is provided to the general body. 55

60 Training cum Exposure visits: Aranya is hosting a large number of visitors particularly the school children from government and private schools, mentally retarded children, non-governmental organizations, and self help groups to learn about soil and water conservation, indigenous and local species found in tropical dry evergreen forests, composting, vermi-compost, environmental issues including biodiversity, cultural diversity and climate change. In total 885 students became aware and understood better about Environmental impacts and especially on Soil and Water Management measures. List of Exposure visits and training programmes conducted in Aranya is given below. Date Name of the School No. of students J.B. Higher Secondary School, 45 Pondicherry Suriya Udayam Empowerment School, 90 (2 groups) Odiyampattu K.F.I. School, Chennai Maruthi Matric Higher Secondary 90 School, Pondicherry Teachers from Navalar School, 6 Pondicherry Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, 50 Kathirkaman, Pondicherry School students from Bangalore Sabari Education Institute, B.Ed., & 100 D.T.Ed students - 2 days workshop on Soil and Water Management Students from USA Patric Higher Secondary School, 80 Pondicherry Sri Manakula Vinayagar Nursing 20 College Govt. Higher Secondary School, 60 Kariyamanikkam Holly Flowers English Higher 58 Secondary School Govt. Girls Higt. Sec. School, Kalaypet Govt. High. Sec. School, Darmapuri 100 (2 groups) Navalar Nedunchezhian Govt. School Bharathiyar Kalai Koodam, Pondicherry

61 The children spent some time understanding the species planted and the manner in which they were being protected. Later they visited Aranya (Forest and Sanctuary) to understand soil and water conservation measures, the importance of indigenous coastal vegetation and the large amount of time, efforts and resources required for rehabilitating degraded ecosystems. In the afternoon they participated in a craft workshop in which they learnt to draw and express themselves through art, and paper cover making. Following the exposure visit much enthusiasm has been generated among the children of the village who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the rains to assisting in planting and aftercare of plantation. Result of drawing competition Nursery raising training (Eco club from Poothurai Village) 57

62 B I C Y C L E F R I E N D L Y A R E A D E S I G N W O R K S H O P A series of informal talks with many Aurovilians in early 2009 lead to the idea that if we can envision a bicycle friendly environment at Auroville, it could perhaps encourage human powered and other alternative means of transport. Thus started an initiative, where we design for a collective cause and not just individual need. A month long intensive collaborative design workshop was organized at Auroville from 18 May to 17 June, Sixteen young designers from all over India with backgrounds of architecture, product design, graphic design and retail design were selected to Road sign logo participate after a review of their portfolio and references. They were mentored closely by ten Auroville experts with background in architecture, building materials, landscaping, collaborative processes, project management, product design and renewable energy. The aim of the workshop was twofold: 1. To explore a model for collaboration with external professionals 2. To demonstrate few concepts for a bicycle friendly environment within 30 days using local materials and a limited budget of Rs 1.5 lakh ($3000). The aim of Bicycle Friendly Area design workshop is to research, conceptualize and prototype a few components of environment (pathways, shelters, lighting, signage and accessories) using local and natural materials to create new forms with minimal eco footprint. Guiding principles for the workshop: 1. The design ideas are to emerge from a collaborative process 2. The results are to be put into public domain as open source for anyone to take them further without copyright issues. 3. The workshop is to be supported from gestures of good will from stakeholders rather than registration fee or commercial sponsors. We are very pleased that we have been able to put into practice these underlying principles and successfully demonstrated the prototypes in a somewhat challenging environment. The hot summer days with temperature hovering at 38 degrees C, lack of basic office spaces, frequent power cuts, minimal budget, experts traveling out of station and widely scattered workshops are some of the challenges that turned the workshop into a wonderful adventure. Outputs: 58

63 In just 30 days, the 26 member multidisciplinary design team most of whom have never worked with each other before have conducted field research with users, generated dozens of ideas, selected and detailed several concepts and constructed prototypes of: 1. Covered parking 2. Open parking 3. Road crossing 4. Resting area 5. Cycle map 6. Path lighting 7. Cycle accessories saddle bag, torch holder, handle hook Outcomes: There were 16 Participants - young professionals and graduate students (architecture, product design, graphic design, retail design) and 10 Auroville mentors (architecture, engineering, design, project management, landscaping) The project resulted in a successful collaboration between several Auroville units and services: Auroville Community Transport Aurore Auroville Design Consultants Auroville Road Services Bamboo Research Centre Buildaur Center for Scientific Research College Guest House Mona Doctor-Pingel Prashant Hedao Raghu Kolli SAIIER Solar Kitchen Upasana Integral Design Process methodology: Orientation and Field Research Firsthand experience of cycling in Auroville Orientation with senior Auroville experts and mentors Introduction to Auroville architecture Team building with improvisation theatre Findings: Data Research questions Photo observations Spot Questionnaire Individual interviews Focus Group Collective analysis Results of research Presentation of results and user feedback 59

64 Idea Sketches and Concepts: Dream catching Auryaj Stone Works Earth Institute Bamboo Research Center Matrimandir Collective ideation sessions with mentors Evening ideation on lighting Ideas from discussions Site study at Solar Kitchen area Selection of concepts with mentors Selected concepts Shelter Handlebar hook Torch holder Saddle bag Open parking Resting area Motorcycle barrier Crossing Presentation of concepts and user feedback Bicycle Friendly Area Design Workshop Selected concepts Selection of concepts with mentors Models & Drawings for Solar Kitchen Parking Area: Early morning yoga Detailing, site marking, budgeting Detailed drawings Models and prototypes Testing of prototype Presentation of models and user feedback Bicycle Friendly Area Design Workshop Construction and Demonstration of Products: Labour and materials management Hands-on construction work Slinky Natural disorder of parking into an aesthetic art experience Shelter with bamboo and canvas for local assembly Location specific resting and meeting area under the shade of a tree Prevents motorcycles from entering cycle paths Convergence towards Matrimandir and naming of paths and junctions after trees and flowers Speed breaker to slow down motor vehicles so that cyclists can safely cross over on the elevated path Solar powered LEDs embedded in pillars come on automatically and go off at timed interval Simple and affordable convenience solutions for everyday needs 60

65 Collectively, the examples demonstrate an integrated bicycle friendly environment at Auroville. The results clearly show the spirit of Auroville reflected in the designs through the conscious use of local materials and techniques, the aesthetics of simplicity and sensitivity to human nature. This is only a first step and much needs to be done to realize the vision of a bicycle friendly Auroville. Fortunately, the support for the cause is growing with many individuals, interest groups and Business Units coming forward to join the movement. We gracefully acknowledge the goodwill and efforts of the young and dynamic participants, the mentors and all the sponsors as well as many other individuals who supported us generously. We sincerely offer the demonstration prototypes and designs to the Auroville Community and wish to see the dream of a bicycle friendly Auroville come true in the near future. Process / Timelines: 10 April deadline submission of applications 15 April selection of participants 18 May 17 June workshop 16 June Demonstration of prototypes Remarks: Auroville Radio and Auroville Today have special program and article on the project. Typical Auroville cycle pat Participants and mentors Profiles of few participants 61

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67 *** CENTRE OF ARTS, CRAFTS AND TECHNOLOGY U N I T S ***

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69 Goals/Objectives: The aim of Aurofilm is to use Cinema as a tool for education, and artistic and creative research. By providing regular showings of high quality films our wish is to offer to the Auroville community a way to develop taste and discernment. In order to fulfill our goal, contact, research and gathering of documentation on Cinema generally and particularly the work of various Indian organizations and individuals that relate to Cinema in India (doing research, production, promotion and preservation of films from India and the world) is a must. Programs and Activities: Aurofilm provides regular film-screenings for the community of Auroville. In addition to that, we hold at least one annual thematic film festival and other film related activities. For this, we elaborate and organize the weekly program, requesting, renting or borrowing films that are available in India. Our work is therefore to contact the different organizations and companies holding rights or custody of the selected films, like the National Film Archive of India (NFAI, Pune) and Directorate of Film Festivals of India (DFFI, New Delhi) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, GOI; the Embassy of France in Delhi that lends us the film we chose from their list of 35mm English subtitled prints; and some commercial distributors in Chennai and Mumbai who send us what we request upon a concessional fee. Apart from these, we may directly ask Indian film directors, producers and individuals having commercial rights or authorizations for Indian films to send it to us a film for our non commercial film show (most of the time with English subtitles). See this year s program hereunder. Preparing a film screening at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium Among the best films selected, some of the best Western classics were: the mythical Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête) by Jean Cocteau in 1946, Lift to the Gallows (Ascenseur pour l échafaud) by Louis Malle in 1957 (both French) and Jean-Luc Godard s Breathless (A bout de souffle) in1959, Suspicion by Alfred Hitchkock in 1941 (USA) and The Falcons (Magasiskola) by Istvan Gaal from Hungary in For Japan, we had Floating Clouds by Mikio Naruse in 1961 and two Italians with Antonioni s Chronicle of a Love (1950) and Rossellini s Voyage to Italy (1953). Some of the best Indian classics were Satyajit Ray s Jalssaghar (The Music Room), Ritwik Ghatak s Ajjantrik (The Unmechanic) both made in 65

