Main WGs’ Candidates 2022
ATDC
Name: Allan Bennett
Community: Hope
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I joined Auroville to help realise Mother’s Dream and the Charter, and also to manifest the ‘city the earth needs’ and I feel that I can contribute very well towards this as a member of the ATDC. My skills and background as a Town Planner are aligned to my interest in the sustainable development of this unique and experimental city, which should serve as a beacon to the world, socially, environmentally and economically.
Recognising the special purposes and practices in Auroville, and my limited time living here so far, I have generally held-back from engaging deeply in the Auroville planning system. But now, with the strong drive from the Governing Board and Secretary to rapidly accelerate the construction, and as a result some planning of Auroville as a city, it feels a bit like ‘now or never’.
Since being nominated, the circumstances have changed further, and I recognise that the immediate work on behalf of the Residents Assembly will be varied, challenging and, if necessary, adversarial. My sincere hope and offer is for pragmatic explorations of the real planning issues involved, including the genuine participation of Aurovilians.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
In summary, I’m a Town Planner by background, with 5 years of professional experience working for Planning Authorities in the United Kingdom. My graduate and post-graduate studies have focused on issues of urban planning, climate resilience and governance.
In Auroville I have so far based my service in the farming sector, at Auro-Orchard, supporting Farm Group and as part of a new service to assist with the food-sector coordination. I have also been a resource person for the Residents’ Assembly Service and Auroville Council drawing from my local government experience.
More recently I was a supporting member of the Dreamweaving team which was a really valuable experience and preparation for taking up a position in the ATDC.
I have learned a lot about my strengths and challenges by being a part of these and other teams in Auroville. In particular, I’ve found an interest and capacity for holding sensitive conversations, meetings and communications and helping to find constructive outcomes.
Some excerpts from my pre-Auroville CV are below for more information:
Role: Planning Policy Officer
Employer: Dorset Councils Partnership
Preparing, monitoring and advising on planning policies with particular responsibility for the development and implementation of infrastructure policies. – Carrying out and reporting on consultations, research and monitoring as part of local plan preparation. – Leading on production of key evidence documents including the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. Advising on planning and implementation matters including emerging policy, case law, legislation and the governance of Section 106 (S106) obligations. Undertaking inter-disciplinary engagement and coordination with external stakeholders on issues of public health, flood risk & biodiversity within policy production and in response to applications. – Advising and assisting local communities in their preparation of effective Neighbourhood Development Plans, ensuring relevant guidance and legislation is followed and providing formal responses to consultations on behalf of the local authority.
Education & Training:
Qualification: MSc Urban Planning (part time)
Establishment: University of the West of England
Study period: September 2015 – February 2019
Qualification: CertHE Environment equivalent (part time):
Establishment: The Open University Study period: October 2012 – July 2013,
Staff Development Programme, Local Government Authority District Councils Network, October 2017 – April 2018
Project management for planners – Masterclass, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), November 2017
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
As indicated above, I have a range of transferrable professional skills with particular comfort with planning, policy and legal matters. I have real-world experience of conforming to Planning Law and best-practice whilst developing policies, undertaking planning studies and advocating for environmentally sound & socially just development planning and monitoring. In the current circumstances, my sharp analytical skills and knowledge of the Auroville governance and planning systems are highly relevant. Similarly, my pragmatism and desire to find reasonable solutions to issues should also help the new ATDC team to interface with the RA, Governing Board, Secretary and others.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Amos
Community: Eternity
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I am an architect with experience in the field and want to contribute to the need of our community.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
2 years preservation office
2 years city planning
4 years intensive residential building
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Architecture.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
all through
Name: Anan
Community: Eternity
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I was asked by a few people if I would accept to be nominated for ATDC. I reflected about it and decided to accept and do my best if selected.
When I was still a teenager I had gone out to study construction because I have always liked to build and because I wanted to contribute to Auroville’s growth by helping to build the City.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
In 2004, at the age of 16, when I was studying construction in France, the programme was a study and work programme for two years.
For those two years I worked in a team as an apprentice on historical monuments and UNESCO approved heritage buildings.
After my apprenticeship I went on to accept an opportunity as a team leader.
The following three years I moved to the level of site manager from experience and skills gathered.
By the time I was 21 I decided to return to Auroville and pursue the field of construction by contributing to the building of the City. And ever since I’ve been in Auroville.
By now I have 18 years of experience in the field of construction.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I’m not much of a talker, I’m a doer.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
Through out the year
Name: Aurotaranti Maiolini
Community: Dana
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
It is my understanding that the ATDC requires someone to ensure proper Cultural Resource Management (Archaeology) is used as a layer of intervention in city planning and budgeting.
For the last 40 years, Poppo has done what he can to do rescue excavations when artifacts were found. The Auroville collection, according to former Director of the Archaeological Survey of India, is exquisit and we must do what we can to ensure proper permits, excavation, restoration and documentation of this Tamil Heritage. is unobstructed.
If Auroville is to be the city which takes all discoveries from within and from without, let us set the bar so that Archaeology may become a means to an end, build the city yet excavate prior to destruction. Develop educational and vocational opportunities in the process. Establish a Regional Cultural Heritage Center so that the academic community may be informed of the archaeological record and research in the field may receive the anchoring support it needs to apply for funds.
As an Archaeological Technician, I have an overview of what needs to be done. As a child of Auroville, I know how important it is to reach out to my mentors for guidance; Poppo, Dawn Hubbs, Uriel, Guilio, Michel D , Enrica and Gopi. As a student of Anthropology, I care deeply for this Tamil and National Heritage as it is a window to understanding human relations through Art of the Iron Age.
For the last nine months, I have been digitally archiving the 40 years of research done by Poppo and his teams. I have submitted an Activity and Budget request to SAIIER for a Regional Cultural Heritage Center as was suggested by Doshi’s Office in 2011. It is time, in my opinion, to lead by example so that sites are not destroyed before they can be studied.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Mrs. Aurotaranti Maiolini
DOB: 17/08/1973 in Pondicherry, India
French and Oversea Citizen of India (OCI)
Dana, Auroville
Tamil Nadu, India 605101
Phone: 262-2820, 948-665-0264
aurotaranti@gmail.com
EDUCATION:
BA in Anthropology, University of California, Santa Cruz: June 2004
AA in Anthropology, Cabrillo Community College, Aptos: June 2002
Archaeological Technician Certificate, Cabrillo Community College, Aptos: June 2002
WORK HISTORY:
Auroville Museum of Archaeology- Program Coordinator August 2021 – Present
• Digital archiving of the last 40 years of research carried out by Poppo and his teams. Organize activities for SAVI Volunteers, student visits, follow up on communications with various scholars and departments.
Administrator – Tube Thambi, Auroville, India March 2020 – Present
• Administrative and Financial management relating to production of video marketing material for the Auroville YouTube Channels Directory. https://www.youtube.com/c/tubethambiauroville
Administrative Assistant- Teachers Center, Auroville, India Oct. 2018-Dec2020
• Compiling educational materials from various sources to document and develop curriculum for K-8 schools located within the international setting of Auroville Township, India.
Educator- Shanghai Livingston American School, Shanghai, China Aug 2016-June 2018
• Pre-K Class Teacher in an international class setting of 25 students. Instruct and follow the California Common Core curriculum, supervise, coordinate, manage and create three-tiered differentiated material to ensure individual student learning.
Homemaker September 2015-July 2016
• Caring for our daughter Elora (born October 2014) and son Ennio (born January 18, 2012)
• Part of parent initiative for multi-age group of children (1 ½ – 8 years) with child centered educational philosophy. Main facilitator of activities.
Fundraiser and Networker – Resource Mobilization Service -Auroville, India March 2014-August 2015
• Provided individuals with capacity building tools and financial resources to ensure successful project development.
Administrative Coordinator – Living Routes -Auroville, India May 2013-February 2014
• Administrative Coordinator and Financial Manager for study abroad program in India.
Educator – Transition School – Auroville, India October 2005-September 2011
• Taught 2nd, 6th and 8th grade as a Class Teacher. Taught Math to 6th and 5th grade.
Educator – Catapult Learning – Oakland CA February 2005-June 2005
• Assess third and fourth grade students in math and discuss evaluations with their parents.
• Teach math to elementary school children in an after-school program.
Co-leader – Alameda County Smith Society – Alameda CA January 2005-July 2005
• Networked with foster youth service agencies and assist underprivileged youth in applying for college, financial aid, future employment and volunteer activities.
• Developed a three-week academic summer program for foster youth in Alameda County.
Steering Team Coordinator – Page and Eloise Smith Scholastic Society Sept. 2003- June 2004
• Offered educational advocacy to foster-youth at Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall and led UCSC campus visits to foster youth from Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties.
• Advocated and developed an Independent Tutoring Service for Foster Youth (ITSFoYou) in Santa Cruz County as a result of my Honors Senior Thesis “”The Educational Needs of Foster Youth and Their Need for Tutoring Services””.
• Collaborated between UCSC, the Santa Cruz Office of Education, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Child Protective Services (CPS).
Mobile Recreation Leader – Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation August 2002- May 2003
• Provided and supervised after-school activities such as group games, arts and crafts to youth in disadvantaged communities throughout Santa Cruz County.
Recreation Team-Leader – Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Summer 2002
• Planned, developed and supervised recreational activities and administered the community lunch program at Mesa Village County Park in Watsonville.
Executive Director – Auroville International USA Sept. 1998 – August 1999
• Directed and coordinated operations for nonprofit corporation.
• Responsible for soliciting, receiving, accounting for, depositing, disbursing and acknowledging tax exempt donations.
• Performed administrative and customer service functions for head office, such as conducting board meetings, preparing minutes and reports.
• Managed publication of Evolve, the corporate newsletter.
• Wrote successful grant applications and fundraised over $500,000 for non-profit administrative costs and related projects in southern India. Managed funding contracts with foundations and donor relations.
Project Developer – Auroville International Youth Center (AVYC) June 1997- June 1998
• Co-founded and developed center with community consensus.
• Successfully petitioned for city land allocation.
• Raised funds for well drilling, construction, activities and maintenance.
• Coordinated and facilitated activities of the center including youth involvement in construction, arts, crafts, cultural events and ecological activism.
Secretary – Auroville Council, Auroville Executive Committee January 1996 – January 1997
• Took weekly minutes, published meeting notes and maintained accurate confidential records.
Receptionist, Data Entry – Washington Business Journal September – December 1992
• Updated subscription database, prepared Circulation Department records for general audit, greeted visitors and operated switchboard.
AFFILIATIONS:
• Junior/Senior Fellow – Page and Eloise Smith Scholastic Society: 2002-current
• Docent – Shorebird Park Nature Center: 2004-2005
• Vice President – Santa Cruz Archaeological Society: 2001-2002
• Board Member – Auroville International Foundation: 1999-2000
CERTIFICATIONS:
• First Aid/Adult and Infant CPR certified, American Safety and Health Institute: September 2018
• NAUI Certified 1999, PADI Certified 2008
• California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) Certificate: April 2005
• Fingerprinted/Live-scan: February 2005
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
The creation of a Cultural Resource Management component to the ATDC is a specific request which I hope is answered in the Motivation Letter. As for the expertise in the field, I do not claim to be such an expert but know that I have, as a mentor, Dawn Hubbs (former Aurovilian and now Cultural Resource Management consultant in Arizona) to help us guide this through. My skill as a networker will bring to the table the necessary experts which Auroville needs for this work.
