journal d'une transition

1274

For the first time in the history of Auroville, he seemed to have the means to establish some sort of supremacy over the affairs of the Matrimandir in particular, and at least the main lines of the physical and architectural development of Auroville, in general. With the Chairman’s proactive assistance, and the enlisting of old associates well- versed in “social engineering”, Roger A’s declared role as the “Chief Architect of Auroville” was given an aura of spiritual respectability. Roger A did not want to waste more time: he would now be having his way. Following the time-honoured dictum that “offence is the best form of defence”, he and his group began an active campaign of belittling, ridiculing, brow beating, steam-rolling, and bulldozing our team and particularly Arjun and myself. Slander and calumny became an acceptable practice. But we were always late in realising our isolation. In preparation for the official meeting of the Governing Board on the 15 th of September, we had submitted, as usual, our detailed work report. After the meeting had taken place, we received a formal letter from the Secretary, on behalf of the Governing Board, along with a copy of the report which had been submitted by Roger A himself. This was no less than an open and official declaration of intent: we would be crushed out of existence, unless we complied and went down on our knees. I reproduce both those letters here, as it gives the tone of the period that followed, up until our legalised ousting in October, 2003.

*From the Secretary, N. Bala Baskar, to the MMCG, 18-9-2001:

“Dear Members of the MMCG,

The Governing Board acknowledges the receipt of the progress report on Matrimandir sent by you. The Governing Board received another report from Shri Roger A, Chief Architect of Auroville, raising certain issues regarding progress of work in Matrimandir. The Governing Board considered the reports and decided that the report from Roger A be sent to you (MMCG) for acquainting you with the views expressed in the report. It was also decided that the MMCG report as well as the report from Shri Roger A be sent also to the Working Committee of the Residents Assembly, so that the same could be considered by the Residents Assembly as expeditiously as possible. Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the report from Shri Roger A presented to the Governing Board at its meeting on 15 th September 2001.

With regards, yours sincerely,

N. Bala Baskar.”

Note: With this letter, it became clear that, between them, the Chairman and the “Chief Architect” had become sure that they now could “handle” the community and capitalise on various forms of discontent and rumours to rally the vocal majority to their views