70 1958 and Kerala s first colour film Chemeen by Ramu Kariat in All these Indian films (as well as Antonioni, Istvan Gaal and Hitchcock) are treasures kept by NFAI in Pune. French films are kept by the Embassy of France. For the epics, we had Peter Brook s amazing Mahabharata with its international cast (1989), Jacques Rivette s two films Joan the Maid (Jeanne la Pucelle) on Joan of Arc and two Japanese films by Akira Kurosawa: Kagemusha and Ran. The Indian epic was Taj Mahal An Eternal Love Story by Akbar Khan, 2006 and re-released in We had some very good recent Indian films with Little Zizou by Soni Tarapolevala in 2008 and Shyam Benegal s latest film Welcome to Sajjanpur. After that and in a kind of fireworks for the closing of the year, we had 6 recent Indian films with our Indian Panorama of Contemporary Indian Cinema This year, our guests were the great Malayalam director Shaji N. Karun presenting his latest film, Kutty Srank, and Mr. Anurag Misra, director (PFF) at DFFI, Delhi. We could also have a special Spanish film evening with 2 films introduced by a delegation of Spanish film actors and directors. This event has been organized jointly with the Spanish Pavilion of Auroville. These two festivals have made a good impact as the films were of great interest and high quality. Also, for both festivals, film personalities were present to introduce the events, which always contribute to make a memorable event. In December, thanks to a well known French scriptwriter and film director, Michel Spinosa, who was in Auroville for two months, we have been able to organize a Workshop of Script Writing. This very interesting workshop ran for two weeks in our Kalabhoomi film studio for a group of adults, Aurovilians, volunteers and friends of Auroville. Inputs: Script writing with Michel Spinosa With our monthly budget we organize the film screenings that we present in the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium in the Bharat Nivas / Pavilion of India. The set of two 35 mm cine-projectors (we operate ourselves) takes care of our weekly film projections and the yearly film festival that has an average of 6 films in a week-end (plus 2 films during the Spanish Film Festival this year). The auditorium is now comfortable for the benefit of the audience, with good seats and air conditioning. Our building in Kalabhoomi, in the Cultural Zone of Auroville serves well its purpose as far as the administration, research work and the film making, workshops, discussions and exchanges are concerned. With this year s equipment grant, we could purchase and set a new powerful computer for film editing purpose, a glass almirah to store a good part of our books related to Cinema, and a wireless microphone for the new digital camera. Apart from the regular budget, we do benefit from regular and/or occasional contributions from Aurovilians or Auroville units who like to support our service knowing our tight financial situation. These donations are mainly used in the upkeep of the office, the film making activity and making copies of our films and printing of CD covers for distribution of those films. 66

71 Gérard and Surya are the main people in charge of the service. Vishal and Catherine helped us in the research work, organizing events and film making, while Tushita designed the festival brochures and posters. We still would like to be able to upgrade the Aurofilm building that still needs finishing. We have a room currently being used as a storage place. It could well be equipped with inbuilt desks and shelves and become an editing/recording studio. This would enable us to welcome one or two students or researchers in Cinema and film making. So far this has not been possible. Outputs: Film screenings for the community: All along the year, we organize the weekly 35 mm film program at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium. The audience for these regular film shows has an average of 250/300 people of mixed nationalities and cultures. This year, a total of 53 films have been projected (please see Program attached). Other activities this year: Outcomes: A short film reporting the visit in Auroville of a great Indian educationist, Professor Chittaranjan Das shooting and interview in Auroville schools and other places, and editing; several versions have been made according to the people who were given the film. Copies were distributed in the different concerned schools and learning centres where Pr. Das has interacted. All versions are kept at SAIIER office for record. 2 short films about the Citadine housing project in the centre of Auroville construction phase open house on 24 March (project completed) A short film about the inauguration of a new building phase at the Nandanam Kindergarten. Copies were distributed to the Nandanam team and SAIIER. A workshop on Script Writing 2 Film Festivals in Auroville our annual 3-day Indian Contemporary Indian Film Festival, and a Spanish film evening with 2 most recent films, Attending the 10 day International Film Festival at Panaji (40 th IFFI, Goa) to make contacts and select films for our Auroville film shows and festival. Cinema is an amalgamation of different art forms and is thus whole and complete. It is our conviction that cinema for those with an eagerness to learn is a communication channel through which one can relate with their own inner beings and that of the others. This aspect of cinema makes so much sense and encourages us as Aurovilians to strive towards the aspect of human unity. Also cinema is experiential in the very event that it creates an opportunity for people to literally come together and share their perspectives. Watching both fiction and documentary films give one a new perspective on life and through this pursuit one develops discernment. While it is of utmost importance to choose the right type of film to be screened in a place like Auroville, that choice should not necessary stem from a moralistic standpoint. Needless to say, the quality of the vibration that drives the physical manifestation of 35mm film projection is higher and better left uncompared with a digital video presentation which is electronic and a virtual representation. 67

72 Process timeline: Research, evaluation and selection are an evolutionary process for us as far as cinema is concerned. We do this through weekly film shows and festivals during a calendar year, reading books and by giving classes or talks on film at Kalabhoomi. We are grateful to be able to consecrate our work to Aurovilians, guests and people of the world at large. By this endeavour we feel that some action is done and it does work on all the levels of our consciousness. Perhaps this brings us closer to our aim of transforming human nature. FILM FESTIVALS IN AUROVILLE Goals/Objectives: The main objective is to expose the audience to different cultures and experience through good cinema. Cinema as a complete art form is a valuable tool to understand and transform our human nature and relations. The aim is to present quality cinematic works of film artists from India and the world thus bringing to Auroville and sharing with the residents and guests, a synthesis to help open new avenues on art and culture. A thematic festival helps in giving the audience a better exposure to alternative, experimental and art cinema. In the context of an Indian panorama, the main interest is to discover the different arts, culture and specificities of the many Indian states. Similarly, focusing on one country s films helps to learn about or go deeper into the concerned nation s spirit. Program / Activity details: A. Attending the IFFI in Goa (Please refer to the other attached report) B. A Panorama of Contemporary Indian Cinema This film festival was held on 5, 6 and 7 March, 2010 at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, Bharat Nivas. The 12-day special collection of IFFI 2009 at Goa showcased 26 feature films from all over India and we chose 6 feature films and a short film for Auroville, according to the following diversity. Most of the films selected were by debutant directors. - Pasanga, a Tamil film about its director (Pandiraj) s childhood memories as a village boy. - Ijjodu, a film by veteran director M.S. Sathyu, in Kannada language, focusing on the encounter of a photo journalist and a woman who was made a Basavi to be offered at the altar of the village deity. - The White Elephant, a Hindi film which explores one of these mystical stories taking place in a small village of Kerala and shows the strength of faith and the impact of believing. - Kutty Srank, a film in Malayalam dealing with cinema as a lie of the magic delivered from being truth as stated by its director, Shaji N. Karun, who was here in Auroville to present the film before its official release. - Dwando, a Bengali film that looks at a young woman s ethical dilemma involving her personal relationship with her husband, and whose choices could affect several people with significant and cascading repercussions. How she accepts being relieved of all the tension with the help of an old neurologist played by Soumitra Chatterjee. - Naanum Oru Penn, a Tamil short film which tells in a sensitive, although simple way, the story of a transgender person and her struggle for recognition and acceptance at her work place. 68

73 - Firaaq, a film in Hindi by renowned actress Nandita Das that traces the emotional journeys of ordinary people a month after a horrific communal carnage, thus relating to the impact of violence on human psyche and relationships. The Directorate of Film Festivals (DFFI), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India was the source of procuring these 35mm films. Mr. Anurag Misra, director at DFFI for the Indian Panorama, was our guest. Surya and Vishal opened the festival on stage followed by the latter giving a brief introduction to each of the films prior to its screening. Mr. Misra, director (PFF) at DFFI, gave an introduction to the event and talked about the role of DFFI, which is the body in charge of organizing the international and national film festivals in India and which take care to send all prints required by all film festivals abroad; Mr. Shaji N. Karun, accompanied by his music director, Mr. Isaac Thomas, introduced his latest film, Kutty Srank in Malayalam. These introductions help the audience to clearly see Mr Misra (DFFI) & Surya open the festival the role of exhibiting such films and orient themselves to the subject of the film that they are going to see and thus hopefully improve their receptivity. A brochure containing the program of the film festival with an introduction to the festival and summaries of the chosen films was distributed to the audience before the show and the same given to the SAIIER and different parties involved as part of special invitation. Posters of small and large size were put up at all public places in Auroville prior to the festival as part of the publicity for the event. The original design of the brochures and posters were courtesy from Tushita. There was a tea and light snack break between two feature length films. Interactive conference with S. Karun On Saturday afternoon, we had organized in the Aurofilm Studio at Kalabhoomi an interactive conference animated by Mr. Karun about his work, and the situation of Indian Cinema. Drupad, our Auroville mime artist, offered a short performance on stage before a screening, representing the reactions of a spectator in the movie hall, as well as a filmmaker directing his film. We also had organized that the festival and the conference would be recorded on camera for the purpose of making of a short film about the event. C. A Spanish film evening This special film evening was held on Sunday 21 March, 2010 at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium. Aurofilm and the Spanish Cultural Pavilion of Auroville collaborated on the occasion of the 5 th edition of the Spanish Film Festival in India touring in Delhi and Chennai this year. The Spanish Aurovilians had organized that at least a few films forming the initial package could be secured and shown in Auroville after their Chennai screenings, and a delegation of Spanish film actors, 69

