On Auroville 2022 to 2025

This allegiance was denied to them. Thus, these first few hundreds of Aurovilians found themselves in the situation of outlaws for, by occupying lands which did not belong to them or by leading unauthorised activities, they became “criminals”; cases were filed against many of them and things became venomous, drawing not only public attention, but the Government‟ concern. N evertheless, amongst all Sweet Mother‟s disciples, some well understood what was at stake and chose to act and move so as to serve the Auroville She had wanted. It is through their combined effort that the central Government was asked to intervene; a legal document was studied and worked upon at great lengths, before it was finally accepted and passed by the Parliament, recommending the formation of a Foundation, under the aegis of one of the Ministries, constituted by three complementary bodies: the directing committee, or Governing Board, composed of Government servants or individuals well versed in the works of Sri Aurobindo, as well as one or two members of the community; an international committee, composed of eminent public personalities having contributed to the realization of human unity and harmony upon earth; and the assembly of all residents represented by its elected or chosen working group of seven members. This Foundation would be provided with a permanent Secretary on site, nominated and replaced every three years, who would oversee the daily functioning and would serve as intermediary, representing at once the government authority and the community priorities. The Foundation would also be legally vested with the ownership of all funds and assets and would guarantee that all projects undertaken by Auroville are at the service of its ideal, assisting the residents in their progress without any constraint or imposition. It is probably not possible to conceive such a legal document, in the international legislative language and according to the Indian Constitution, which may truly do justice to the mission of Auroville and be devoid of any ambiguity. The risk of incomprehension, of a too partial interpretation, or of a political will and intent to orient the choices and decisions of the Auroville collectivity, was thus underlying since the first hour, and the situation of Auroville through the subsequent years largely rested on the goodwill and enlightened understanding of the person posted as Secretary. Sweet Mother and Sri Aurobindo constantly maintained in their yogic work and action the necessity of progressively infusing upon earth the influence of the Truth Consciousness, the supramental influence, beginning with the service of Mother

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