SKILLS;
• Languages: English, French with some Spanish and Tamil
• Proficient in typing, Microsoft Word, Excel, Office and File Maker Pro
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated and efficient time management skill
• Attentive to detail and able to multi-task effectively
• Creative approach to problem solving
• Ready to learn new skills
• Committed to incorporating youth in the development of Auroville
As one of the randomly selected members of the Dreamweaving process, I feel it would be a great privilege to become part of its reality.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Bertrand
Community: Surrender
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
This application is motivated by the desire to serve the community in the best of my capacity. Having worked for years in the construction, design and planning fields I believe that at L’avenir D’Auroville/ATDC my professional experience can be put to use.
Auroville has always been where I wanted to be. As a devotee of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Auroville represent for me the place created for the growth of consciousness toward the advance of the Superman.
The development of the Universal Township of Auroville is an integral part of this process and in that regard, it must be done consciously and intentionally to create a place that reflect, in matter, the ideal of human unity as expressed in Sri Aurobindo’s and the Mother’s writings.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
In my early 20’s I encountered the writing of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo that brought me to Auroville in 1983 after a 2-year stay, I went back to the west and it is only 20 years later, after having raised a family, that I returned to Auroville where I am residing since 2007.
Prior to coming to Auroville, while living in the USA, I worked for some years as a general contractor developing my knowledge of construction technics. Upon returning to the USA, after Auroville, I studied architecture in the USA and practiced in France for a number of years. Later on I joined the “”batiment de France’ (equivalent of the Archaeological Survey in India) where I participated in the renovation and restoration of Historical monuments. Eventually I started a business purchasing and renovating run down property for resale.
Since my return in Auroville I have worked as an Architect first with Satprem on the Realisation Project and then with Andre Hababou in the development/construction of the second phase of Surrender. Then started a unit Creation Architecture Studio and worked on diverse architectural projects in and outside of Auroville. Naturally this brought me close to l’Avenir d’Auroville/ATDC with whom I collaborated on a few projects.
I have also volunteered in a number of study groups over the years most notably on the reform of the selection process and the functioning of working group as well as on the issue of land protection (Land Protection Group) in collaboration with the WC.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
It is my belief that over the years I have developed an expertise in the field of planning and architecture as well as a project manager.
The diversity of my work experience while being mostly in the architectural field has put me in touch with the various aspect of the profession. I have acquired knowledge in the field of planning and management as well as in the economic aspect of planning. My time with the French government has given me a good understanding of administrative and government processes.
In Auroville I have endeavoured to understand the functioning of the different working groups their responsibility towards the RA and their relationship with the Secretariat of the AV foundation and the GB. While working with study groups I have had the opportunity to present projects and interact with the RA in GMs, prepare reports and interact with the Governing Board during their visits, and meet with Senior Government officials regarding planning and development in Chennai.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Divya
Community: Kalabhumi
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Reasons and motivations:
– TDC is in dire need of a complete and proactive team, with new energies as well as people who “”know the job already””/have experience
– Seeing the turmoil of the past few months, motivation and perseverance are key, as well as sturdy shoulders
– Communication between the TDC and the community is extremely crucial henceforth, more than ever
Aspirations:
– Build an open-minded and inclusive society, based on constructive and participatory processes
– Ensure communication and comprehension for informed decision-making
– Aiming for a higher better future through sustainability, research/learning and progress
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
– Translating, proofreading and editing since 2012
– Secretary, interim and interface team of the TDC for 3.5 years (2015-2018)*
– Teaching English Language in Future School since 2018
* teamwork experience: perfectionist and organised, I am sometimes not very diplomatic when it comes to managing people and their feelings. My sole intention is however simply and only to make meetings more efficient and constructive, with less stories and talking, more working and actions.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
– Skills: text treatment (reports etc.), social and outgoing, result-focused (but the way there also counts), use of common sense and establishing connections
– Domain of expertise: translation, proofreading, editing
– Specific interests: communication, reading, horses
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All year round, but half-time only (morning or afternoon only, depending on when my classes are scheduled in Future School)
Name: Dorle
Community: Soffio
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Since returning to Auroville in 2010 after my studies and gaining work experience, I have wanted to be involved in the development in Auroville. Initially I worked as technical staff in the TDC (see below) but also wanted to gain hands-on practical experience with construction and projects. Which I have done in the years since ( See below). The current situation draws me to apply as a candidate for the ATDC as I see that there is a strong need and much work to be done to take the development of Auroville further. I hope that I can be of use and play a role in this.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
After growing up in Auroville in the mid 70’s, I got involved with construction and architecture in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in Auroville. My work with Helmut inspired me to study architecture in Germany. I concluded my studies with a thesis on climatically and environmentally appropriate, medium density clustered housing in Auroville.
On completion of my studies I moved to the Netherlands to gain experience in the field. I worked as a design architect on a large variety of projects ranging from renovations of offices, extension of private homes and low cost row housing projects to industrial buildings and offices, a community home for differently-abled youth, apartment buildings, a variety of semi pre-fabricated energy efficient and energy neutral homes and many more.
Throughout this period my focus steadily shifted more and more towards environmentally and climatically appropriate and sustainable building methods, materials and design.
In 2010 I returned to Auroville and initially worked in L’avenir d Auroville (TDC) as technical staff in 2011-2012. Here I worked on a DDP (detailed development plan) for the SSN (Southern Service Node), preparation of presentations for the GB meetings, looking into reviewing the building application form and process and a collaborative project of preparing a DDP for the residential zone sector 1 + 2 in 2012 among other things.
Since then I also started an architecture practice, Office 4, and have completed a number of different projects using a variety of building methods and materials. Among the projects are: interior design, development plans, landscaping, housing projects, pre-fab structures, public buildings and private homes.
Some of the projects are:
• Auroville Library interior
• Food Link low cost prefab buildings (Solar Kitchen)
• Meike’s house – Discipline
• Farewell facility – Crown area
• Nolly’s house – Samasti
• Re-Centre – southern service node
• Sante Ambulance parking – Crown Area
• Soffio housing project – Residential Zone
• Dream Weaving the crown participation
In my design and buildings I strive to minimise. Focus on prioritizing using climate and environmentally appropriate materials, building methods and forms, while translating the requirements, dreams and wishes of the client into spaces where form follows function.
Design philosophy: architecture is created by space and proportion.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Please see above
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Fabian Ostner
Community: Pitchandilkulam Forest
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I believe that the current crisis within Auroville can only be solved via professional planning approaches, landing the Galaxy in the context.
I have a reasonably sound experience of planning within Auroville and believe I can bridge diverse strands of interpretations of how Auroville should grow. Personally I am since joining Auroville more than 20 years ago, interested in seeing how the Galaxy as fitting urban expression of Auroville’s aspiration can take shape, integrating the context, can finally take shape. As Aurovilian I am also very interested in the way that we shape our self-governance systems to allow for a healthy growth of our community.
I can see myself well as an interface between the required technical teams and the larger community. Experienced in planning processes due to my work as architectural consultant and also as Aurovilian living in the Greenbelt and connected to the eco-restoration that has happened over the last many decades, I believe I can further a harmonizing approach lifting us out of the present situation.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Architectural consultant within India since almost 25 years either as executive of a registered Auroville unit or – when not in Auroville between 2008 and 2010 – project architect with large architectural offices in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Participated in several planning workshops within Auroville, most recently the Dream-weaving exercise on the development of the Crown.
Held the position of Interim TDC member in 2017.
Involved in Green Group, Forest Group, Feedback Review Committees and Selection Groups for earlier TDCs.
Always have worked in teams and used to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Able to listen and accept diverse viewpoints. Result-oriented.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
See above.
I can offer my time and energy to work half-time and believe that if the Interface team and the technical arm of the next ADTC are well briefed and professionally set up, this can be sufficient.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
From the beginning of July for half-time (I need to parallelly run my unit and take care of my family)
Name: Francois
Community: Certitude
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I would like to help out in planning in a way that takes into consideration the existing circumstances of development including social and environmental parameters.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
After nearly 50 years of having lived in Auroville my experience as a landscaper and architect can be put to use in the purview of the ATDC.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Landscaping, architecture, project coordination and overview.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
12 months
Name: Island Lescure
Community: Espace
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I would like to build Auroville but with international best practice standards and with the aspiration of Auroville’s ideals. I realise that this is a mammoth task but hopefully enough support will be present for this so we can achieve incremental steps towards a system that can function more adequately than what has been in place so far.
I like to work with everyone and try to connect people as much as I can. I believe the only way to build is by bring in interdisciplinary fields of expertise to avoid one sided views.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have had many different types of jobs in several parts of the world. These have ranged from picking apples in New Zealand, building dry stone walls in France, waiting in a restaurant in France, building rammed earth houses in Australia, working on a construction team in Guam, starting and running a tree pruning and removal service in Auroville, working as a tree surgeon in Australia and the UK, working as a tree inspector and surveyor in the UK, establishing and managing a forest in Auroville, writing and implementing independent projects, providing project reports, working as a consultant and director of a tree consultancy company in the UK and in Auroville and India and finally, teaching arboriculture at the Auroville Botanical Gardens.
I have been employed on casual basis, part-time, full time, been self employed, and worked as director.
I have worked alone and as part of teams (both following and as team leader).
A more relevant project to here perhaps: I planted the trees along the stretch of road between from the Solar Kitchen to Mahalakshmi Home. This was done to plant trees for shade but also to see what the process would be like to implement this project in Auroville’s context. I wrote the proposal, engaged with all stakeholders (all communities and services along the way, TDC, all infrastructure teams, Road service), verified infrastructure locations (present and future), received funding, implemented it and I am now managing it (3 years of aftercare).
More details of my work experience and qualifications can be obtained on my Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/islandlescure/
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I am analytical, practical and hands on but also work with
Microsoft (Word, Powerpoint, Excel),
Google (Docs, Forms, Slides, Earth, Sheets),
QGIS (for surveying)(including Qfield).
My domain of expertise is in arboriculture (the cultivation, management and study of trees, mostly in urban settings) and it is that aspect that I would like to focus on. In that regard, I would like to integrate green infrastructure into planning here (as it is already in many parts of the world, although it is even more relevant here, in many circumstances).
This would be by formulating guidelines to be implemented in a similar fashion to the contents in the Work Manual that was being made not so long ago and in “”The DDP of the Residential Zone (1&2) and Site Development Guidelines 2020″” that was also never made public. Arboriculture guidelines are already present in the latter document based on my recommendations and input.