74 film directors and directors of Cultural Centers related to India like the Instituto Cervantes in Delhi and Casa de la India in Valladolid, Spain would grace Auroville with their presence. A poster and announcements were made for the occasion. For these two events and apart from organizing the invitation and reception of the related guests, our work consisted of physically editing and unediting the films before and after the projection, in accordance with the logistical cycle of receiving and sending back the films. But before that and the projections, comes the part of fixing a date for the event according to availability at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, making enquiries about film print availability and depending on that, booking and scheduling. This is preceded by doing research and enquiries about the chosen films and film directors. Also, requests for write-ups and photographs pertaining to the chosen films and guests invited were made. Inputs: Part of the funding for the festival was allocated to Gérard to go and attend the IFFI 2010 in Goa to select films for the Auroville Panorama and do the necessary contacts. On another hand, since we saw that we would be short of funds for our Auroville panorama, we asked SAIIER permission to use part of a budget we had required for film making. All these funds, were used for transport of equipment and conveyance, transport charges of the film prints, printing of posters and brochures, food and snacks, transports of our guests, salary to a projectionist, our office helper, and allowance to Catherine and Vishal for their work contribution, communication expenditures (announcements, postage, fax, & telephone), purchase of books, various small equipment materials pertaining to the conference event and film projection items and fixing, servicing of the cine-projectors and carbons for the projection. Outputs: The Indian Panorama was a 3-day event dedicated to contemporary Indian cinema with the publication of a brochure on the films selected for the event. There were two film shows per evening and about 150 people were present at every show. We have printed 150 brochures. Some recordings with digital cameras and editing of the material have been done in order to keep track of the event and its contents for the Film Institute. This is available on a DVD. The Spanish film evening was a mini festival that showcased two most recent films from Spain, introduced by a Spanish delegation. Outcome: The tea-break provided some space for the audience for communicating and exchanging on the screened films and about Indian and Spanish cinema separately. From the feedback we got from a part of the audience, the two festivals have been very well received. Western spectators are not used to the way stories are told in India in a film; the pace is quite different and they have to adjust. Some subjects can be similar in the West (Pasanga s theme for instance) or totally foreign like Ijjodu. This Indian panorama was a chance for the audience hailing from different countries and diverse cultures to have an insight into India to understand both its rural and urban problems and possible solutions, and see the way filmmakers of this country (mostly with their film debuts) express themselves through this powerful and creative media. The Spanish films were equally surprising for many. One was dealing with a young solitary boy with a passion for birds and animals, and his difficulties with the reality; the other one dealing with the Spanish Basque region and the security problems brought about by the ETA s deadly separatist actions there. 70

75 Process timeline: We are grateful to have been able to organize the film festival in a rather short time with our concentrated efforts as Goa IFFI takes place shortly before our film festival in Auroville. As such, the time required for the making of this kind of event is subject to the availability of appropriate material for the purpose as well as the availability of Sri Aurobindo Auditorium at Bharat Nivas as a venue. ATTENDING IFFI GOA, 2009 Goals/Objectives: Cinema in its completeness as a form of art is a valuable tool to transform human nature and relations. Aurofilm aims at fostering education, research and personal progress through the medium of cinema. We make sure that the weekly programs and special events we organize in Auroville are enriching and for the benefit of all. In order to promote meaningful and artistic cinema we require contacts and at the same time introduction of Auroville to the world of films. The above mentioned two aspects are the primary objectives of attending the film festival in Goa. We intend to eventually share this work at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium through film projections encouraging the audience to share views on an interactive platform. Program/Activity details: The international film festival of India is an annual event organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals of India (DFFI), a Government of India (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting) organization that promotes the best in terms of Cinema and organizes a film market for its distribution. It is a twelve-day event that is now permanently set up in the capital of Goa, Panaji. There, all the people related to film gather around the new film productions as well as the older ones. Different categories are set which include: a Competition Section with Films From the World, a Film India Worldwide, some Countries in Focus, Indian Panorama, Retrospectives, a Special Section, Tributes, Documentaries and Short Films and of course forums, discussion panels, press conferences and exhibitions. Concerts and traditional dance performances are also provided. Indeed Cinema is a complete art form that contains all expressions of art and artists performances. For Aurofilm, as far as programming is concerned, to go and attend one of India s international film festivals is always a valuable activity as we do not have many opportunities at our disposal to know about the Indian and international film production basically to see these films be they old films or recent, Indians or foreign. We also need to meet the people we are in contact with, all along the years, in the distribution field. To meet new people in the film profession is also benefiting for the development of our research work, educational activities and programs in the Auroville film institute. Inputs: We had submitted a request to attend the Goa festival 2009 but unfortunately this activity could not be granted. However, since we felt that to attend this festival was indeed a great help to our work, and because we had been allocated part of the budget from another source (the Auroville 71

76 Project Coordination Group), we had decided that one person of the Aurofilm team would go this year. We have used part of funds reserved for our project of Film Festival in Auroville required for this year. This minimal amount has been used for accommodation. The other grant took care of other expenses like transportation, entry fee to the festival, food, telephone and , publications, books and other miscellaneous expenses. Outputs: The Indian films selected for watching during the festival include potentially suitable films for further screening in Auroville whenever they will be available for our screenings. The valuable contacts with the director of DFFI, Mr. SM Khan, and the directors for the Indian Panorama enables us to organize an Indian Panorama in Auroville in March 2010 where six most recent productions from different states of India were showcased (please see our Report on that activity). Some foreign film kept at DFFI as well might be available later. Outcome: Film boxes for the Indian Panorama Attending this film festival was a good opportunity for Aurofilm to keep track of what happens in the area of film production from India and the world as a reference. On a more practical level, through the contacts we are able to make or maintain with the film personalities we met there, Auroville eventually benefits in being exposed to quality Indian and world cinema in the form of screenings, either as a part of our weekly film shows or in a thematic film festival we organize. Also, through this experience Auroville is known as a place where culture and art is a major component and the promotion of quality cinema is an important aspect. Gérard had the privilege to watch around 35 films of diverse genres, from India and the world over. This is valuable as reference and study within the framework of the Auroville Film Institute where films are not only shown but are also made. This activity is therefore our participation in increasing awareness and imparting education about cinema and its various nuances in Auroville and the region. Process timeline: The festival duration was eleven days. Gérard attended ten of them. Back in Auroville, the task is for our little team to follow up on this event by doing more research on the film makers and their films, contact the people that have been met, organise film screenings for the year to come and a film festival or two if possible. All this work will bear fruits in the months to come and we are most happy and thankful to be able to do along the years. 72

77 Date Year of Production Country Duration Sl No Title Director Language Source APRIL INTO THE WILD 2008 SEAN PENN USA ENGLISH/FR EST 2H23' DVD AUROFILM A BOUT DE SOUFFLE / BREATHLESS 1959 JEAN-LUC GODARD FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.30' FE TAJ MAHAL - AN AKBAR ETERNAL LOVE STORY 2005 AKBAR KHAN INDIA HINDI/EST 2H.20' KHAN WELCOME TO SAJJANPUR 2007 SHYAM BENEGAL INDIA HINDI/EST 2h.13' UTV Mumbai MAY JEAN DE LA FONTAINE 2006 DANIEL VIGNE FRANCE FRENCH/EST FE THE MAHABHARATA - part I 1989 PETER BROOK THE MAHABHARATA - part II 1989 PETER BROOK UK/FR/U S ENGLISH/FR EST 1H.33' UK/FR/U S ENGLISH/FR EST 1H.10' 22 & 29 no films - summer break DVD AUROFILM DVD AUROFILM JUNE & 12 no films - summer break 8 19 MOLIERE - part I MOLIERE - part II 1978 ARIANE MNOUCHKINE FRANCE FRENCH/EST ARIANE MNOUCHKINE FRANCE FRENCH/EST JULY 2009 DVD AUROFILM DVD AUROFILM 10 3 MA SAISON PREFERE / MY FAVORITE SEASON AUSTRALIA 2008 ANDRE TÉCHINÉ FRANCE FRENCH/EST 2H.05' FE BAZ LUHRMANN USA ENGLISH 3H.15' SPI/SATHY AM VIAGGIO IN ITALIA / A TRIP IN ITALY 1953 ROBERTO ROSSELLINI ITALY ENGLISH 1H.10' GREETINGS FROM AUROVILLE 2009 AUROFILM INDIA ENGLISH 29' THE THIRD MAN 1949 CAROL REED USA ENGLISH/EST 1H.44' JALSAGHAR / THE MUSIC ROOM 1958 SATYAJIT RAY INDIA BENGALI/EST 1H.50' NFAI THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON 2008 DAVID FINCHER ENGLISH ENGLISH 2H.45' DVD AUROFILM DVD AUROFILM DVD AUROFILM WARNER BROS. 73

