Auroville Witness

First-hand accounts of what it means to live in Auroville right now, at this moment.

What is Auroville Witness?

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.

How to subscribe?

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.

How to submit to Auroville Witness?

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.

Bulldozing of Auroville forests, December 2021

Residents protest destruction, July 2022

Residents gather against authoritarianism, January 2023

Matrimandir excavation works, April 2024

Cut wood from Auroville forests, March 2025

Auroville Matrimandir Banyan tree, March 2025

Recent Narratives

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.

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Auroville Witness

Ongoing Youth Centre demolition

April 5, 2026/

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This article presents excerpts from letters, statements, essays, and a petition. They address in one way or another the March 20, 2026 destruction of the Youth Centre in Auroville. We hope that they give insight into what the Centre means for the Auroville Community and how the event is emblematic of the AVFO’s ongoing destructive approach towards the history, accomplishments, environment, and culture of Auroville. We have linked to the full original of most pieces so you can read further.

Problems? Where are the problems?

March 22, 2026/

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How collective solutions emerge in a complex evolutionary and spiritual work like Auroville.

Cognitive efficiency over spontaneity

March 22, 2026/

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How the emphasis on rules, authority, and permission has replaced trust with efficiency, and spontaneity with caution and paralysis.

Interview with Peter Lloyd

March 22, 2026/

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A conversation exploring Peter’s time in Auroville, his experience writing for Auroville Today, the effects of the current administration, and his ongoing connection.

A new society built with good will

March 8, 2026/

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One woman’s journey of helping to create the new society.

Roy’s story

March 8, 2026/

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A tribute and eulogy for Roy, a beloved writer, editor, and quiet presence in Auroville.

Crazy times

March 8, 2026/

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A voice of courage tells the truth about the administration’s many ways of constricting and stifling freedom, with effects on housing, work, loss of work, and movement towards creating a profit-driven urban city.

Let thy will be done

February 22, 2026/

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Can the Governing Board engage with residents, and harmony be re-established?

Interview with Laurence de Junnemann

February 22, 2026/

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A talk with a resident who recently left, and how she is finding or creating a similar community in France.

End of Content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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