I would like to bring together the aspects of building grand and building sensitively to get to something that we can actually implement and be happy with.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
any
Name: Jan
Community: Akashva
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I am a civil engineer by profession and think i can give a good contribution to build Auroville.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Previously member of
Development Group
Working Committee
Famc
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Past 3 years civil engineer at Matrimandir
Before wnd energy systems in Auroville and other places in India
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Lata
Community: Certitude
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
My motivation to join the ATDC has to do with the current state of affairs of Auroville. My skills and background make me a good candidate for the Technical Team, specially since there aren’t many people in Auroville who would be able to get into the technicalities. In fact, there is even this perception that we need to bring in consultants from outside to do this job. This is not to say that I would not be able to work as part of the Interface Team. I have done a lot of collaborative work during my time here in Auroville and feel that I can be truly representative of the residents of Auroville, working with them to ascertain their aspirations and translate them into Auroville’s planning and development.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
In no particular order:
– have been part of APDC (Auroville Planning and Development Council) as a representative of the Cultural Zone. I was also part of the sub-group called Planning Group within that.
– have been part of the TDC, first as the planning group and later was appointed by Mr. Doshi as the coordinator of the Technical Team. During this time I’ve worked on a study on the galaxy, an update of the Master Plan, Mobility for the residential zone, community brief for residential zone 1 and 2, 3d model of the city area, urban design guidelines for the crown, etc.
– have guided the preparation of the planning guidelines, was part of several focus groups during the sounding board phase that went into the preparation of the TOR for the planning group.
– have worked on the preparation of ‘envisioning the crown’, whereby we have given a brief on how and when the crown should be developed.
– have worked on priorities for purchasing land based on factors such as proximity to water channels, connectivity of forest patches, proximity to roads, etc.
– have been a member of Auroville Council and also a member of the Land Coordination Committee.
– have been involved in the ‘biodiversity hotspots’, a concept that has guided conservation professionals since the 90s
– have worked on priority setting for biodiversity conservation in Madagascar, Upper Guinean forests
– have worked on several projects relating to biodiversity and more recently on elephant habitat and corridors in Odisha
– have worked on flood forecasting for the coastal areas of Odisha
– have been part of the ODRC (Owner Driven Rehabilitation Collaborative) as a planning professional in response to different disasters such as the Tsunami, Flooding in Bihar, etc.
– have worked on internet mapping solutions for several institutions; have worked in the pioneering team of WebGIS
– conducted viewshed analysis for planning and watershed analysis for site allocation for different residential densities.
– many more….. too long to specify here….
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
My expertise is in mapping and analysis, ecological planning, geodesign, consensus building. Difficult to say what my specific interests are, except to say that I choose my work based on what the need of the hour is and where I may be able to fill gaps that exist – work that needs to be done and no one else is doing it.
I haven’t been able to read the mandate because my request to the RAS to please put it up online has been answered. There is no space in the choice below to say why I’ve not read the mandate, so putting it here.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
No
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All
Name: Meera
Community: Auroorchard
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I am an Environmental engineer specialized in waste water treatment. It is one of the important field needed in Auroville for the development and town planning I believe I can contribute a lot to the community in my area.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I did my internship at CSR on decentralized waste water treatment systems. I have also completed water budgeting and audit course offered by the central government. In addition to this I have also worked at L’avenir and water group for two years.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Waste water management and water budgeting & auditing.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
September onwards
Name: Mira Tonioni
Community: Anitya Community
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I arrived in Auroville in 2015 and was born in Italy into an integral yoga community, growing up with the words of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother around me and coming to India several times as a child.
Already in 2018 when I became an Aurovilian I felt that in the future I would have liked to be part of l’Avenir d’Auroville to contribute to the realization and manifestation of the Mother’s dream for this city of dawn.
I feel that the current moment requires the most intense participation and collaboration from each Aurovilian, so to find the place where each can be the tool to express their talents at the service of the community.
This is why I would like to apply for the ATDC to help, in the most harmonious way possible, to build the city of Auroville.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
In Auroville I have been a facilitator in TLC for more than 2 years and part of the “”TLC aspiration team”” that coordinates all the management of the project itself.
For more than 15 years I have been working in the field of education for children and adults, where the main focus has been on agriculture, nutrition, health, naturopathic and well-being of life.
As I arrived in Auroville I been working in The Urban Farm project as a volunteer and sharing my knowledge about the synergetic vegetable garden and Permaculture design.
I work with and practice collaborating skills in my everyday life as I live in Anitya community (Joi of impermanence) and from the beginning I was able to use my skills as a designer for the creation of the community master plan, using also the principles of Permaculture.
I work very well in a team and have learned facilitation techniques for managing meetings, where everyone can express him/her self and there is space to listen to each other.
Practical and organizational sense are my strength.
For the first year I am available to work in the ATDC team for a few afternoons as I am still committed with the TLC and subsequently I intend to increase the amount of commitment.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
My high school studies in Italy are of architecture and therefore I know the technical language in this field as well as having practical experience in the eco-building sector both in Italy and in Auroville (Joi of impermanence project).
I am also on the path to become a teacher in Permaculture and these design principles are extremely valid and can be used for a harmonious design of Auroville.
The same is valid for the knowledge in medicine of habitat, eco-building, organic agriculture and living in harmony with nature, which all can be integrated to assess, that the future city of Auroville becomes eco-sustainable and suitable for the residents (adults and children) of the future.
I participated as a focus point in the dreamweaving process and I hope to be of help in creating a city at the forefront in all sectors with ecological, resilient, sustainable solutions in harmony with the environment.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
For the first year I am available to work in the ATDC team for a few afternoons as I am still committed with the TLC and subsequently I intend to increase the amount of commitment.
Name: Natasha
Community: Evergreen
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I belive that this group will be much more effective if they are able to involve the community at large. My motivation to join is to support such a process. To creat forums and plateforms through which people can participate and have a voice that is heard. I don’t pretend to offer anything grand just simply serve by connecting people and joining the dots.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I grew up on a farm and went on to do a master’s degree in ecological agriculture from Wageningein University in the Netherlands.After a fair bit of traveling the globe, I joined Auroville, a place that was introduced to me by my parents as a little child and I always knew I would return to. When I first joined Auroville I was part of a comprehensive farm group survey. Latter I was part of an initiative called convergence, which brought many schools of thought together and offered workshops to better understand the shif needed by us. At this point if time in my life I am first and foremost a mother. In the early years as a young parent I was led to create The learning Community as a plateform that uses Auroville as it’s classroom . This was a rich and productive time for me personally in understanding Auroville in all its nuances. After ten years of moving at a fast pace, i slowed down and observed all the working groups in silence for two years as a silence presence keeper while stewarding Evergreen forest. I now belive I have explored both my external and internal environments and am keen to connect the two.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I work well in groups and am keen to be an agent in bringing community participation into the working groups. I have good organisational skills and make good soup! I say that not as a joke but rather seriously because i belive we can come together better around a table drinking soup than in an office over a meeting. I like to think of myself as a person of integrity who signs up for a job and puts her best foot forward no matter what. This would mean i would put my own opinions aside and serve the community in all its diversity with the guidances of our charter and it’s dream.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Pavneet
Community: Center Field
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Name: Pavneet
Community: Center Field
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
My motivation is work in a trans disciplinary environment with experts from different areas, in the unique setting that Auroville is.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have worked and interned in Delhi in Architecture and Design Studios prior coming to Auroville. In Auroville I have worked already with ATDC in the Evaluation and Monitoring Cell, during my New comer period. I have worked with CSR Geomatics and I am currently working with CSR as a researcher in various fields.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I am a CoA licensed Architect and I work also in the filed of Project Management/ Project coordination.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All
Name: Rajendren
Community: Elements/Pouranakassel
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Name: Rajendren
Community: Elements/Pouranakassel
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I am born here.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
List of Projects case studied by working and creating models.
Matrimandir Model first time for Michel Bonke, Second time made in Frankfurt and sent to Auroville
City Centre crown road and buildings from given 2D plans and drawings to visualize create and build the full
Model of own creation
Many indivual houses such as Inge, Anu&PiereleGrand, Arlet&JeanJaque – Auroville
Sri Aurobindo Yoga Centre – with Popo Pingle and Mona – Delhi
Courage Community – Auroville
LoF Progress Residential zone Auroville
Art Youth Atelier cultural zone – Auroville
Township at Dairy, Pune – Maharashtra
Megdoot Urban Centre, Nagpur – Maharashtra
Urban Park at Karve Nagar, Pune – Maharashtra
Revitalisation of Charminar Area, Hydarabad – Andra Pradesh
Sanskar Kendra (Museum Redisgn) Ahmedabad – Gujarat
Development Plan for growth and expansion of the city Pune, Maharashtra
Documentation for International Studio
Deutsche Bank Frankfurt am Main – Germany
Deutsche Börse Preungescheim – Germany
Commerce Bank Frankfurt am Main – Germany
Mannheim Chemical Factory – Germany
Hoch4 European Shoping Centre Zeil Frankfurt am Main – Germany
Humboldt University Old building for memorial in Warsaw of Berlin – Germany
Climate control mechanism and buildings Berlin – Germany
Landes Bethmann (Turkishbath) campus and heritage buildings Berlin – Germany
Frankfurt Airport new terminals and new future town studies and development
Frankfurt old town Heritage buildings and Archeological centers conservations study and proposals
Gerber Riad Kings Library – Riad
Flights Depo Hall – Nigeria
Oil refinery factory – Libya
Nile water dam project – Sudan
IBA docks Wilhelmsbrug and Hamburg complete study analysis and expo
Radio awards 20 numbers the Golden MicroPhone Berlin – Germany
Road Sections and studies in middle of the Concrete City Berlin – Germany
Sandhaus Sculptor and Art building form for public space Berlin – Germany
Myanmar Urban Residential towers -Myanmar
Old and New town future city – Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Prince Salman Science Oasis – Qatar
Offenbach harbor – Germany
Nuclear Power station Cooling tower Berlin – Germany
Frankfurt am Main City Urban studies and future city
Russian Cities planned by Albert Sphere and Brothers – Russia
Templehof Airport Berlin – Germany
etc…
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Fields of work, knowledge and skills
– Design
– Planning
– Model making
– Konstruktions drawing
– CAD- Computer Aided Design
– Prototypenfinishing, Anschauungsmodellbau, CNC,
Lasertechnik, 3D – Printing process
– Quality inspection, quality assurance
Sprachkenntnisse
Tamil Mother tongue
Englisch Fluent in all
Deutsch Fluent in all
Französisch Fluent in speaking and understanding
Hindi Basic
Computer knowledge
Rhino, CAD, Fussion 360,
Sketchup
MS-Office
Tsunami-Help, FERAL-Foundation, Ecological Research,
Advocacy and Learning (NGO-For Rural Development)
Afforestation work
Freedom – Auroville
Participation in an art course
Pyramids Art School, Auroville
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Rakhal
Community: Sukhavati
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Why The Mother named the planning office of Auroville ‘Lavenir d’Auroville”” ?
What is the future of Auroville ? and how is this office so specially concerned with it ?
What is concealed behind this injunction ?