78 Date Year of Production Country Duration Sl No Title Director Language Source AUGUST LITTLE ZIZOU 2008 SOONI TARAPOREVA LA INDIA HINDI/EST 1H.41' DFFI GREETINGS FROM AUROVILLE 2009 AUROFILM INDIA ENGLISH 29' ASCENSEUR POUR L'ECHAFAUD / 16 FRANTIC 1957 LOUIS MALLE FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.30' FE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE ANDREW COWARD 2007 DOMINIK USA ENGLISH 3H CRONACA DI UN AMORE / CHRONICLE OF A LOVE 1950 DVD AUROFILM WARNER BROS. M.A. ANTONIONI ITALY ITALIAN/EST 1H.50' NFAI SIKANDAR - Ayesha Kapoor 2009 PIUSH JHA INDIA HINDI 1H.50' SEPTEMBER 2009 ADLABS CHEN MAUVAISE FOI TEN 2002 ROSCHDY ZEM FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H28' FE ABAS DVD KIAROSTAMI IRAN PERSIAN/EST 1H.29' AUROFILM THE FALCONS / MAGASISKOLA 1969 ISTVAN GAAL HUNGARY HUNG./EST 1H.27' NFAI From 23rd to 27th Sept. : 1st Auroville Film/Video Festival LES SOEURS FACHEES / ME AND MY SISTER 2004 LA BELLE ET LA BETE / BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 1946 OCTOBER 2009 ALEXANDRA LECLERE FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.34' DVD FE JEAN COCTEAU FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.36' FE SATURDAY NIGHT SUNDAY MORNING 1960 KAREL REISZ GB ENGLISH 1H29' NFAI "9" (Animated film) 2009 SHANE ACKER USA ENGLISH 1h.31' GRAN TORINO 2009 CLINT EASTWOOD USA ENGLISH 1H.56' NOVEMBER 2009 SPI SATHYAM WARNER BROS LA FRANCE 2007 SERGE BOZON FRANCE FRENCH/EST FE NAYAK - THE HERO 1966 SATYAJIT RAY INDIA BENGALI/EST 2H. NFAI No film (Surya T.O.S.) No film - Aurofilm at IFFI (T.O.S. from 23 Nov. to 3 Dec. for IFFI) 74

79 Date Year of Production Country Duration Sl No Title Director Language Source DECEMBER DERNIER MAQUIS / THE LAST JUNGLE 2007 RABAH AMEUR- ZAIMECH FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.45' FE No film - Norman's play - THE CARETAKER CHEMMEEN / SHIRIMPS 1965 RAMU KARIAT INDIA MALAYAL/EST 2H.10' NFAI LE FANTOME D'HENRI LANGLOIS (documentary) 2004 JACQUES RICHARD FRANCE FRENCH/EST DVD AUROFILM JANUARY DANS LA VIE / INTO LIFE 2008 REGIS FAUCON FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.13' FE 35 9 RAN / CHAOS 1985 AKIRA KUROSAWA JAPAN/F R. JAP/EST 2H.37' DVD Aurofilm AJAANTRIK / THE RITWIK UNMECHANIC 2005 GHATAK INDIA BENGALI/EST NFAI RIDICULE 1996 PATRICE LECONTE FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.42' FE FLOATING CLOUDS DVD (UKIGUMO) 1961 MIKIO NARUSE JAPAN JAP/EST 2H03' Aurofilm SUSPICION 1941 KAGEMUSHA --- in collaboration with ONE ASIA FEBRUARY 2010 LE FEU FOLLET / THE FIRE WITHIN 1963 LOUIS MALLE FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.50' FE ALFRED HITCHCOCK USA ENGLISH 1H40' NFAI AKIRA KUROSAWA JAPAN JAP/EST 3H05' SHERLOCK HOLMES 2009 GUY RITCHIE USA ENGLISH 1H.40' MARCH 2010 DVD Olivier B. WARNER BROS. PANORAMA OF INDIAN CINEMA pm Inauguration and PASANGA 2009 PANIDIRAJ INDIA TAMIL/EST 2H.30 DFFI 44 " 9.00 pm IJJODU 2009 MS SATHYU INDIA KANNADA/EST 1H.30' DFFI pm Interaction in Aurofilm/Kalabhoomi around Indian Cinema with Shaji N. Karun and Anurag Misra from DFFI 6.00 pm THE WHITE 45 " ELEPHANT 2009 AIJAS KHAN INDIA HINDI/EST 1H.55' DFFI presented by 46 " 8.30 pm-kutty SRANK 2009 Shaji N. Karun INDIA MALAYALAM/EST DFFI pm DWANDO 2009 INDIA DFFI 8.15 pm NAANUN V. 48 " ORU PENN (short film) 2009 RAMANATHAN INDIA TAMIL/ENG/EST 10' DFFI 49 " 8.30 pm FIRAAQ 2008 NANDITA DAS INDIA HINDI/EST 1H.40' DFFI TOUT EST PARDONNÉ 2007 MIA HANSEN- LØVE FRANCE FRENCH/EST 1H.45' FE 75

80 Date Year of Production Country Duration Sl No Title Director Language Source SPANISH FILM EVENING WITH SPANISH DELEGATION " pm PETIT INDI - LITTLE INDI 2009 MARC RECHA SPAIN SPANISH/EST 8.00 pm TODOS ESTAMOS INVITADOS M. GUTIERREZ All are invited 2009 ARAGON SPAIN SPANISH/EST 1H.33' JEANNE LA PUCELLE - PART I: LES JACQUES BATAILLES 1993 RIVETTE FRANCE FRENCH/EST SPANISH PAV. SPANISH PAV. DVD Aurofilm Film boxes to be sent back to their distributors 76

81 C R I P A (CENTRE FOR RESEARCH IN PERFORMING ARTS) To become ourselves is the one thing to be done; but the true ourselves is that which is within us, and to exceed our outer self of body, life and mind is the condition for this highest being, which is our true and divine being, to become self-revealed and active. The Life Divine, Sri Aurobindo. The CRIPA project, an educational project under SAIIER, will be located within the Cultural Zone of Auroville, and over the course of time this project aims to provide a range of performance spaces, including a theatre, a music auditorium, a ballet and contemporary dance space, a classical-indian dance space and an open-air performance space, for the exploration and development of these art forms in the context and aims of Auroville. Alongside these primary spaces various ancillary facilities are also foreseen, such as workshops for costume, lighting and stage design, rehearsal spaces of varying size, classrooms, an arts library and a café, as well as accommodation for guest teachers, artists and residents who are connected with the Cultural Zone. The project was envisaged as a section of the 'university campus' which will be dedicated to researching those aspects of human development centred in the 'vital' domain, and from a planning perspective this section is not only located on the Crown Road, but also happens to coincide with one of the axes which radiate out from the Matrimandir Gardens. Further study is needed for the exact placement. The facilities and workshops specific to each discipline are clearly intended to be grouped around each main performance space, for ease of access and to facilitate transfer of finished props and costumes, however the requirement of achieving balanced solutions to the students need for quiet focussed practice, whilst simultaneously maintaining an air of openness and transparency, will be considered at all times as the project develops. Another way in which it is hoped to encourage a degree of inter-disciplinary crossfertilisation, is through a decentralised changing exhibition which would connect the various elements of the project through the provision of visual links guiding people to their desired location, whilst simultaneously informing them of the research and activities. 77

82 AUROVILLE MULTI-PURPOSE REHEARSAL SPACE: The First Phase of this project is intended to be a large-scale rehearsal space, designed acoustically and practically in such a way so as to be beneficial to all the disciplines. The initial parameters, agreed to by the dance, music and theatre representatives, included a timber-floored 22x13.5x6 metre space with variable acoustic treatment, a piano/music room, storage rooms of various sizes, male/female toilet/changing facilities and both an internal and external entrance lobby. The final design, which evolved over a number of sessions with the core group, consists of a rectilinear hall dimensioned to include the required floor area and acoustic considerations, surrounded by a lower 3.5 metre high circular building containing all the support facilities. The group decided to go ahead with the main hall, including the wooden floor and full acoustic treatment, and to complete the ancillary facilities once the funding becomes available. We are almost at the completion of the First Phase of this Multi-Purpose Rehearsal Space for this year, which includes the installation of the 80 acoustic panels, a wooden sprung floor, a 20 m. long dance mirror, and overhead light grid. We look forward to using the building when the First Phase is finished. Phase Two includes individual music practice rooms, two classrooms, storage for costumes and props, toilets and changing rooms, two storerooms. 78

83 H I N D U S T A N I C L A S S I C A L M U S I C Objective: The goals and objectives of this activity are to enable the Indian residents of Auroville to keep in touch with Hindustani Music and to present the opportunity of a better understanding of this art form to the multi-cultural setting of Auroville, for a glimpse or an experience of its psyche. These classes have been going on since 2002 in different locations at the Bharat Nivas and they are at present happening in the Auditorium office space. Students are mainly adult Aurovilians but since some months a group of young children have also joined. That makes at present for about 10 adults and 8 children. Outputs: The children group sang in the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium for the One Asia festival held in Auroville in February Outcomes: The younger generation is taking interest in Hindustani Music promises the continuity of this art form in Auroville. The children group performing at the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium 79

