Auroville: The City of Dawn
Auroville (meaning “City of Dawn” and alluding to philosopher Sri Aurobindo) is a globally recognized “universal” planned town located in Tamil Nadu, India, near Puducherry. It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (known as “The Mother”) based on Sri Aurobindo’s social theory, with recognition and support from the Indian government and UNESCO.
Key Facts and Vision
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Location: 150 km south of Chennai, 9 km north of Puducherry.
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Population: Around 3,300 residents (as of 2023) from about 60 nations. It is planned for 50,000.
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Goal (The Charter): To be a place for lifelong learning and continuous progress, a bridge between the past and future, and a site for material and spiritual research for a real human unity. It belongs to all humanity, but residents must be willing to serve the Divine Consciousness.
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Urban Plan: Designed by architect Roger Anger in the shape of a spiral galaxy around the central sanctuary, the Matrimandir (Temple of the Mother). The city is divided into four sectors: Cultural, International, Industrial, and Residential, surrounded by a green belt of forest and agriculture.
Historical and Legal Status
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The town was inaugurated on February 28, 1968, with representatives from 124 nations contributing soil from their homelands into a central urn as a symbol of “universal ownership.”
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After tensions arose in the 1970s, the Indian Parliament passed the Auroville Foundation Act of 1988, which transferred the city’s assets into the Auroville Foundation, a legal body under the Indian government.
Life and Work
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Residents (Aurovillians) receive a monthly maintenance allowance (about 6,000 Indian Rupees / approx. €72) in exchange for work (Service) in the community.
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The community is known for its pioneering work in reforestation (to combat erosion), alternative energy (including a large solar kitchen), organic farming, and education.
Current Conflict and Challenges
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A major power struggle is ongoing between the local community and the Indian government/Auroville Foundation.
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The conflict centers on the government’s push to realize the original Master Plan for 50,000 residents, which involves constructing a controversial Crown Road through the existing forested area around the Matrimandir.
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Many long-term residents are resisting these plans, arguing that they threaten the town’s ecological balance, its spiritual vision, and its original grassroots-democratic decision-making structure.