I suppose it has a strong connection with “” a living embodiment of an actual human unity.””
Yes it looks obvious that we are not missing technical skills. We stumbled on the challenge to bring very divers point of view together so far.
One of the root of our present difficulty is there.
And the challenge is to acknowledge it and progress.
That is what motivates me : the key role that ATDC is called to play in the Future of Auroville.
May I progress enough to serve this huge possibility ?
I am not sure but I know it is only while trying my /our best that we can get closer to it.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
The interface group which is to be selected will be in charge of the exchanges between the community and the team of technicians proposing planning implementations.
It is a group highly concerned with the harmonisation of the divers sensitivity from the community. As well as capable of making bridge between aspiration and technical constrains. capable to bridge (translate) in both directions.
My experience acquired while organizing programs for newcomers for almost 15 years has given a solid practice of “”team building”” , harmonisation of extremely various points of view.
All this while clinging to the spirit of Auroville.
Even though we will be in a different situation all these will be very useful as a basic skills.
I have done all this in relation with a team of aurovilians, assuming the continuity of the programs.
Despite the doubts that a certain part of the community expressed expressed at the beginning about the value of these programs for newcomers, they have gain an unanimous recognition and impose themselves as an important feature of the entry process.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Pleas have a look ate the previous paragraph. I hope this is enough to starts with.
Please note that there is no job description for the interface group in the documents available for the selection process.
Thank you
Warmly
rakhal
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
every months
Name: Tom
Community: Invocation 5/11
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
ATDC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Building a city can be fun, but it is not a joke.
One has to aspire to harmony in order to integrate properly Citizens and City.
Nature should not be left aside and should be an integral part of any form of planning.
She is providing us with resources and energy and therefore has to be present .
Once this is accepted, the rest flows naturally…
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
My early phase was a mix of wild and normal experiences that brought me to experiment community life in the South of France
There i heard of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and came first to AV in 1980 during the birthday week
I came to live in Auroville the first of January 1982 with 8 kg of tools in my bag.
i used those tools until, in 1986, we created the Auroville Water Service.
From there we kept developing the water consciousness aiming at managing the water of Auroville.
In 1989 Roger Anger asked me to draft the water management plan of Auroville. Which I did.
Then we developed the AWS and gained knowledge and experience in all domains of water management.
In 1996 AGRC informed us that the water level status in the region was becoming critical and We embarked in the creation of Harvest in order to bring water management consciousness in the region in the form of tanks rehabilitation and social development, A very strong wing of research was developed with the help of foreign universities and researchers. an active partnership was developed with Central ground waterboard (India) and other Indians and foreign institutes.
I was absent of AV for 6 years during which i was Operation Director for various companies in Africa developing further my management skills.
When i came back i joined the TDC as advisor. and later as member. After that We created the Water Group.
Presently i am managing the equipment of the Road Service. While acting as Water advisor for the people.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
In my various experiences, i have been always building Team work. This seems to be a second nature for me. My studies, interrupted i 1968, were in a famous civil Engineering school in France (LTE Egletons), this gave me a good base to develop myself all the way till date.
This was enriched with other wild experiences that gave me a very deep taste of Nature and strong bonds with many of its aspects. It also helped to research human nature and the concept of unending education and divine anarchy.
This proved very useful when developing projects in sensible areas (War zones) and gave more colours to my creative palette.
Technical skills are plenty but are not the most important at this point. The human factor is and was enhanced when I joined Auroville and dived in the world of Mother and Sri Aurobindo.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Auroville Council
Name: Alain Bernard
Community: Auromodele
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Name: Alain Bernard
Community: Auromodele
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
After the difficult times that we are passing through, which hopefully will come to an end some day, I feel that we have to review many modes of operation in our organization and aim at simplification. Many of our processes are cumbersome and often too slow. I believe we should try to favor intuition over mental in our collective dealings. Lastly, we should aim at dealing with each others with more of Mother’s Douceur (sweetness, but it is not so adequate as translation).
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
It is now nearly 50 years that I have been in Auroville and i have done and participated in many things.
Among the main activities, launching and monitoring the Pour Tous Fund on January 1st, 1976, which actually initiated the weekly Pour Tous meetings, the main tool of our collective governance for many years afterwards. The creation of SAIIER in 1982/83 with Kireet Joshi, a responsibility I kept up to 1992.. I also participated in a Task Force to find a proper legal solution for Auroville leading to the passing of the Auroville Foundation Act in 1988. I was also a member of the first Auroville Executive Committee in the early 80s. Participated also in entry group, development group and several groups on organization.
In 2005 i was part of a group dealing with the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami, administering the sizeable funds received at that time for the next few years. In 2007, I became a trustee of Auroville Village Action Trust (AVAT), assuming the main responsibility for the Trust after Bhavana, her founder, unfortunately passed away in 2011. A new younger team is now taking over AVAT. I remain an executive of its major unit, Auroville Village Action Group (AVAG).
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I don’t have a specific domain of expertise but i have been dealing with many people,facilitated many groups and it has generally been in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
I think i have a certain experience of Auroville and inner perception of the Dream initiated by the Mother. I of course am still quite far of the definition of the “”true Aurovilian”” given by the Mother but I at least understand that it is an adventure of consciousness. I believe this should be our constant preoccupation in whatever we are doing.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Anita Gaur
Community: Prarthana
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I am sorry but I cannot fill this today but will do so very soon.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Same as above…. Though you might already know me as an architect and facilitator. Have also served in the RAS and TDC
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I work on the fields of organisational development, governance, Intercultural diversity, conflict resolution and trainer/consultant for collaboration and leadership.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Arumugam Asokumar
Community: Ami/Private
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Conscious human being needed in Auroville.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I only know Auroville, I lived like Auroville everywhere else.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Auroville is a place of soul, bringing harmony and life of joy should be ultimate.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Ganesh Kaliappan
Community:
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I am currently a member of the Auroville council, selected by the Residents assembly in the year 2019. I feel a continuity in a working group is as important as the diversity, hence I wish to serve the council for one for term without a break. My experience at Auroville council has been multi fold, I worked with 3 different teams with interim members, new selected members, old members etc. and beyond all the difficulties, it surely is a place to learn and connect deeper with the spirit of Auroville.
Auroville for me is a place of togetherness, a place of equality, diversity and all the ideals mentioned in the Auroville charter respect the same. I have been born and brought up in Auroville, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the community as best as I could, especially in the most difficult times we have ever faced. Given a chance, I am ready to continue this service.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
“”Simplicity is my way of life””.
I have grown up in Auroville, with teachings that led me to grow and progress in a community and open up opportunities. Over the years, I have taken up a lot of different types of works (most of the while, multiple works during the same period) starting with Computer/ Teaching, Design, Management but Sports has been a constant factor since my childhood. First as a Player, then as a Teacher and a Coach, now even as an Organizer of Sports related Events and new learnings have been there continuously regardless of the role. Inspired by Local Cinema and Culture, being Bold and Determinant have been my strengths all through. These strengths have led me to explore the world outside and allowed me to travel a little outside Auroville, many a times as the player in several Basketball tournaments around the country and a few visits internationally for a exchange program and invitations from friends.
WORK EXPERIENCES IN AUROVILLE:
• JULY 2005 – CURRENT, SPORTS TEACHER, DEHASHAKTI SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AUROVILLE (Friendly and Progressive connection with Students, Focusing on overall growth while educating Sports. Training State level Auroville and bio region Boys’ team, registered at Pondicherry Federation of Basketball. Executive at Dehashakti sports since year 2020)
• MAY 2019- CURRENT, AUROVILLE COUNCIL MEMBER
• APRIL 2018 – APRIL 2019, CORE TEAM MEMBER, AUROVILLE 50TH B’DAY SHORT TERM MANAGEMENT TEAM (Analyzing celebration event proposals and management of funds. Site Visits to see the progress/ completion of various activities and events under the Auroville 50th Anniversary Celebration.)
• JANUARY 2018- MARCH 2019, SITE SUPERVISOR, NALA BUILDERS, AUROVILLE (Accounting and Site Management. Learning technicalities of Building & Construction. Team Coordination and Site Supervision.)
• YEAR 2006- YEAR 2017, ACCOUNTANT, OMEGA, AUROVILLE
• YEAR 2008- YEAR 2012, DTP & WEBSITE DESIGNING, MAROMA, 150DPI, ISHTA, MIA STUDIO (Designing and managing the design based work at multiple places over a span of 4 years. Website Designing includes updating content through WordPress.)
• YEAR 2005- YEAR 2011, TEACHER & ADVISOR, ARKA, AUROVILLE (Teaching to Elderly generation of Auroville use of Computer and Internet.)
• YEAR 2005- YEAR 2009, PART OF INITIAL MANGAMENT, LA PISCINE, AUROVILLE
Some of the most important life experiences include UNESCO CULTURAL EXCHANGE- At DPS R.K. Puram, Delhi in Year 2000 (Representing Auroville), STUDENTS EXCHANGE PROGRAM- At Hastings in England, Participating in about 21 basketball national tournament representing Pondicherry state at different location within India.
Teamwork Experience:
Currently I am working in Auroville council and Dehashakti sports (as an executive), and both the work involves a team-work on a regular basis. In short, none of this is a solo or individual expression, rather a collective. And my experience of the teamwork has been widening, it allowed me to grow internally and express myself better. I can say for good reasons that I like to work in team rather than just by myself.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Some of the skills that I can mention, (may or may not be directly relevant to the working group I am applying for):
• Computer Skills: Photoshop, MS Office
• Managerial skills
• Event Planning & Organizing
• An eye to minimal designing
• Leadership Qualities
• Modelling
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All months, but half days (as I have other half day commitment already).
Name: Juan
Community: Dana
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Thing in general come ar the right time, I feel right now I could contribute sorlve the eventual matters within Auroville that is why I chose the council. Been around long enough and I aspire to be a better person every day every moment with two values at habd truth and love.
Being part of the Auroville Council would make me realize also what is the workload the groups are going through.
Basically I want to help.
Please nominate me of you want change
Love
Juan
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Kallialay Surf school since 2008
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Excellent in communication skills, good analyst when it comes to dissolve conflict.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
Full year
Name: Juan Silverio
Community: Terrasoul
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I was nominated by a friend. After that I thought about it. So! The form is not correct where I should choose nominate myself where was not like this.
My aspiration is to live in peace and happily with my av. family. With understanding, collaboration and good will.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Since my 23 years in AV. I lived experiences of all colours and I hope to live many more helping me to understand the meaning of my life. Actually I m part of the FG since 2011 starting point in Windarra farm , was very challenging and I had to deal with perhaps one the must hard times in my live I never expected to be involve in such a mess finaly after 3 years of struggle arrive the arbitration. I participate in the must hard meetings. Finally I understood, keep calm, control the emotions tied the best I have inside. Meditation help me a lot. Qi gong, aikido,yoga,massage ,trees and gardens my tools.