84 K A L A B H U M I M U S I C S T U D I O Kalabhumi music studio is a place for Aurovillians and their guests to practice and perform music. Focusing mainly on amplified music of all kinds, it is a fully equipped space including, P.A and sound system, acoustic and electric pianos, drum set, and many other tools and equipment. It is open daily throughout the year, and is used by individuals for practice, bands, ensembles, as well as teachers for classes. Increasingly over the last few years the music studio has become a place that has been able to support young people to come and learn and practice music. Within Auroville a number of talented young musicians have emerged, and the studio is the perfect place for them to learn how to be in a band or group for the first time. With the help of several adult Aurovilians, students learn the workings of a musical ensemble, how to use the equipment provided, as well as the skills needed to prepare and take part in a performance. The studio also continues to offer classes for individuals and small groups. At present several Aurovillian music teachers are working there, providing lessons in piano, drums, saxophone, clarinet, voice and composing. Most of the students who study there also use the space for individual practice, and are actively involved in the groups and ensembles that take place. In the next years the studio plans to continue to develop the space and environment around the building. Shortly, another centre for performing arts CRIPA will be complete and this will provide the ideal opportunity to collaborate with another related project. CRIPA is situated within 500m of the studio and is a large building that will offer practice, performance and educational facilities to not only music, but dance and theatre as well. As the two buildings are close, and share many of the same infrastructures this will offer the chance to work on improving the area in general, in terms of aesthetics, as well as developing joint facilities. As always, the people that work in Kalabhumi are very much present in all aspects of Auroville musical life and not only in the space provided there. Most of the people who work there are fully involved in teaching, development of future projects, as well as the organisation and performance of all kinds of artistic events within the area. 80

85 K A L A B H U M I A R T S T U D I O Objective: The objective is to give the possibility to students of all ages who are interested in art, to explore expression through art in a well equipped art studio, with guided courses in techniques. The aim is to enable the participants to express themselves through art, and to be able to interpret art more conscientiously. Outputs: The classes are held in an artist s studio in Kalabhumi with the existing infrastructure, including an art library The studio is presently equipped to hold a maximum of six students at a time with materials available for all the different painting techniques. As the infrastructure (Building, with furniture like easels, table and stools and a small art library) was already in place, all the money was used for material for the art work. A wide range of Watercolors, Acrylic, oil and tools like printing rollers, painting knifes, etc are now available. With these a large number of different techniques can be explored. As the number of students has been increasing, a new table will be purchased as well as more stools to ensure a good working space for each student. Outcomes: The courses have been going on for over three years. There are now groups on five afternoons weekly, from 2, 00-5, 00: Two afternoon for future school students and other younger students, Three afternoons for adult students with a total of 26 students. Interest has been expressed by other artists and designers to work together and share each other s knowledge, so one afternoon will be used for a combined workshop. One morning is also taken to clean the place and order the materials. Students are going through guided classes of technique, composition, art history and free expression. Cubism The guided classes are divided into: - Acrylic painting - Aquarelle painting - Composition - Perspective drawing and drawing of volumes - Study of the human body - Discussion and evaluation The free expression classes are in place to be able to explore individually the possibilities of each of the techniques learned previously in the guided classes. 81

86 The over-all idea of this workshop is to deepen the understanding of art; to gain confidence in self expression through art; to be more aware of what is around us and to perceive the beauty, harmony and order in and around us. The groups are small enough to allow working individually while at the same time participate in group work. The various techniques are explained and tried out separately; a lot of importance is also given to possibilities of composition in the art work. Apart from the actual techniques, we also do exercises which work with the right side of the brain (after Betty Edwards, Drawing with the right side of the brain ), which helps with the understanding of space, and also helps to develop a new way of observing, which is very helpful in drawing. Some art history and art work interpretation classes is also provided to widen the knowledge of possibilities in expression through art, and to then be able to integrate certain aspects of it in one s own work. The response of the students has been very positive, everybody profits in his or her own way, but always with increasing confidence and clarity of expression through art. There is an interesting balance between individual work and interactive processes within the group. This year we had several projects on 1. frottage and texture. 2. composition, through collage (form and color). 3. rendering of volume, through a project on cubism, and the work of Delaunay, (Orphism, Cubism and Abstraction). 4. watercolour techniques, mixing of colors, transparencies. Process / Timelines: There is no real time limit for the classes as they are ongoing. If one Watercolour technique student stops, new people come in. At present there is a waiting list for those wishing to join, as there is a lot of demand. In fact it would be useful to add another room to be able to have more students at the same time and be able to have different activities, like sculpture, and painting, going on at he same time. The project is ongoing, and has no time limit. All the aspects of the course are explained and developed continuously in different ways, so that there can always be further step to be taken in ones progress. Remarks: It has been a very interesting experience for both the teacher and the students. In Art, intuitive creativity and the organizing mind work together to create and express in a direct manner. The idea of what is beauty becomes an inner research, and its creation is constantly a new experiment, which helps to clarify one s sense of harmony and order. The interactive group work helps to evaluate and to try out different possibilities, to see how themes can be worked out differently. The fact that the creative process is always a mirror of inner work and at the same time linked to the world one lives in, can be very well worked out in our small group, which gives 82

87 feedback to the individual work, but is at the same time protected enough to allow for freedom of expression. It is an interesting way to come to know one another, and is at the same time an interactive learning process with support. Here is some feedback from some of the adult students: For me Nele's class is not only an opportunity to learn the techniques of drawing and painting, but also a place to mess around with colors and be a child again. Even though I can be very frustrated by the level of my progress, I often have a lot of fun, and I never like to miss a class, not even if I'm sick and sneezing my head off. Thank you so much Nele for providing this opportunity to learn and be a child again. I participate in Nele s workshop to find some qualities in myself which would be hidden otherwise and would not have the chance to be developed. I enjoy the time I spend with Nele because as a teacher she knows how to teach techniques and for the first time I learn how to paint. To learn different ways to express oneself is not only for school kids, it is a necessity for many people. And it is a precious gift to have someone who teaches this. Expressing oneself! 83

88 A U R O H A M S A D H W A N I Objective: The aim of our activity is to see the impact of classical music on the growing generation and the adults towards harmonious coexistence as Human Unity in Auroville is celebrated. to see the impact on the learning capacity of the children who are learning classical music. Outcomes: The student strength has vastly increased after the parents have seen the children s performance inside and outside of Auroville. The Dance classes are conducted with 30 students in 3 batches. The Veena classes are conducted with 27 students in 3 batches. The Vocal classes are conducted with 21 students in 3 batches. Students performing The Key board class is conducted with 6 students in 1 batch. The Flute class is conducted with 2 students in 1 batch. The Mirudangam class is conducted with 5 students in 1 batch. Two of the students have been accepted in the entrance for the scholarship in the All India Music Academy in New Delhi. Few of our students have received The Excellence Award for children from the Puducherry Government. For Example: They performed along with other students with 108 Veena, for the eradication of polio organized by Lion s Club Pududcherry. They were invited to perform for the national poet Bharathiyar on his birthday in the house of Bharathiyar 84

89 They also performed in the programme arranged to celebrate the 100 years arrival of Sri Aurobindo to Puducherry, in Bharat Nivas Auroville. There are new additional activities added such as Flute and Mirudhagam. Outputs: Children dancing New students have joined the classes. A new activity is to learn to play the Miruthangam, Flute. In Bharatnayam Dance group the number of students from 24 has increased to students out of the 12 students are preparing for Arangetram literally means "ascending the stage," marking the completion of the initial dance training for a dancer, enabling them to grace the stage with solo performances. From personal, firsthand experience, an Arangetram requires years of commitment and rigorous training, for it is the first major performance for the budding dancer, displaying all the great skill and dexterity required in full. Process / Timelines: It is an ongoing process to learn and become masters in their fields of interest in these ARTS which we are happy and able to provide this opportunity for our children and adults. Remarks: It is being a great experience for all who are attending these classes, as they are learning to work in group and cooperate. They not only share their difficulties related to the classes, but also others they face and get advice from the adults. These classes have also served as a platform for child protection education. These classes give us the pleasure to see the children interact indifferently with children and adults from outside Auroville which creates the climate for this atmosphere. The villages have invited the group to perform in their festival, which shows that the traditional art is slowly being brought back. 85

90 M I R R A W O M E N S G R O U P : Painting & Screen print: We have learned basic classes of drawing, painting and tie & dye. We went a little forward from the painting class. Nobody knows what screen print is and how it will look like. The workshop starts with long concentration all the members were watching and listening deeply to what the teacher was teaching. He explained step by step, from A to Z, in the first screen printing project. We have discovered how much pleasant it is to do the screen print and we did some printed t-shirt which does not require expensive equipment. We are still working on preparing more resources on understanding the entire process of screen printing, but in the meantime, it might help to see at firsthand how a design printed on a film is later placed onto a screen. The first image is of a film transparency which was used to burn the image into the screen you see in the second image. Screen printing ink is applied to the substrate by placing the screen over the material. Ink with a paint-like consistency is placed onto the top of the screen. Ink is then forced through the fine mesh openings using a squeegee that is drawn across the screen, applying pressure thereby forcing the ink through the open areas of the screen. Ink will pass through only in areas where no stencil is applied, thus forming an image on the printing substrate. The diameter of the threads and the thread count of the mesh will determine how much ink is deposited onto the substrates. After the teacher had shown the examples, each one tried themselves and enjoyed fully. The students started to explain they wanted to do their own costumes. It was a new experience aspired by everyone in the class. Each member had their own idea and the next class they brought their own picture to do the same in the cloth. Beads workshop: There is always a great interest to work with beads. It helps the women to develop their own creativeness which is shown in the beads. It may be small or big beads but it helps to bring out the creative mind when they are in the workshop. It is like an art full of colours and inspiration. The design, selection and combination of colours used in the beads work results in a beautiful product which you get without spending a fortune. There are four basic things in the beads workshop. It may seem simple enough at the first glance, but on closer inspection, one comes to the conclusion that there s much more to learn in beads work. The four basic points to master beads work are: mechanics, patterning, colour selection and mixing. To create designs of any kind is difficult for the students but when the teacher taught them one model immediately the women started giving various ideas for the next design. When students tried to make jewelry with the help of books in the beginning it looked very difficult and it was a frustrating experience. So they gave up the idea. They learned some simple models of earrings and necklaces. The teacher taught the women some simple models from 86

