An unsparing declaration of how the Governing Board’s groups contravene Auroville’s principles and spirit.
Written May 2023
I don’t believe in the Auroville we are seeing today. I don’t believe in alienating the residents from participating in building or planning the city. The current construction methods do not align with my understanding of how consciousness can be embodied in matter. I do not believe in the haste of creating Auroville: part of building the city is building the community and its people, and its services grow in order to build it. I also do not believe in publicizing campaigns to recruit persons to join Auroville. Aurovilians must strive to become conscious beings, transcending caste, customs, and nationality. Becoming a conscious citizen of Auroville means engaging in imagining its development.
I believe Auroville is alive when we “do not know” what it is but we agree to search together. I believe the Governing Board does not fully grasp the true purpose of Auroville. Aurovilians have achieved and initiated much due to the enshrined principles of free will and freedom, which are now being undermined. The selection of the Working Committee by the Secretary, instead of being selected by the Residents’ Assembly, is contrary to the provisions of the Act. I do not believe in the view or management of the GB appointed FAMC.
It seems the only thing that binds everyone in the current power structure is money, ambition, power and an air of superiority. You lord it over others, deciding if they eat or not, if they should be cared for or not, where they should live and work. Your apparent delight in disenfranchising the residents may one day lead to your own disempowerment by the very forces you currently serve.
Money has become the sovereign lord. In the Ashram people respect the elders and those that knew the Mother– but even this decency you have lost in your unfounded hate. It is deeply distressing to witness former friends descend into such unloving and power-hungry individuals, resorting to excusing the inexcusable, spreading falsehoods, and distorting facts to maintain their positions – guys and gals – you are on a power-trip and it makes me both sad and angry.
I pray that you remember what brought you to Auroville in the first place and reflect on why you are doing what you are doing in all sincerity – away from the noisy ambitions that are driving you but from the softness of your hearts.
By Renu