Later on arrive Discipline farm conflict where FG appointed me togheter with Sundaram like provisional managers, we try our best but the conflict was not solve and still going on . FG is one of the must challenging groups I participate like a charman in many meetings and I tell you is a great school. Still learning.
AV the place of never ending education. Is a privilege. I feel very thankful. And is a honor to be responsable of Terrasoul AV farm. Thk u
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I already explain !!!!!
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
Any
Name: Julia
Community: Soffio
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Since I came to India in late 2018 I felt that I found my true home in Auroville. While sitting by the Samadhi for the first time I received a clear call to stay and dedicate my love and energy to help manifesting Her dream. When I received the message about the upcoming selection process I felt called again to engage even more deeply although my mind had some reasons against saying yes to this. After some deep reflection I accepted the nomination wholeheartedly and I’m ready to offer my service to the AVC as my experiences and skills are utilised best in this working group.
From my point of view the AVC has an important role in the overall organisational structure of AV due to its facilitating and harmonising functions. In the current times of division and strong tensions I feel the Council could embody a more leading and active role in reconnecting the different parts and diverse viewpoints of the community. I believe our social fabric needs tending and nurturing through multiple initiatives to (re-)connect and reconcile on a human level. The current organisational structure needs to be reviewed and renewed to be equipped to face everyday challenges and fulfil needs of the community as they appear today. The city needs clarity and common ground as well as shared values to be developed. Our collective spiritual aspirations need a strong anchor in our community life and guide our efforts to manifest. This is just to name a few central topics as I perceive them. I’m motivated to be of help to find frameworks in which we can discover and develop what we need to move towards the realisation of human unity and building Her city.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I was born and raised in Duisburg, Germany and lived in Berlin for 15 years before I came to Auroville. After being on a spiritual path for more than ten years I felt the need to step into the unknown to find deeper meaning in my life than I could while living in Berlin. I felt called to come to India. I knew something was awaiting me which would bring me closer to my life’s purpose without having an idea of what this might be or where I would find it. When I came to Auroville I felt at home instantly. What I found didn’t feel like a new beginning but rather the continuation of something that I had left behind long ago.
Since I joined Auroville in 2019 I took a deep dive into the organisational and human aspects of our community. First by collaborating with the study group on organisation (carrying out an open space workshop and helping with organising the selection process in 2019) and then by becoming part of the Koodam team as well as joining the Facilitator and Mediator pool. By taking a deep dive into AV’s collective structure and organisation I had a chance to learn a lot about the functioning and malfunctioning of our governing system and gained deep insights into the various human realities in our community. I learned about our policies and processes by engaging with community processes (like appeals/arbitrations and RADs) and facilitating different community meetings. I also supported several units and services with their development regarding vision and purpose, team work as well as their overall functioning and with Koodam we offered trainings for mediation skills to a group of Aurovilians.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I’m a trained psychologist with additional certified education in Facilitation, Training, Coaching, Mediation and Organisational Development. Before I came to AV I worked as part of a small team in the field of consulting and development for almost 15 years. I have experience with small and medium sized corporations as well as nonprofits and intentional initiatives. As part of an academy I was active in offering training programs for Facilitators, Mediators and Coaches.
As a Mediator I worked with individuals and teams to resolve their conflicts and restore their relationships. In Coaching processes I supported individuals for example in clarifying needs and find ways to overcome challenges and gain insights in patterns and driving forces to reach a higher degree of freedom and wellbeing. As a consultant I guided organisations and initiatives to find a common vision, agree to shared values, define and develop structures and routines to fulfil their purpose. I have also skills and expertise in individual development and counselling, leadership topics and self organisation of teams.
I’m a good listener, find it easy to see the bigger picture and identify key elements of challenging situations. I have a strong need for clarity which often leads me and my collaborators to get to the core of issues and find good solutions for everyday problems and tasks. My curiosity and a deep longing to feel connected help me to understand where people are coming from as part of their inner reality. Despite my sensitivity I can embody a lot of strength and I’m able to take uncomfortable standpoints if needed. In teams I’m often the one who is naming dynamics and trying to facilitate and find solutions in order to balance different needs and aspirations.
One challenge to join a working group would be to work inside the organisation only and to let go of my facilitating role for the community which allows a more neutral and flexible way of support. I can only engage part time as I have other areas of work I’m committed to and which cannot be paused. As the question of time engagement is quite common my suggestion would be to share some seats in AVC which would be possible with a clear definition of tasks I believe.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All year as I have no regular times of being out of station.
Name: michelle
Community: invocation
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Name: michelle
Community: invocation
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I got nominated and it took me some time to reflect on my capacity to give support to the Council functioning and progress. Auroville is to me a place for Peace and Integrity and I’ve myself witness and experienced how some people play with the absences of practical boundaries of Auroville system. We could improve our boundaries in a way to sustain our dream for Human Unity, Integrity and Peace with compassion and Clarity.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I’ve been working in teams outside and inside Auroville. My background is in Education, working with NGO, schools, Parents, Groups in Mexico, Mali, US, France.
I worked in complex contexts for social projects with Street children, homeless children, communities before joining Auroville. In AV I’ve been contributing to New Creation boarding school, Udavi, Kindergarten, Play of Painting, Teacher Center, TLC, Nandanam.
I can give more details in the future when required.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
There are 2 domain of expertise I can give a hand:
1. Scanning the communication dynamics and help to give clarity the council team in the cases they receive.
2. to help developing a structure in which the Council team would feel less overwhelmed and supported by an outer circles of experts and residents
3. Supporting a Follow up (short and long term) for people and groups to receive support in their responsibilities to transform their dynamics and patterns
Among other modalities I studied Sociocratie, restorative justice, Non violent communication, Adler Positive Discipline for schools and communities, Trauma in Communities, Cognihacking communication, Interpersonal dynamics.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: muniandi radhakrishna
Community: Aurodam
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
The reason that makes me want to serve in this capacity are numerous. The most compelling reason is that i find it a good and needed service in Auroville, not only for solving conflicts but also finding ways to work out our differences in a more down to earth methods. ie using alternative and progressive ways to work things out.
But most of all, I would be happy to serve Auroville.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have worked in Auroville services before.
The Auroville News
The entry group
The Road service
The Auroville Council
I speak and read english, speak tamil, and can converse in French.
I work with Aurovelo bicycle store in sales and bicycle retail. Working with customers to make custom handcrafted bicycles, using Steel, Bamboo and other material. My role is to communicate with potential customers.
I have worked as an MHW ( Mental Health Worker)
I am trained in MAB (Management Of Asualtive Behavior)
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I have an ok communication skill.
computer knowledge
Photo editing
Graphic design
Social media
If there are any other question, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I’d be happy to share.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All months
Name: Naveen
Community: Fraternity
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I was born and brought in Auroville. I want to serve/give back to place that has given me the opportunity to grow in my life.
I used to volunteer in Matrimandir for the night duty. During that time, I was able to find peace within me. There is always a strong connection between me and the community. There isnt a place like Auroville where there is peace and equality within the people here. Which is a quality that is inclined with me.
I want to be in a working group and see how to handle situations within the community that gives peace and harmony towards the community.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have a degree in electronics and communication. I have also completed my D.El.Ed and a I am a certified teacher too.
I volunteered in STEM LAND(Udavi School) for six months and as I have mentioned earlier I used to work in Stem Land as a part time teacher and a software engineer. When I used to work in Stem Land I used to volunteer in schools(Udavi, IsaiAmbalam, Deepanam and TLC) and teach children electronics, mathematics, science and history.
I am a core member of the Lets Talk Trash group and actively participate in the collection of trashes on the roads on every alternative Sundays.
Currently I am working Farm-Hand Pvt. Ltd.(which was part of Auroville Consulting earlier) which is situated in Aurelec campus. I am working as a senior field engineer. We have designed IoT based automation irrigation systems and have also installed our systems in Buddha Garden.
I have also attended Leadership quality workshops by Dr. Monica Sharma(Stewardship). I have been a Practitioner Coach where I facilitate the attendees. I also been a facilitator for the workshop in Tamil called “”Amma Appa program”” which was held in Unity Pavillion.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
My domain of expertise would be in electronics. With my experiences and learning in teaching and leadership qualities, I believe that I have the quality to asses and handles situations with deeper meaning towards the goal of the community.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Philippe
Community: Anusuya
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I wish Auroville’s functioning be closer to its ideals: it should less centralized and more transparent. Residents should be given occasions to participate actively and more directly. We need to invent new ways to work together and realize the power of our collective: the Council has a crucial role and needs fresh energies. I have no personal interest – no family, business, etc – but trying my best in this unique experience.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I joined Auroville almost 10 years ago, and worked mainly in Blue Light and Geomatics as IT/computer engineer – my profession for almost 30 years now. Before i worked in small and big public and private companies for small and big projects in France, Portugal and India. I have been also a high school and University teacher. I also currently work with Aurofilm and give film appreciation classes, and work daily in Auroville’s forest – a great way to maintain balance and connect to Mother Nature.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I have a strong scientific background and analytic mind, and i am usually able to take the necessary distance and bring other perspectives. I think i am a good listener, balanced and intuitive. I participated in many “task forces” and the like (HTF, Selection Process, FAMC mandate, etc). I am a strong believer in “open source” concepts, also applied to organisations.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
September onward
Name: Samrat
Community: Anusuya
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I think in this critical juncture of our evolution as a community, I wish to be a resource person for supporting people from all perspectives and bringing them together. Unity seems to be the need of the hour for keeping alive the ideals of Auroville.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I grew up in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram school, so I feel very connected to Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s vision. In Auroville, I was a youth hostel manager hosting young adults and volunteers. Then I also was a teacher at Last School and the Centerfield kindergarten. I worked as a sports instructor at Dana sports program, and I also worked at the Matrimandir.
Currently I am an Executive of the Quiet Healing Center which offers free therapies to Aurovilians. We function as a core team in the decision making process for managing this place which also offers accommodations and workshops. I also offer meditation classes and workshops at Quiet.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I have an experience in coordinating and relating to individuals and teams as I have managed a Youth Hostel and now I am in the management of the Quiet Healing Center. My backdrop of growing up in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and being a meditation teacher allows me to accept and embrace without judgements both our spiritual background and our different perspectives in such an international community.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Sandyra
Community: Kalpana
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
My reason to be in Auroville is Mother’s Dream. The essentials to me at this point in time is to manifest Human Unity and the City the earth needs.
Listening to my heart, checking where I can serve best in this particular time, I need to step up and make myself available for this challenge
I believe in our ability as Aurovilians to overcome our challenges and unify in our common aspiration.
The Council plays a crucial role in our internal functioning. In the past there was a posture from the community to oppose working groups and it was difficult to move forward.
I see the current situation as a chance to make a bold step forward. The community is ready to work together with their appointed groups.
To see the signs and build up a structure which empowers the community to take up responsibilities would be an important task for the Council. I see a strength in myself to work in that field.