91 her experience. Some of the ladies learned the skill and they tried them at home. In the next workshop they shared their experience along with other ladies. The major drawback is that once you leave the class, you will quickly start to forget some of the things you have just learned. So, some more workshops will be organized for them so that the beads workshop can continue to benefit them. It was a simple three-step formula: Watch Me Make the Jewelry, Copy What I Do, and Repeat on Your Own. Painting workshop Beads workshops 87

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93 *** CENTRE OF ARTS, CRAFTS AND TECHNOLOGY P R O J E C T S ***

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95 Objective: C H A K R A V I Y U H A (UDAVI SCHOOL) The ultimate objective of the project is to bring youths and adults together through a play (Chakraviyuha) project aimed towards learning about higher ideals of life by learning together and working together. Activities: Around 28 school children from Auroville as well as Outreach school children actively and enthusiastically participated in the project. They acquired communication skills through group discussion and collective reading of the play script in order to understand the story, the characters, the moral values of these characters. Emotional as well as physical aspects were thoroughly explored through acting and dancing. The primary areas of work were game oriented activities, work on voice exploration, exploring vital expression, exploring physical expression. Outcome: A public presentation of the play as a grand performance was given to a packed full audience (around people). The play had music, dance, martial arts, live music with colorful traditional costume and colorful lights to add to the delightful evening on the 20 th march. Indirect Indicators: In order to go into the depth of the project, various books from AV library and online research has been a useful tool. All tools were shared with the participants. Progress timeline: Around 5 months has been our period of work on this project. Public presentation of the play 91

96 S T A I R W A Y T O H E A V E N (AUROVILLE THEATER GROUP) Objective: To develop Theater in Auroville and enrich Auroville s cultural life through theater, in collaboration with music, dance and the visual arts. To enhance the consciousness of our audience through Theater. To increase inter-cultural understanding through Theater. To offer theater workshops facilitated by theater artists from India and abroad. Outputs: Stairway to Heaven drama/dance performance at the Visitor s Centre by 9 members of the visiting Dutch theater group TiNaNiNaNi in collaboration with children from Udavi Gentillesse School which took place August 8 th, 2009, as well as various theater workshops in the Auroville schools (Transition, Deepanam, Deepam, Last School) and Udavi Gentillesse School during August 1-13 th. Outcomes: Dutch theater group TiNaNiNaNi performance on 8/8/2009 An audience of 350 people enjoyed the performance on August 8 th, 2009, Saturday night. Also, the 5 children from Udavi Gentillesse School who participated in the show learned about collaboration and various theater and dance performance aspects from the TiNaNiNaNi group. Work with Jean L. and Mahi was especially interesting for lighting the Visitor s Centre natural space and we understand this space will be used for other events as well. Collaboration with the Pony Farm in Kottakarai, (although finally the horses didn t cooperate), was very welcome and appreciated. In addition, there were several workshops offered by TiNaNiNaNi actors in the schools (see photos attached). Two hundred and fifty school children participated actively and learned skills like juggling, acrobatics, improvisation and confidence-building movement, especially the work with the handicapped children from Deepam. The TiNaNiNaNi group performed Stairway to Heaven on August 8 th, 2009 and offered workshops during their stay, August 1-13 th, The help from SAIIER was very much appreciated for this project. 92

97 L E G E N D S O F C R E A T I O N Objective: This is an international project that has as its theme the unity that permeates the whole creation. The research is done through the different legends and myths of different cultures and countries. The group from Auroville based its research on Sri Aurobindo s concept of Evolution, and has been working since end of February The work starts evoking the cosmic dance of Shiva, and evolves from the first unconscious Matter, developing to Vital, Mental and Spiritual aspects. This is a work in progress, because it will come to a more complete form during the meeting of the two groups in Finland. Outputs: Eight people work for a theater - dance program called Ekatva - Oneness in partnership with the project Legends of Creation, from Finland. Outcomes: - Meeting of the two groups in Finland and a combined performance of the two groups to be presented in Auroville in Exploring Sri Aurobindo text in search of the oneness that is behind everything. How to express that through body, voice and space in a work resulting in a performance. - Giving the participants, aged between 17 and 63 years, the possibility of discovering and confirming their potential. - Exchange of experience between different cultures and a different environment, giving a possibility of co-creating a project based on Human Unity Process / Timelines: - February 2010: beginning of the work - June 2010: meeting of the two groups in Finland to share their experience and work together to combine both works, in view of a synthesis : presentation in Auroville Searching on how to express oneness 93

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99 *** CENTRE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND PERFECTION OF THE BODY U N I T S ***

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101 DEHASHAKTI SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Aim of the Program: The first condition for acquiring power is to be obedient. The body must learn to obey before it can manifest power; and physical education is the most thorough discipline for the body. So be eager and sincere in your efforts for physical education and you will acquire a powerful body. My blessings are with you. The Mother (1 st April 1968) Dehashakti is an overall physical education program for the Auroville students from the age 7 up to 18 years. In this five days per week program children participate in gymnastics and fitness, athletics, team games and swimming. Through physical education children can be made to achieve higher values of self-control, respecting team members and developing self confidence. Along with the development of the body a greater mental strength can be achieved to provide a more complete education to children in Auroville. Children are divided in groups by their age and each group is named according to physical qualities to be developed; the oldest are Perfection (15-18 years), Knowledge (12-14 years), Force (11-12 years), Harmony (10-11years), Beauty (9-10years) and Bliss (7-8 years) and Joy (6-7years). Statistics: Number of students enrolled 213 Number of new students enrolled 33 Nationalities represented 15 Number of student graduated 20 Number which left for other reasons 12 Number of full time staff Number of part time staff Aurovilian on maintenance Buildings or other construction work begun: Buildings or other new construction completed 4 Auroville teachers 8 teachers 10 Aurovilians August-2009 for the changing rooms & table tennis hall May

102 Additional Time for Sub-Junior Sports: This year we added an additional slot to the regular sports time. Due to several factors and advantages we conducted physical education classes for the sub-juniors (grades-1 &2) earlier in the afternoon at 2.30pm to 3.30pm. This was very successful and we were able to provide a much more concentrated class with this timing. The older students from the grades-3 onwards continued to arrive at 3.45pm to 5.15 pm. We daily start our classes with a short line-up & concentration. This is to bring a quiet and calm strength in the nervous being of the children who are often so distracted and in a mental turmoil. Question: Sweet Mother, we have a minute of concentration before and after group every day. What should we try to do during this concentration? Before, make an offering to the Divine of what you are going to do, so that it may be done in a spirit of concentration. Afterwards, ask the Divine to increase the will for progress in us, so that we may become instruments that are more and more capable of serving Him. You may also, before starting, offer yourselves to the Divine in silence. And at the end, give thanks to the Divine in silence. I mean a movement of the heart without any words in the head. Overview of the Year: The school year is divided into four phases with emphasis on different skills and training. This gives children in every phase a different challenge and thus keeping the interest and enthusiasm alive. Phase -1: (July September) This is the beginning of the school year and the focus is more in general fitness and development of basic skills in team sports and gymnastics. Phase -2: Athletics-Aurolympics (October December) Here we begin the phase with athletics training for all the individual activities and culminate the phase with Athletics-Aurolympics which are the competitions. All the children participate according to the events as per their age: Seniors: (Girls & Boys) Age years Races -100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 1500m walk, 3000m Jumps - Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump Throws - Shot Put, Javelin, Intermediates: (Girls & Boys)11-13 years Races -60m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1000m walk, 5min race Jumps - Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Standing Long Jump Throws - Shot Put, Cricketball throw, Overhead Heave The Mother (24 July 1961) 98

103 Juniors: (Girls & Boys) 6-10 years Races -60m, 5min race, 1min walk, Hold-push-up position get up & run 20m Jumps - Long Jump, High Jump, Standing Triple Jump, 5 bounding strides Throws - Cricketball throw, Overhead Heave, Seated Football throw Phase- 3: Team Aurolympics (Jan March) In physical education, the main concern is not to win or lose but how far an activity or game provides educative experiences to the students. This phase has the emphasis is on the team cooperation. In the Team-Aurolympics points are given to the best team that is able to perform as well as maintain the best sportsmanship record. These are competitions carried out in Houses wherein the contribution of every member adds to the total points of their House. In this way all the activities, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, fitness, and games have an equal importance and every member according to their performances helps and contributes to their House. In this we added the regularity and discipline factor too. Winning again was not the ultimate goal, but to work as a team, to progress in every event, to do the best at all times and to be committed and regular was the main focus. Phase- 4: Team (March-April) This is the last phase wherein children have the free-choice to follow the activity they would like to work upon more intensely. This year there was a special request to conduct a small Futsal tournament with all the children and teachers interested. We had about 60 participants of mix age 9years to 15 years and teachers too were included in this friendly Futsal League. It was a very successful event which lasted for over four weeks. Apart from this some others took interest in gymnastic and they made a creative demonstration after 3 weeks of practice. Children have the free-choice to follow the activity they would like to work upon more intensely. 99

