On 17 April, long-term Aurovilian Frederick Schulze Buxloh was informed that his application for visa extension had been denied. The decision sparked widespread concern, leading to a petition addressed to Indian authorities that garnered over 4000 signatures.
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Published June, 2025
Now 86 years old, Frederick first arrived in Pondicherry and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1960, settling permanently in 1966. He was among the first individuals who were personally accepted as Aurovilians by The Mother and he collaborated closely with Her during Auroville’s formative years. For more than six decades, he has lived in service of her Dream, dedicating his life to the ideals and growth of Auroville.
Frederick: The message that my application for a visa extension had been denied came after more than a year and a half of waiting. My application was complete except for one critical document: the mandatory letter of recommendation from the Secretary of the Auroville Foundation.
I was in the forest when the message came. It hit me like a thunderbolt — comparable only to the moment I learned that The Mother had left her body. The shock was so intense that physical symptoms followed immediately; my heart began to act up. I took it as a warning: “This is traumatic, but don’t let it settle into your body.” From that moment, I began focusing entirely on preserving Her protection around me.
On 24 April, the same date The Mother arrived permanently in Pondicherry in 1920, I had darshan in Sri Aurobindo’s room. There, I felt Her presence as powerfully as I did the first time I met Her at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Back then, She used to distribute prosperity from Her chair — in the hall where her bed now stands — handing out small baskets containing a razor blade, a towel, a piece of soap, an incense stick and much more that was beyond the material. I would leave overwhelmed, wondering what I had done to deserve such a basket full of grace. This time, the message was clear once again: “Don’t worry. Whatever comes, My protection is there.”
This experience brought about a profound inner shift. I no longer want to focus on externalities or assign blame. That would distract me from my true path. Life is no longer about friend versus foe, or black and white. People around me offer advice and strategies, but inwardly, I know that’s no longer my work. I want to enter a space where such dualities no longer dominate my thinking.
Have you accepted your fate?
Yes, I’ve accepted what has happened. In fact, I realised that the shock was necessary — it helped deepen my inner focus. According to the ancient Indian concept of the four stages of life, I understand I’ve entered the final stage: Sannyasa, the path of liberation. This is a time to fully dedicate oneself to inner and spiritual work, beyond the constraints of time, space, social expectations, fear, or pride. It is liberation.
I had undergone surgery at JIPMER Hospital some months earlier. I was, as they say, at death’s door. There was a moment on the operating table when my body went into a protective spasm. Then, suddenly, everything opened up. A deep sense of relief and gratitude filled me — Her protection was effective; the body had weathered the storm.
Yet mentally, the anguish sometimes returns: Will the cancer come back? Mine is a superficial type, but it is known to recur. Then something quiets my thoughts, and I am reminded again: let go of fear. Remember Her protection.
In your NEWS TV9 Live interview, you spoke of the pain of possibly having to leave Auroville.
Yes. I’ve been rooted in Auroville for most of my life. My children, my friends, my grandchildren — all live here. I have nowhere else to go. I’ve given everything I had to The Mother. I have no property, no money, no medical coverage. If the Government of India deports me, I don’t even know if the Social Welfare in Germany would take me in. They would ask, “Where have you been for 60 years? Why didn’t you earn anything? What is this Auroville? Who is The Mother?” Such thoughts are deeply unsettling. But then I remind myself to get out of my head and into my heart — and trust that the right thing will happen.
Do you hold any rancour against the Indian Government?
Not at all! On the contrary, I have always experienced the Indian Government as extremely benevolent toward Auroville. Over the past 60 years, I have met numerous Prime Ministers — including Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Shrimati Indira Gandhi and Shri Narendra Modi — as well as Ministers and countless officials. All expressed warmth and support for Auroville.
Please note, I have not received a “Leave India” notice. The instruction I received was simply that my visa extension was denied without the required documentation. I believe this was a technical outcome — an automatic response from the system after so many months of waiting.
I do sincerely hope that the government will review the situation and allow me to remain. I was deeply moved by the outpouring of support — thousands of people have signed a petition in my favour. And just a few days ago, during my 86th birthday at Certitude playground, over 500 people came to celebrate. I’ve never been hugged and kissed so many times in one day.
But I don’t think this was just about me. It reflects a broader concern that foreign Aurovilians should not be expelled arbitrarily or because they express disagreement with the actions of the Auroville Governing Board or its Secretary.
You didn’t receive the letter of recommendation. Why do you think that happened?
Unlike previous Secretaries who followed the advice of the Working Committee of the Residents’ Assembly when issuing letters of recommendation, the current Secretary appears to have taken it upon herself to decide who should be allowed to stay in Auroville.
Assuming this is indeed her prerogative — and opinions differ on that — I honestly don’t know why the Secretary denied me. I have never knowingly offended her or the Governing Board, violated visa conditions, or disrespected Indian laws or values.
I’ve received no explanation. I remain in the dark. And if I have caused offence, I would be happy to express my sincerest apologies — verbatim, and from the heart.
In her interview with NEWS TV9 Live, Ms. Sindhuja speculated on what might have led to the denial.
Yes, but those were her personal views. What matters here are the actual reasons held by the Secretary. I haven’t been informed of any allegations, nor have I been given a chance to respond.
I’m not claiming to be without fault. I’ve made mistakes. And being German hasn’t helped — we are known for having rigid spines, which doesn’t always translate well in India. I could have been more flexible. Still, I am prepared to offer unconditional apologies for any missteps.
More importantly, I hope we can rise above personal conflicts and come together to build Auroville. I believe reconciliation beyond the conflicts is possible.
You said the shock helped you refocus. Were the shocks received by other Aurovilians in the past three years also necessary?
Yes, I believe so. We were stuck. The Secretary’s actions, though painful, forced us to confront that stagnation. But let me be clear: I’m not saying it was well-handled. I don’t sanctify what happened. The Board and Secretary could have acted more harmoniously instead of acting like being the bosses of Auroville. And yes, some Aurovilians acted in ways I found insincere or devious. Auroville is meant to be at the service of Truth. That’s inscribed on the metal band around the Banyan Tree near the Matrimandir. I’m not claiming we hold the truth and others don’t — but I do believe some have strayed far from Auroville’s original spirit.
A comment circulating online said your denial was purposeful, to show that those in power can remove anyone from Auroville. What’s your view?
That perception isn’t entirely wrong. It seems that dissenters are being labelled as obstructionists or as “old baggage” standing in the way of progress. I strongly disagree with that view. It opens the door to authoritarian decisions and that, in my view, contradicts Auroville’s founding ideals.
What are your next steps?
On 27 May, I received notice that I have to leave India in five days. I will comply, and then let us see what unfolds. I continue to hold faith in Her protection — and in the possibility of understanding and unity.
By Frederick.
Frederick’s short video on YouTube and social media platforms which gained more than 100,000 views and over 500 comments can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfgmzQAXob0.
The NEWS TV9 Live interview can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91rDgwwJs78.
Originally published in issues No 431-432 (June-July 2025) of Auroville Today
https://auroville.today/articles/4362/a-basket-full-of-grace
https://auroville.today/
1 Comment
Frederick, thank you for being a perpetual inspiration in my life, for the 2 p;us decads I lived in Auroville and to today. Your princely beauty is blessing to all. I love you.
And thank you, Auroville Globl Fellowship.