Its important for me to mention that the Symbol of the Mother is a guiding principle for me. My work is always based on the 4 Mother Powers and the 12 qualities. This is the underlying power of all what I do.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I served for 3,5 years in the AVCouncil, which I did whole-heartedly, with passion and full engagement. The last half year of my service got quite difficult for me, as I felt more and more the blockages from all side to move forward. So I know about the challenges. I’m ready to face them again.
I was engaged in different community groups relating to governance,
such as Citizen Assembly,
CAT (Create Auroville Together)
ARA (Active Resident Assembly),
COALA (Coordination of Auroville Learning Activities),
RC ( Restorative Circles),
Facilitation Group
lately also in Confluence, a group who tries to find common ground
I was engaged in a Spiritual Party in Germany for many years and took up leading responsibilities for a large district in South Germany
Lately I was more in the background, coaching and supporting people in Auroville.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I was an entrepreneur for 20 years in Germany. I know to take a leadership position and work in a team.
My field of interest was always the evolution of consciousness, from the individual and the collective.
A life long learning and practicing in the fields of:
Management
Organization
Politics
Energy Healing
Coaching
Counseling
Conflict Resolution – NVC, RC
Community Building
My interest is in the overall picture – structures, policies, mandates, community interactions, community participation, working group interrelatedness, internal skill and team building, and so on
I’m very interested to build up a structure for more community engagement and responsibility.
I can facilitate internal meetings
Reviewing half done policies and mandates and move them to the next state.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Sophie
Community: Invocation
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I have been an active Resident of Auroville for 26 years. I have been engaged in green work, in education and I am presently at the end of my mandate as a member of the Entry Board.
I am feeling very concerned by the present situation and I want to do whatever I can to support our community and the Mother’s Dream, as a willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I’ve been working in the forest (Anusuya, Gaia, Bliss, etc…), teaching hatha yoga an French for many years, I was part of ACI (Auroville Campus Initiative), Swadharma program and Auroville Gap Year program and I have been a member of the Entry Board from 2019 to 2022.
I enjoyed working in teams. I feel we can always learn if we are able to hearing each other’s point of view with an open mind and try to reach a common agreement.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I am committed and reliable . I have good skills for organisation, writing in English and French), good command of computer (Google Drive etc..) and open to learn.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
from July
Name: Svenja
Community: Prarthna
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
When asked a couple of weeks ago, if I would consider a nomination for the AV Council, it took me some deep reflection and inner search to accept this request.
In these challenging times, we are all experiencing at present, where dividing energy and fear is hovering over Auroville, I believe that it is of the utmost importance to have an active part in the so needed change.
Maybe, just maybe, are we ready now to take charge of our heavy organization system and move into a more conscious direction, the direction Mother dreamed of for Auroville? I would want to be part of it!
I first started coming to Auroville as a visitor in 2009, but it was not before 2012 that we actually felt a call and decided to move here when the time was right. This time came in 2016, I arrived here in Auroville with my partner in August 2016,
Upon arrival, I felt that I wanted to continue my path as a therapist, but that did not seem to be Mother’s plan ;), I just could not find a practice room or a centre that was interested in my services.
Only when I finally accepted to return to my prior working experience of Admin and Operation and accepted to join Housing Service, a practice room was offered to me!
My work in Housing Service felt like a “Crash course in Auroville matters”, as 1 month into my Newcomer period, I found myself taking the meeting notes of the Housing Board… It came like a reality check to me, bringing up the question if this was what I have been coming to Auroville for?
I decided at that point that the answer was YES, this is where Mother has placed me.
At that point I made the conscious decision that I wanted to be here, to be part of the Auroville Project of Human Unity and help bringing a change in Consciousness to the best of my capacities.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
After finishing High School in Germany, I chose a training in Austria in Tourism Management (Hotel & Tour Operation) and have then worked for International Holiday Villages (employing staff from more than 50 nationalities in each village) all over the world as Administrator, HR and Financial Director.
Further, I spent 10 years in south-east Asia, managing my founded Inbound Tour Operator in Malaysia and later joining an International Hotel Chain as the Groups’ Sales & Marketing Director.
In 2000, I came back to France, working as a Business Development Director for a Hotel Yield Management company, training and interacting with regional Business partners in the English speaking markets (US, South-Africa and Asia).
Beginning of 2002, I moved to Laos. Whilst still working in the Hospitality Industry, it was a more spiritual experience this time round, which let me to a deep inner questioning of my own live and made me take a professional turn that would result in a continual search for a deeper meaning of the “”Body & Mind”” connection and our existence, in an holistic approach.
Therefore in 2003, I started on a professional reconversion, 4-year training program, as a body-oriented Psychotherapist with my private practice in western France. During that time, I also worked as a trainer in my specialty and co-founded my own institute to train future “”Somato Psychotherapists”” in France together with a team of other professional health practitioners and trainers.
Here in Auroville, I spent 3 ½ years in Housing Service and served on the Housing Board as one of the Housing representatives. Initially on a half time basis, with the other half being taken up by my practice as a therapist, but slowly the work in Housing became more and more demanding and eventually I needed to stop my therapy practice.
Late 2020, a stress related health issue made me stop my work in Housing. It was an important learning for me and I took the time necessary to fully integrate and heal myself, before joining the current FAMC Admin team, as the part time secretary.
The other half of my time is again dedicated, since 2021, to helping people in need through my AV activity “”Inner Body Work”” (INBOW – an activity under the LEAD umbrella)
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Having worked and lived almost all over the world, I interacted with many different cultures, and I feel like having been prepared for the Auroville experience of Human Unity all my life.
My therapist being has learned the ability of presence, deep listening, and facilitation, whereas the administrator in me, would bring my organisational and communication skills to the Council.
I consider myself a team player; I have learned and am still learning, to work under pressure.
I am fluent (spoken & written) in 3 Languages (French, English and German) and computers are no mystery to me ;).
Last but not least, having worked for the Auroville Organization during the past 5 years, I have a good knowledge on the overall operation and functioning of the AV working groups.
If selected as a new member, I would give the AV Council all the necessary time, whilst trying to keep my therapist practice open to those in need in my spare time.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: veronique
Community: realization
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Auroville Council
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
A few years ago, I was part of the Council of Auroville, but I was not ready to face so many challenges
Since then, I have worked in the first team of Entry Board and this experience taught me a lot about Auroville, the groups (EB works in collaboration with almost all AV groups), the organization and the structure of a team.
I developed my various skills, such as administration (google drive), teamwork, knowledge of structures and groups in Auroville, communication..
Today, serious challenges within our city have allowed me to invest myself even more in the evolution of Auroville, for its physical and spiritual construction. And that’s just the beginning.
Love and Gratitude
Veronique from Reqlization
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
In Auroville since 2001
Worked in different places (Sunbliss in Repos beach for 7 years as volunteer, Transition school, Visitor Center, Guest Service , guide tour for 10 years to help people to understand the project of the City of the Dawn, the AVC for a short time, Entry Board for one and half year, Auro Child Development NC
have worked in the first team of Entry Board and this experience taught me a lot about Auroville, the groups (EB works in collaboration with almost all AV groups), the organization and the structure of a team.
I developed my various skills, such as administration (google drive), teamwork, knowledge of structures and groups in Auroville, communication..
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Everything interests me in Auroville but finances and figures are not in my skills.
I developed my knowledge of Google Drive thanks to my work with the Entry Board.
Skills : administrative organisation, Google drive, communication, team work
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Entry Board
Name: Anne
Community: Dana
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I have been nominated by Mael.
Auroville is a town that is very dear to my heart for the immensity of the work done and the aspiration of a significant part of the community. I resonate with the charter even though we know today that it offers no guarantees or security. And reflectes the diversity.
I understand after 15 years what it means to be aurovilian, without dogmatism. Nevertheless, I am marked by my professional career which gave me a great esteem for well done work and for companionship. Leaving little room for “”a peu près”” and spiritual egotistical power-grabbing. I have no desire to fight to prove myself right. I have no need to be loved, only respected. If I’m not comfortable I leave.
I feel really free.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have 15 years of experience in human/project evaluation for a funding NGO. During this activity I accompanied and monitored more than 2000 people. During these years, I have developed relational skills in accompaniment and financing. And wonderful working relationships. Many of my colleagues have become dear friends.
I detached myself from the team work in Auroville where I did not flourish without trying to explain it to myself and without any regret because it led me to reorganise myself to do what I do today and which I am passionate about. Another way, perhaps more profound and effective, of caring for people.
I am also sometimes caught up in an autoimmune disease which can leave me diminished and in need of long withdrawals. This has led me to organise my work in a transparent way and to put in place tools so that I am never indispensable, even if it can be difficult to take over someone’s files, I have always encouraged collaborative work.
I therefore worked in a town planning agency for a few years and then in an NGO to train, support and finance individuals and structures in the social and solidarity economy in France and abroad.
In Auroville, I worked at Village Action with Anbu, where I appreciated their know-how, archiving work at Avenir, teaching French to the children of Transition, spending half a year at Entry Service, helped organise the Kabir Festival 2012 and supported the activities of the Up Cycling Kiosk during its start-up while I trained in massage and worked in Quiet and Pitanga, then trained in osteopathy in Chennai and for the past 4 years I have been learning ancient healing techniques.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I have demonstrated skills in managing teams and structures (on legal and financial aspect) in France,
I like to work in teams and I appreciate the supervision of a peer (a master, an elder, a president). I have shown qualities of adaptation in Auroville.
The only thing I may lack today is the patience to be judged by people who are drowning in their work so as not to be dispossessed of their (small) power.
I am not a public speaker or a politician.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
maximum 8 months per year. Can be full time (8 hours a day 5 days per week) or part time (8 hours a day, 2.5 days per week)
Name: Aurore
Community: Transformation
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I worked at the entry service in 2015 and I absolutely loved working there.
I met so many wonderful people joining our community, many of which have become close friends.
I had returned shortly before and I had not had such a great returning Aurovilian experience. The welcome was rude, unfriendly and I was scared! I was scared not to be welcomed back in the home I was born in! I thought, if I feel this way, how must a complete stranger feel when he joins Auroville?
So, when Kripa asked me to replace her at the Entry Service, my main motivation was to be a friendly, welcoming, supportive Entry service where people would not be afraid to go to.
And I believe our team did a great job. We gave a lot of information to the newcomers about Auroville’s ground realities. The difficulties they might face, the budget they might need etc. Every single mail was answered immediately so that people felt heard and supported. I also redid all the forms as they were unreadable and brought more structure, like e-mail templates, structuring the inbox etc…
Six months into the job, there was a policy change and I left as I could not agree with the way the new policy was implemented.
I have followed and kept up to date with the entry process and its challenges ever since. I speak to a lot of Newcomers, ask them how their process is going, how they live through it etc…
Today I feel ready to take up this important task again and so I putting my name out there to serve my community and hopefully welcome plenty of new beautiful souls that come to build the city the earth needs together with us.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
AV:
1994 graphic design in Auromode
1995 Transition school arts and crafts teacher
Germany:
1996 studied and worked as beautician and medical pedicure
1998 went back to school to do my A-levels (5 years) and worked in a library part time
2004 started studying pedagogy/psychology, French and English, worked in library part time
2008 studied to become a librarian
AV:
2014 Nandini distribution service
2015 Entry service
2016 Started and managed Transformation Kindergarten
2019 Teaching sewing in TLC
2020 Transformation Guesthouse manager
Today: Teach sewing to AV kids for free, GH manager, create free design work and websites for AV units and activities (Hemplanet, Ahimsa wellness, Naturellment), tree planting and fundraising for AV forests (Facebook: The land we love). SME management.