104 AUROVILLE SPORTS RESOURCE CENTER Objective: The aim of Auroville Sports Resource Center is to encourage participation in sports and related activities into adulthood and among adult population in Auroville and its surrounding regions. The objectives of the Sports Resource Center are to: coordinate sports activities and programs so that more number of people can take advantage to participate in sports create and maintain a sports library to improve knowledge on the sporting activities and its benefits to healthy body and mind conduct seminars / workshops on sports to encourage and promote interest in sports make use of multimedia to effectively teach skills in sports facilitate viewing of special live TV broadcastings of sports events, e.g. the Olympic Games, the World Cup, Wimbledon etc invite Top Teams/ Clubs to play friendly / exhibition matches to promote and popularize sports and games invite Top Indian and International sports personalities so ordinary people come in contact and interact with and be inspired by them to strive towards a higher standards in sporting activities and goals. facilitate field trips in sports and games to participate and observe various special domestic events like: Federation Cup Championship, National Championship and international events like: Asian Games, Olympics, ATP Championship etc. Program/Activity details: The following activities have taken place during the year > - 1 week coaching camp in volleyball for village youth and Auroville volleyball team, - Basketball demo-workshop at the Sports Resource Center multipurpose hall - a new high jump & long jump pit for New Creation Sports Ground, - successful coordination of Villupuram district level volleyball tournament, - AV birthday week basketball League, - regular trainings in badminton and Basketball at New Creation, - participation in 2 Puducherry State level basketball tournaments, - 1 Puducherry State basketball championship, - facilitated participation of 6 AV children in the All India Sub Junior National Championship - friendly basketball match between AV girls team and Villupuram District Sports College team - 2 field trips in sports: to Chennai to watch the Asian Women Basketball Championship and to Puducherry to watch the All India Federation Cup Basketball Championship. 100

105 Regular ongoing activities have taken place in the multipurpose hall: Yoga & Meditation class, Table Tennis, African dance class, Theater practice, Tango dance class, Salsa dance class, Indian Contemporary & Folk dance class, AV Marathon preparatory meetings, post Marathon feed-back meeting and girls basketball club meeting. Input: The human resources needed to carry out the program/activity and existing infrastructure are: Two executives and a wider coordination group And the population from the surrounding region, the students of Auroville, Outreach schools, Aurovilians, Newcomers and guests of Auroville. With the financial resources received from SAIIER, equipment & furniture were purchased as well as 1 UPS system with 2 batteries and 1 Sports Medicines and First Aid Kit. Outputs: One of the main activities during the past year has been the completion and Inauguration of the Auroville Sports Resource Center building which has enabled us to gradually begin the work of coordination, facilitation and organization of the various sports activities both in the multipurpose hall of the building and in other communities of Auroville. A one month coaching camp in Basketball was coordinated in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority in Chennai at New Creation sports ground where 35 young people from the surrounding region including students from Auroville schools and Basketball Club members participated. We coordinated a sports day at Certitude Sports Ground for Auroville s 40 th anniversary celebration in which over 500 people took part in, which included the culmination of the final match of: Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Badminton and Football conducted in various communities of Auroville over the week and an exhibition match in Kabaddi. We coordinated a marathon run the spiral in 3 categories: k.m, 20 k.m and full 40 k.m in celebration of Auroville s 40 th anniversary in which runners from Auroville, the neighboring villages, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad participated. The total number of runners was 151 with 71 participants in the quarter marathon, 55 participants in the half marathon and 25 participants for the full marathon of 40 kms. We coordinated a visit to Chepauk Stadium in Chennai to see the World Famous Harlem Globe Trotters playing an exhibition basketball match where 86 young people including students from Future School, After School, Transitions School, New Creation School and the members of AV Girls and boys BB Clubs participated. Outcome: We have been able to coordinate and facilitate sporting activities among a varied age group of both genders emphasizing the aspect of participation in sporting activities of the adult population from Auroville and its surrounding regions. The coordination of the marathon enabled us to attract the participation of the aging population from both the Ashram and Auroville. The oldest participant being 63 years of age and the youngest 22 years old in the full marathon, the oldest participant in the half marathon was 68 years old and the youngest was 14 years old and in the quarter marathon the oldest participant was 72 years old and the youngest participant was 14 years old. 101

106 The process of participation of the aging / adult population in sporting activities such as the marathon and other games and sports coordinated by the AVSRC has clearly demonstrated the purpose for which the Auroville sports resource center has been created. We hope to see more and more participation of the adult / aging populations take keen interest in participating in the activities coordinated and facilitated by the Auroville sports resource center through its programs. For the year , we carried out the following activities successfully: We organized a basketball demo workshop for the first time, in the multipurpose hall at AVSRC as an alternative method to teach fundamental skills in basketball using video programs. The focus was on the basics: ball handling, passing, dribbling and shooting. For this program, we had to rent a video projector to play the two video clips of 15 and 20 minutes on teaching fundamental skills in basketball. As the basketball clips were projected, the various points were noted and explained by the coach for the benefit of the younger ones. During the training sessions in the evenings, thrice a week at New Creation basketball court, all the skills reviewed in the video projection, were put to practice with the two age groups: 8 12 years and years separately. The 13 to 16 years olds had a more progressive knowledge of fundamentals. This year we had the opportunity to coordinate two educational field trips in Sports to first Chennai to watch the Asian Women Basketball Championship and then to Puducherry to watch the All India Federation Cup Championship. Altogether more than 150 children, youth and adults from both the genders, all basketball players and students joined. This program was very much appreciated by the all; the children especially as they got to interact with some of the Top Indian basketball players and even obtained their autographs. As a regular feature of our program, AVSRC helped coordinate the third annual Auroville Marathon. This year the participation tripled in numbers to over a 1500 runners. Additionally this year, a specially coordinated 5 km run was programmed for the little children as part of the overall Marathon. So there were three categories: full, half, quarter marathon for the youth and adults populations and the five Km for the children. Unlike the year before, the organizing committee had to be even more prepared by having several preparatory and organizational meetings in anticipation of the large numbers of participants for this year s Marathon. The Marathon was a great success this year, too! In the post marathon feed-back meeting, it was mentioned that Auroville may be able to handle adequately up to 5000 runners in the future. In the Beginning of February 2010, AVSRC facilitated six Auroville children; 2 girls: and 4 boys aged between to attend the All India National Basketball Championship for boys and girls in the Mini category held at Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan state. All these children train regularly at New Creation basketball court thrice a week. (See a write up by the children on their experience of the Nationals posted in the Auroville News and Notes: ). A one week volleyball coaching camp was coordinated at New Creation sports ground for the village youths and the Auroville volleyball team. A coach from the local area was engaged for this and in addition a female Auroville guest, who happened to be a very good volleyball player also assisted with the coaching. It was felt that one week coaching camp was too short and in the future, it would help to have longer coaching camps like 10 days 2 weeks. Following this, a Villupuram district level volleyball tournament was hosted by the 102

107 Auroville Volleyball Club in New Creation sports ground from the 20 th to 21st in celebration of the Mother s Birth day. 30 teams from the bioregions of Auroville participated in this event. The winners took a cash prize of Rs.4000 and the runner took Rs and the 3 rd & 4 th took Rs.2000 & Rs.1000 respectively. Additionally free lunch was provided to all the teams participating in this tournament. Finally during the 2010 Auroville birthday week, an all Auroville basketball league was organized at Certitude. About 150 participants: boys, girls, men, women and children above 12 took part in this annual event. At the end of the long birthday week from the 21 st to the 28 th February, after the final match concluded successfully, a slide projection of the league tournament along with a dinner was prepared for all participants and supporters. As the slides of the past week s matches were projected, all the participants and supporters sat around on the wall and on the sand by the refreshment area at Certitude sports ground with a plate of food in hand and enjoyed the show. This was really a very pleasant and enjoyable evening at the Certitude sports ground. After the dinner, all the participants and supporters also received a printed T- shirt as memento of the 2010 Auroville birthday week basketball league. Everyone appreciated and thanked the organizers for this League. Children s Team Field trip Girl s friendly match 103

