October 5, 2025/
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The uncertainty of youth in Auroville at this time, describing their experience when schools are defunded, spaces closed, and visas threatened.
Auroville Witness is a biweekly newsletter that publishes first-person narratives from current Auroville residents, past residents, and those with a long-term relationship with Auroville. The newsletter is an initiative of a Fellow, and other Fellows have joined the project. (See the FAQ below for more information). It serves as a platform for personal accounts of life in Auroville during this challenging period. We give voice to the human experience, to those directly affected by the ongoing crisis. These narratives provide insight into the lived reality of Aurovilians today, complementing the report Auroville in Crisis and the Way Forward.
Fill in the form below and click “Subscribe”, then verify your email address by clicking on the link we’ve sent to your inbox. To subscribe, you can also email us at AurovilleWitness@gmail.com. You can always unsubscribe by clicking on the link at the bottom of each newsletter.
Current Auroville residents and those with a long-term relationship with Auroville are invited to share their experiences. Please submit using this form or send an email to AurovilleWitness@gmail.com with “Submission” in the subject line. Please explain whether you are a resident of Auroville, an ex-resident, or your relation to the community. Any other background information is also appreciated.
If you have questions before submitting, check our Witness FAQ or contact us.
You can find all the Auroville Witness sharings & testimonials down below, most recent first.
If you want to send a submission, write to AurovilleWitness@gmail.com.
The uncertainty of youth in Auroville at this time, describing their experience when schools are defunded, spaces closed, and visas threatened.
What “the Dream” can mean for an Australian transplant who describes her many roles in helping to build and support Auroville, including with international centers and neighboring villages.
A short account highlighting what it feels to have "Auroville fever" from abroad, write about it as a resident, and how its approach to money differs from that of capitalism.
The Resident Assembly Working Committee calls out specific injustices, asking for residents to reach out to each other in kindness.
What one person experienced in following the call to remould life in the multicultural environment of Auroville, and the trust and fraternity that can result.
In this story we hear of reforestation, helping disabled children, seedbanks, and the possibilities when higher values guide a community.
A visiting scholar reflects on the unique experiment of Auroville as linked to the spiritual philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, how its residents have integrated nature and evolved a place of harmony and peace.
In an interview from 2024 the artist speaks of the role of beauty in Auroville, how it relates to spontaneity and harmony, as well as the Matrimandir, recent projects and the pressure on the community.
An interview on the current situation, how Auroville is governed, persons as the core, the past and future.
You can use the dropdown menu below to display narratives of a specific Auroville Witness issue.
Information about the Auroville Witness newsletter. If you have other questions, feel free to contact us.
We seek authentic, personal narratives about living in Auroville during this time of transition. Stories may address challenges, hopes, daily experiences, or reflections on recent changes.
We prefer a length of 500-1,000 words, but will consider submissions of various lengths.
Current Auroville residents, past residents, and those with a long-term relationship with Auroville are invited to share their experiences. Send an email to AurovilleWitness@gmail.com with "Submission" in the subject line. Please explain whether you are a resident of Auroville, an ex-resident, or your relation to the community. Any other background information is also appreciated.
Sharings and narratives featured in Auroville Witness also include stories, testimonials and letters that have already been published in Auroville media such as the News and Notes.
Yes, we respect the need for anonymity given concerns about potential retaliation. Contributors can choose whether to include their name or remain anonymous.
The newsletter is published biweekly. The frequency of publication may vary depending on the number and length of submissions we receive.
Light editing may be applied for clarity and readability, but we strive to maintain the authentic voice of each contributor. The editorial team also reserves the possibility to shorten submissions that would be too long. In all cases, the contributor will be informed in advance.
It may happen that we receive submissions that do not follow our publication guidelines. In such cases, we will respond to the contributor, explain why the submission doesn't fill the criteria, and give an opportunity to send a revised narrative.
Auroville Witness recognizes that there is a profound human dimension to Auroville's current situation. The newsletter:
Creates a safe space where Aurovilians can share their experiences without fear of retaliation
Demonstrates that the global community is attentive and concerned
Provides reassurance to residents that they are not alone in their challenges
Helps preserve an historical first-hand record of this critical period
Fosters understanding about the human impact of the current crisis
In short, Auroville Witness contributes to a more complete picture of this pivotal moment in Auroville's journey.
While the report provides factual documentation and analysis of the governance crisis, Auroville Witness offers complementary personal perspectives that bring human dimension to these facts.
Auroville Witness is edited by a subgroup of the Auroville Global Fellowship. David Hutchinson and Christine Rhone are contacts. If you have any questions please send an email to AurovilleWitness@gmail.com
By subscribing to our newsletter, you will receive biweekly compilations of first-person accounts by current residents and those with a long-term relationship with Auroville. These are personal, heartfelt expressions of what it means to live in Auroville right now, at this moment.
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