Various workshops on Auroville governance, NVC and restorative circle workshops, Communication workshops etc…
Plenty of experience working in a team (entry service, Kindergarten, TLC…).
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Speak and write three languages fluently: English, French and German (and some spoken tamil).
Website creation and basic administration, design work, Newsletter and Flyer design. Excel and mailing.
Non-violent-communication and Restorative Circle studies.
Administration for a small IT and web agency company.
I like structure and I am good at organizing, structuring, delegating.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
I am unsure if part time or full time at the moment. It will depend on the needs of the team.
Name: Dheena
Community: Aspiration
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
The past experience and knowledge gained from Entry Board, working with many Aurovilians gave me the motivation to continue and serve in the Entry Board. It is very important work and commitment for the community. It is also very interesting meeting many new people joining Auroville with different culture and knowledge. This work helps me to grow, to understand different culture into a deeper level, and to agree with disagreement, to understand and accept other views and offer the decision to the Divine without any expectation.
When Auroville was inaugurated I was almost 2 years old. After the inauguration group of well-wishers came to the Kuilapalayam village where we lived, inviting villages to join Auroville by offering sweets and handkerchief with symbol of Mother and Sri Aurobindo. That time itself something was happening within myself and I felt very profoundly that Auroville was beginning of the new world.
I grew up with Aurovilians from my childhood and my whole family members were participating and working in many different places of Auroville from the very beginning. Knowing or not knowing I was deeply impacted by the Charter, The Dream and To be True Aurovilian. I strongly felt I belongs to this place and Auroville energy kept me here to serve Mother’s earth.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have been working and serving Auroville for the last 35 years. I started to work as a part time teacher in New Creation school, then I worked in Abri Mechanical workshop and in Auromode as accountant for a couple of years. Mostly I have been serving in L’avenir d’Auroville (ATDC) in accounting and administration. I have been interacting and working with so many Aurovilians, staffs and volunteers. I never worked outside of Auroville and I always worked in Auroville and whatever I gained is all from Auroville only.
Working in a group is very interesting and at the same time very challenging too. But it helps to grow and understand and not to stick to our own views or decision. Learning to “”Let it go”” and accept the outcome whatever it is. Taking things in a very positive way more and more.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
My background is accounting. I switched from accounting to Entry Board work because I felt I was doing for so many years and need a change. I am good also at administrative work, taking notes of the interviews, learned how to chairing meetings, preparing files for the meeting, making drafts etc. Leaning is unending and of course I still need to improve do things better and better. To be sincere and always looking for perfection in whatever task I am doing. I am more kind of person “”talk less and act more””.
I am quite familiar with the present Entry Board work and I don’t see any problem in doing it. I am very happy to continue to do this work for one more term.
Anything I do I see whether it is useful/meaningful or not and be productive always.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Fabienne
Community: Sukhavati
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
We are today at a cross road in the life of Auroville ; i believe as mentor since few years that the future residents needs to understand Auroville spirit in all its facets and difficulties and that welcoming new residents is not only an essential part of Auroville growth but necessary to the manifestation of a collective new consciousness. However, I believe in quality over quantity.
I am aware that international diversity is core to the Integral Yoga as per Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s vision. Through my experience as a part Outreachmedia and Working Committee, I observed that this distinctiveness that makes Auroville is a constant field of interest for researchers from all over the word.
However for various reasons (Covid, and now visas) this diversity is now endangered, and is to ensure that it is maintained that I would like to join the Entry Board.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Education : Educator
In Auroville:
1984 – 1985: Accountant at Pour tous Financial service (Managing the individual accounts of AV)
1986-1988: Member of the Auromode team ( for designing – contracts- quality control )
1987-1988: Member of the Entry group
May 1988 : Birth of my daughter Aurrima in AV
2005-2021: Coordinator of Outreachmedia team
2008-2011: Member of the Working Committee
2007-2008: Members the Committee for the 50th Anniversary of AV
2021: teacher of Mahjong at the “”senior”” gathering at Visitor center
Outside of AV
1978-1982: Educator, specialised in children with special needs
1982-1984: Initiation to Horticulture and creation of a nursery
1992-1999: French teacher for Adults in Africa and in Burma
1994-1995: Teacher in primary school in Yemen
I have a long experience of working in services and team work is a must. it means leaving space for listening, inclusion ,creativity and ideas. In the former outreachmedia team we were up to 10-12 people during the 50 th Anniversary of AV. I believe that everyone has their place in the Auroville life.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Coordination
Good Communication skills in team work
Reliable and Committed to long term positions and projects in services
Flexible
Auroville comes before my personal interests
I stand by my convictions but i recognise when i am wrong.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
Through the year
Name: Mar
Community: Invocation
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Someone nominated me; if I don’t have a clear no, I cannot do that, then I say yes!!
Then it seems I have to nominate my self, so I do, to continue with the process, I have to be willing to do this if I my name is on the list.
I wish we can all experience a collective sense of Unity with all humans, animals, nature, realize how we are connected and we are all part of the same system of systems, seen or unseen.
I believe it’s possible and it’s soon. So I will to do my best to support anyone realize, how all is connected, therefore understanding would be easy and compassion the results. If you do things for “”others”” you are doing for your self.
Immense strength and energy flows through while Living like this, not for the selfish part of us, then endless supply will be turned of, we don’t need so much just for our selves. But when sharing it all, abundance is the outcome.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Some time ago for about 10 year period I used to work in restaurants, coffee houses or pubs, got lots of experience dealing with all sorts of people on a very stressful fast pase action, together with a Big or small team.
Here for past 10 years I’ve been dedicated to learning very different healing techniques ( for me and for others)
Giving treatments, also assisting and teaching Thai Yoga Massage workshops and classes.
I also do farm work, and animal care.
I go around trying to make life better and easier for “”other””suffering beings on my reach of awareness.
As I also do that for me.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I believe I’m good with people,…,…
It’s easy for me to make people comfortable to express their selves, their deep concerns, fears, feelings, emotions.
And for sometime it’s been a very expansive life experience understanding where most of our issues and difficulties come from, understanding and compassion it’s been my Path/goals in relationships to other humans.
I love to help, support, assist and meet people from all over the world, traveling and understanding cultures or ways of living is one of my passions.
I came to Auroville 23 years back and for the past 22 years I’ve been supporting or helping tourists or new comers understand a bit more of Auroville, and show them a few parts of life here. How it’s was done to me ( or better if possible) when I 1st came here.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
October, November, December, April, May, June.
Name: Matthias
Community: Sunship
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Someone nominated me without asking before. A gentle voice inside said “just wait a little” when I was about to decline. Conversations with others and reading the mandate of the Entry Board changed my mind and my heart says “yes”. I’d like to participate in the selection to find out if what I feel I can offer might be considered sufficient and suitable for being a member of the Entry Board for myself and other Aurovilians at the end of the process.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I’ve worked in academic research project teams, as a consultant and in person-centered conversational spaces, related to themes of psychology, yoga and their applications.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
listening, asking questions, sharing perspectives, writing, …
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
6 – 12
Name: Raj Elumalai
Community: Inspiration
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I was born in Kottakarai and grew up with a very close connection to Auroville. After high school, Tapas helped and gave me an opportunity to study and work at the Auroville Language Lab to work on my English and gain more skills. For the past 18 years, I have learned so much from Auroville and the community, and I am still learning and growing. I feel the ‘unending education’ of Auroville has been a gift to me. I started my newcomer process in 2007 and became an Aurovilian in 2008. I want to be a part of the Entry Board to be able to help new people with this process and be able to share this gift with them. I fully believe in the ideals of the Auroville Charter and I want to work on them with full dedication.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I am working at the Language Lab for 18 years, from 2004. At the Lab, I am a part of a team where I work along with 5-7 teammates. I am a Systems and Networks Administrator, and Tomatis Programs & Listening Test Coordinator. I assist Mita in carrying out the Tomatis Programs at the Lab. Earlier, I coordinated all the language courses, which require coordination with all the teachers and the students. I was part of Blue Light, and I was also part of Sunlit Future. Now, I also work part-time with FAMC doing data administration. I have always been a part of a team and greatly enjoy working with a team.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I am experienced in computer hardware networking, software, and database management. I also have experience in office administration, organization and coordination of courses, meetings, programs, etc. I am fluent in English and Tamil, and I am learning French. I believe in learning and gaining skills through practical experience rather than theoretical studying. Other than work, I enjoy sports in my free time.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
I can give my time as long as needed but I will not be able to do full time job since my job at the Language Lab and Tomatis Centre needs me most of the time so I can be a part time person.
Name: Robert
Community: Luminosity
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Dan approached me for this nomination and I said yes. It has been a while that the idea of serving the community was talking to me and I think this would be a good opportunity at this moment since I have more time than before.
As you maybe know I am a glass artist and recently I just gave all my material and tooling to Last School along a donation to build an extension to the school to install the Studio there. I will teach at part time there, two mornings a week… so I have extra time for serving.
In these difficult times we are living I think that all the question of new residents and all the politics related to this will necessitate a deep reflexion and I would like to participate to it.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have joined Auroville 9 years ago, coming from a life of projects, businesses, even a little politic experience. Working with groups, evaluating situations, peoples, developing partnerships and developing also a capacity to put together ideas and energies coming from different horizons.
During these years in Auroville, I enjoyed serving as mentor 6 or 7 times so I have certainly a good experience of the entry service.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Nothing to add.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
Most of them
Name: rupam mishra
Community: Humanscape
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Auroville need people who are ready to work and are creatively rich. I wish to welcome more artists, engineers and creative people to join the community.I believe in inclusiveness and not exclusiveness and thats the reason I want to be part of entry.People are people no discrimination based on caste,religion ,nationality or color.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
By degree I am a computer engineer but at heart I am an artist.I worked as a network associate for Accenture in Bangalore and was parallely doing theatre for a theatre and film school.I am classically trained in kathak dance form and I sing as well.I came to auroville to work on my craft and hone my artistic skills and would like to continue pursuing that in future as well.Currently Iam working as a communication guide and an english teacher at the auroville language lab and also I have directed a play in Auroville which was performed in Cripa last year.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I am good in communication and inter personal skills thanks to my theatre background.I love being on stage so I am strong confident person I believe.I also write short stories and scripts for films both in english and hindi so I can say that I know these two languages inside out.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
No
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Sara
Community: Baraka
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
“” The world is prospering for a big Change. Will you help?””