108 P I T A N G A C U L T U R A L C E N T R E Objective / Outcome: Pitanga s service is dedicated to the development and enhancement of physical education and cultural activities in the light of Mother s and Sri Aurobindo s Yoga. Activities are happening in the format of 1. Regular Classes 2. Non-regular Activities Non-regular activities are focusing around Workshops which are held for either once or for a series of classes in a short time span 3. Health Care Activities To offer various therapeutic facilities as well as quality medical help in Homeopathy and Physiotherapy. 4. Regular Cultural Activities To provide opportunities for awareness, education, self-expression and appreciation of visual and performing arts, like music, dance, theatre, paintings, etc. 5. Non-regular Cultural Activities To broaden the awareness on what cultural activities can bring to the development of the being by offering evening performances, lectures and art exhibitions Outputs: Regular program: Up to 65 classes per week and 14 different therapies were offered. 30 Aurovilians are part of the team of regular teachers and therapists. Physical activities are helping to increase bodily awareness and consciousness and foster the receptivity of the body. They help further to keep the body fit for the inner and outer work and free from ailments. Regular physical activities focus around: Yoga Āsanas, Dance, Martial Arts and other health enhancing exercises. 1. Regular Classes: Program of regular weekly classes Aikido class a) Āsanas & Exercises Āsanas in the style of B.K.S. Iyengar as introduction classes, for beginners, intermediate and mixed levels; Āsanas for the spine; Āsanas for women; Yoga for pregnant women; Āsanas for children; Āsanas for teenagers; Āsanas, Pranayama & Meditation; Āsanas cour en français; Āsanas 104

109 course in Russian, Kundalini Yoga for beginners; Sivananda Yoga Āsanas for different levels: beginners, advanced and mixed levels; Pranayama (Art of Living Technique); Yoga Therapy; Discovery of the energy body Games for children. b) Dance Odissi Dance for children, teenagers and adults (beginners, advanced); Contemporary Dance for teenagers and adults; c) Martial Arts Aikido level: beginners, advanced, children. 2. Workshops Workshops aim at teaching the students in a short but intensive period of time an exercise or technique, allowing him/her to progress much faster than by a classroom rhythm. It also allows a much deeper research on the mastering of techniques. Pitanga offered 17 workshops this year. The program consisted of: Yoga Mantra Opera Voice Workshop; Family Constellation Workshops in English and French language; Pranayama Workshops; Body Awareness; Dancing with Tantric Body Map Odissi Dance; Organic Music Experience Voice Workshop; Underscore Event Contact Improvisation Dance Workshop; Gyrokinesis Dynamic Yoga Workshops; Aikido Workshops and Theatre Clowning Workshop. 3. Health Care Activities AUM Massage, Crystal & Pranic Healing, Energy Healing, Facial Massage Therapy, Grounding Work, I Ching Consultations, Inner Body Exploration, Physiotherapy, Psychotherapy with Tarot, Reflexology, Reiki, Swedish Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, Therapeutic sessions. 4. Regular Cultural education was provided to children and adults with the following programs: Japanese Art Calligraphy; Art of Japanese Tea Culture; different choir rehearsals; Piano and other musical rehearsals; Dance rehearsals; Theatre rehearsals. The art of Japanese tea 105

110 5. The following Non-regular cultural activities were offered: Evening performances & Lectures: o Two performances of the Auroville Renaissance Cappella Musica Passionis Veneziana Gregorian Chant & Sacred polyphonic a cappella motets by Flemish and Italian 16 th Century composers; presented by Eugeen and his choir o All Bach Piano Recital A Musical Pilgrimage with transcriptions of words from organ, violin, choir and orchestra presented by Murali (Cyril Marie), France o Slideshow on the Gardens of Japan, presented by Walter o Concert of the Auroville Youth Choir, presented by Nuria o Western Musical Recital presenting works of Beethoven, Pugnani-Kreisler, Pushkar, Piazolla on violin and piano, offered by Ladislav Brozman and Pushkar o Solo Soprano Concert presenting works of Caccini, Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Rachmaninov, Schubert, Prozorovsky, Harito, offered by Liudmila o Jazz Concert with piano and violin performing Jazz Standards, presented by Matthew and Holger o Lecture on Hypnotherapy held by Dr. Yuvraj Kapadia, California Institute of Hypnosis, Mumbai o Newcomer Program Discover Pitanga organised in collaboration with the Newcomer Program Team o Jazz Concert with guitar and violin presenting works of Gragnani Filippo, Giulian Mauro, Piazolla Astor, offered by guest artist Giuseppe Ficara, Italy, and Holger o Piano Recital Impressionistic Jazz presented by Hartmut von Lieres, Germany o Western Classical Music Recital for piano and cello: French Dreaming with guest artists from Switzerland presenting compositions from Faure, Debussy, Boulanger, Franck o Gregorian Chant Concert with an introductory lecture about the history of Gregorian Chant by the Auroville Cappella Gregoriana under direction of Eugeen o Slideshow on Autumn Zen Gardens of Kyoto presented by Bryan Walton, USA o Slideshow on Chinese Landscape Paintings, presented by Bryan Walton, USA o Two performances of De profundis clamavi, salva nos Sacred polyphonic a cappella motets by English, Flemish, French & Italian composers, performed by the Auroville Renaissance Cappella under direction of Eugeen o Glimpses A dip into Indian Ragas, Devotional and Ragas accompanied by Tabla performed by Deepshikha Reddy and group o Video documentary and photo slideshow Traditional Skills in the Kyoto State Guest House presented by Jyoti o Two performances of the Auroville Adult Choir singing Opera Choruses by Borodin, Handel, Mozart, Purcell, Rossini, Verdi. Exhibitions: Exhibitions by Aurovilian artists in oil paintings, paintings on silk, mixed media, photographic techniques were shown. o Neeti Khanna Exhibition of water colour paintings mixed media works 106

111 o Felicité (France) To weave the World anew A Remembrance ( ); Paintings by Felicité and comments and writings of Satprem o Vahula Exhibition of acrylic abstract paintings and pencil drawings o Hufreesh Before Florence ; Exhibition of acrylic paintings o Sivakumar Exhibition of landscape paintings in acrylic o Nele Experimental Art Work ; Paintings and Mobile Structures o Louis & Veronique Creative Lamps and Mandala Works ; Lampshades made of resins and mandala silk screen works o Lisbeth & Ribhu Pangea One World: A Mother and Son Production, Photo Exhibition from two generations o Shakti Oil on canvas paintings o Leonard La Foret Enchantee, Photo-Graphic Exhibition o Paulette From Aurobindo Ghose to Sri Aurobindo, A Photo Exhibition organised on the occasion of Sri Aurobindo s Centenary Arrival in Pondicherry. Outcomes: 1. Regular Classes The diversity and amount of classes varies over the year due to special seasonal offers and availability of teachers. At peak times, 65 classes per week were offered. Classes are attended by participants each, according to the capacity of the room available. 2. Workshops The program offered consisted of 17 workshops attended by participants each. 3. Health Care Activities 14 different therapeutic facilities on part-time basis were offered plus a Homeopathic Dispensary Service. About appointments per week are given out to residents plus some patients received by the dispensary. 4. Cultural Education Regular weekly classes: 11 music classes; 3 theatre classes, 2 art classes, various regular dance rehearsals for children and adults. 5. Non-regular cultural activities 22 Evening performances and lectures, as well as 12 exhibitions were offered. 107

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113 *** CENTRE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND PERFECTION OF THE BODY P R O J E C T S ***

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115 A U R O L Y M P I C S (Dehashakti School of Physical Education) Goals and Objectives: Organizing activities that enhance the mission of the program by leaders from among the students providing a vehicle for progress and challenges for all students encouraging personal responsibilities amongst pupils generating healthy rivalry in friendly games building team skills, leadership skills and co-operation. developing The most important goal of the Dehashakti School is to make our children participate in all the various activities we offer in all sincerity and with complete commitment. We hope to achieve this goal by holding two Aurolympics during the academic year. With the introduction of Houses some years ago, regardless of their varying capacities and degrees of participation, the children have found an increasing quantum of coordination and harmony within their House. Aurolympic events are competitions between teams, hence the contribution of every member adds or subtracts from the total points chalked up by the team. It is an excellent illustration of the motto one for all and all for one. In this way all our activities gymnastics, athletics, swimming, fitness exercises, and games have gained equally in their importance to the integral physical development of our students. In all these activities we stress the invaluable contribution made by the students in regularity and discipline. Program/Activity details: Teachers and students together choose four houses; within each house there are three categories age wise: seniors intermediates junior students. They will compete in their categories but the total points would be added to the overall HOUSE score. In this way all the children compete not only for their best scores but to bring most points to their house. This increases team spirit and cooperation within the students of mixed age. To foster individual growth and create student relationships across all grades through athletics, gymnastics, swimming, fitness and team games; and to develop leaders from among the students In their competitive environment the teams took the opportunity to do their best whether during the training sessions or during the actual competitions. Being judged not only by the criterion of their physical performance in the event itself but also by their overall sportsmanship, team-spirit and attendance /commitment, they had a wide field of opportunity in gaining points. And knowing that whatever points he gained or lost would affect the final tally of his House, each student strove to make an optimum contribution. 111

116 Inputs: The grant received helps us to provide the children with the necessary infrastructure for the competitions and also to be able to hire teachers for specific activities and trainings. It is not very easy to procure good physical education instructors and we have often this crisis at our doorstep. Outcomes: Improvement in the performance of individuals and teams through a balanced, integral sports program Higher opportunity to make rapid progress (especially through competition) Increase in the awareness of the importance of the whole school community Achievement of stronger bonds between divisional sub-groups in the school Opportunity given to more students to experience the role of being a leader Improvement in team spirit and performance from team members Process Timeline: There were on an average 213 students who participated in the Aurolympics-Competitions this year. 30 Nov. to 11 Dec Athletics Competitions 08 Mar. to 19 Mar Team Aurolympics Competitions 112