My answer is
YES
🙂
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Living in Auroville since 2008. Have worked in many places…form farms (buddha garden and Solitude); forest (Baraka); worked in Services like Nandini (1 year) and Residence Service (9months); Savi (8 years) – 5 years as front desk and communication, other 3 years as coordinator of the Service, Joy Guest House (4 years) as co-manager with the core Team; giving massage/treatments for 5 years; helped organising Saturday Farmers market for few seasons; joined Human Resource Hub in December 2021; attended ATB workshops and classes… and various other smaller initiatives.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Soft skills like welcoming and friendly; worked in the field of Human Resources (Savi and HRHub); medium computer skills – word. xls. google drive. Learning fast other softwares;
Organisational skills ; Team player; collaborative;
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
all months – part-time
Name: Shandra Decosne
Community: Sve Dame
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I have been living and working in Auroville for a long time and I would like to help by joining the Entry Board.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have worked in Auroville Papers, Arthena, Bear&Trout, and I now work in Octo Studio as a designer.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Communication and organization.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All year
Name: Sonja van Dam
Community: Aurodam
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Name: Sonja van Dam
Community: Aurodam
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Feel inspired to welcome new people into Auroville and help them take part.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Team work,AVC, Housing service Housing board, started with Shivaya Raghal,the Aspiration program ( now Yucca program)
And was already pert of an Entry Service mid 1980.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Listening. Informing ,good memory. Knowledge of many aspects of AV by living here 43 years.
Worked with a team on the Entry guidelines.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All months unless emergecy.
Name: Valentina Garozzo
Community: Serenity
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Since my first visit to Auroville in 2016, I felt I belonged to this project and its ideals, and I didn’t feel my heart at peace until I could come here as a volunteer in 2018. After that, I immediately became a New Comer and then Aurovilian. Nothing is as dear to me as the Mother’s Dream and Auroville’s charter because, for me, they are the guide, the constitutional charter not only of this experiment but also of what will be the manifestation of the new earth. They are very precious concepts that Mother and Sri Aurobindo have given us, but they are still very fragile in our hands because we are not 100% there yet. What these two Masters have entrusted to us is definitely an arduous task. My experience in Auroville is not a long one, but these four years have been extremely formative. I decided to apply after being nominated, taking into account that up to three members of the Entry Board can be residents of Auroville for fewer than five years. My desire is to put my human qualities, as well as my organizational and administrative skills, at the service of the Entry board and the future Aurovilians. As I believe humaneness is key in this role, as are skills like listening, receptivity, equanimity, transparency, compassionate and clear communication, and most importantly a smile.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
12/2021 – ongoing
Tarot sessions and workshops
in Arka and for Synthesis
05/2021 – ongoing
Content writer for Miniature as per their necessities
01/02/2018 – 30/04/2021
Social media manager and administration
Auroville Art Service
18/04/2019 – 28/02/2020
Social media manager, administration (CSR and Grants research), and educational projects
MeDi Clown Academy
02/07/2007 – 30/08/2017
Librarian (Reference service and cataloging)
Public Library of Verona
25/09/2006 – 31/08/2007
Human Resources Manager
Nielsen Business Srl
Verona, Italy
2004 – 2006 various works in art and environmental education in Verona and Merano, Italy
Working in a team is never easy, but I’m a good listener, and I’m able to communicate compassionately. I am a very patient person, and I can usually find common ground to bring people together. All the jobs done in my life have always included interaction with a team or with an audience or clients’ management, sometimes even in stressful situations.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Listening skills
Organizational skills
Computer skills
Sincerity in supporting a person through their journey to become Aurovilian
Ability to work in a team
Responsibility toward the growth of Auroville
Kindness
Experience in working with people of different nationalities and conditioning
I’m skilled with computer work, social media, and research tools. I have knowledge of Office, Photoshop, and Premiere. I have my own camera, I know how to photograph, shoot simple videos and make editing and graphic design work.
I’m a writer, I published three books and participated in a collective work written by 10 female authors.
I’m a tarot reader, I have led Meditation classes and cultural events to fund social activities.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
I’ll be TOS now, end of June I’ll be back in August, and planning a trip in the north 2 weeks in September, for the rest of the time I’ll be available.
Name: Vani
Community: Vikas
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Entry Board
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I like to support this important Entry Board group in welcoming new Aurovilians.
Recently I have been mentor again, after being several times a contact person, and long ago an Entry group member, if there is active participation needed in our working groups, that’s the one I feel I could collaborate with.
However, I can only take up a part time collaboration due to my other engagements.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Currently, my jobs are: AVI Representative, PCG member, IZ coordination group and EH core group member.
Have done:
5 years BCC member, AVC member, Conflict resolution group coordinator and mediator, Facilitator
Created with the SOnja the Welcoming week for NCs and guests in 95-96
Member of the communication group (before AVC was created)
Administrative work for +5 years in the Dental center….
Therapist in Pitanga
Admin work in several units
Translator for Avitra
Entry group member
Admin in the Library, LOE …
Others long ago….
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Admin work, Communication, Facilitating, Organisation.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
—
FAMC
Name: Aurokalakumar
Community: Djaima
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
as I have working in administrative work I have experience in this . so I can help the units which needs some help and as I am not working in PTPS I can be fully involve in this and serve Auroville
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
As I was born in Auroville I had the opportunity to learn in many section I was working 5 years in Auroville Dental centre from 1992 to 1997 and in financial service for other 6 years , later me and Kumar we took in charge of Pt Purchasing Service in 14.3.2007 had a beautiful time there. Since 1 may I have stopped working there so I would be very happy to serve in this team work
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I am good in administrative and team work
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Bobby
Community: Isai Ambalam
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I feel I can be a useful member of the Famc.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have been running a unit for many years and also gained a lot of experience by being a member of ABC.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Good at solving problems and having a reasonable understanding of book keeping
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
Most months
Name: Bobby Patel
Community: Prarthna
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
My motivation stems from the need to the hour. For the duration of my time in Auroville, I felt that a time will come when the next generation will step up and participate in the administration of Auroville. This has largely been considered boring and tiresome. I wish to change this narrative and want to bring a change. Whether we succeed in this will largely depend on the collective. My part is to try.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Founder and Executive at Mira Computers, Auroville for approximately 25 years. Trustee at ADPS Trust. Volunteer – Arbitrations. Life experience of having lived and worked in Auroville since 1995.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Working experience of running a commercial unit in Auroville. Experience of co-managing a reasonably large commercial trust. People skills.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Bunty
Community: Auromodele
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Have served before and am keen on being a part of it once again. Along with a team, I serve in Public Relations with VIPs and high ranking officials including those in commerce departments which gives me a good understanding of the system and am capable of getting timely help.
Apart from that being in Auroville for over 20 years, I have a good understanding of how the community functions keeping in mind the ideals and the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Education – B.E, M.B.A
Marketing Manager – Hi Tech Engineers – Marketing and Sales, Sea Cranes from Effermarine, Italy. HIAB, Sweden. Palfinger, Finland.
Project Manager, Godrej Efacec, Portugal – ASRS Projects
Auroville – Teacher – Math and Physics – Center for Further Learning/Future School. 2000-02
SAIIER, Administration in charge 2001-03
Housing Service – 2003-08
Commercial Unit Trustee – 2008-15
Public Relations Desk – AVF/WComm collaboration since 2015-
Swagatham Guest House Manager, 2021-
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Skills
PR work, communication, finance management, administrative experience, team builder and worker.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All
Name: Christian Goni Escudero
Community: Out of station – Djaima Corner (last location)
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I believe we should behave as a brotherhood and care of each Aurovilian to make our lives easier and happier.
I believe in the mother’s project but not in Auroville as it is now.
I believe there are a lot of possibilities and available land and resources to facilitate housing and business making for the prosperity of everyone.
I believe everyone has the same rights despite of of how old it’s Aurovilian membership is.
I don’t steal, I do not lie I don’t have any personal interest to increase my own wealth or power taking advantage of my job.
I went to Auroville for the mother’s vision and I want to honour her and work for the purpose she brought to us by the spirit.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
During my staying in Auroville I had worked in as a programmer and researcher.
My background is a degree in economics, a master in information systems for enterprise management and self learning programmer courses I had being taking.
I had being coordinator for an NGO in Navarra-Spain, also worked in Ecuador and Peru in such projects, being working in pharmaceutical trading company in the UK as the most highlighted positions.
Also I had being gardener, kitchen porter, labour in factories, pizza delivery, waiter, cleaner, chef, and math teacher.
Currently I am working to make an activity in Auroville to substitute plastic in Auroville for truly biodegradable packaging.
My motivation are nature and human social rights.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
-Degree in Economics
-Master in information systems for enterprise management.
-Website developer.
-Reseaecher and solutions maker.
-Honest and realible (I can not understand who is not)
-I can learn new skills and I am highly motivated for higher purposed.
-I need to work in a team where everyone else works also for the common progress.
-Self organized.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
12
Name: Danny
Community: Sve Dame
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
After years of serving in diffrent AV groups. Recently BCC and prosperity. I see the time for myself to join the FAMC in order to improve practices in AV admin. I have expeirnced as top charter developments in Israel and USA and a lot of experience in AV. I’/ Wellpaper founder with the vision of social enterprise development
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Charter accountant
previously member of:
Council,
BCC
prosperity,
leave allowance
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Accounting, Audit, administration, entrepreneur, youth guide and leader
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Divya Kapoor
Community: Grace
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Name: Divya Kapoor
Community: Grace
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Currently the situation in Auroville is grave as the Residents Assembly has not been recognised by the Office of the Secretary for the functioning of Auroville.
The Finances and Assets of Auroville are a unique experiment of collective ownership and hence unusual functioning and common discipline. At this moment the functioning of Auroville’s own fundamental existence is at stake, as the Finances and Assets, are being attempted to be taken over by outsiders or appointed puppets.
This is my inspiration to step up at this moment for FAMC membership.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
For the last twenty years in Auroville I have served as :
Executive Matrimandir ( 2003 to 2008 ) member of the completion team
Executive Auroville Unity Fund
Trustee Auroville Village Action
Executive SAIIER
Wor ked as :
Member, Working Committee
Member, BCC
Member, FAMC
Member, LandBoard
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Skills, interest and domain of experitse are –
Studying, researching and Putting in practice the Dream and Mother’s Ideals for a sustainable township. Trying to creatively work for the future which is trying to manifest via Policy making and governance.
Understanding the unique role of Auroville in the world in aspects of economy, business practices and education.
special interest and skills
Investments
Auroville Governance
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
9 to 10 months ( two to three months I need to take off for my other roles in Auroville )
Name: Elodie
Community: Center Field
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I am filling the self nomination form as I was nominated by another Avlian.
I believe that while working with the day to day issues we need to listen to all sides and follow the decisions of the RA. I aspire that we manage to work towards Human Unity.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have worked in different and varied sectors in Auroville.
I worked as a teacher for many years in kindergarten as well as Transition school.
I worked for 2 years in the Health center as help to the nurses in the OT,
After following a 3 years courses I worked as a therapist a few different places.
I have been teaching Fitness since 17 years in New Creation gym.
And I am an executive of Glimpse since 2008.
I have worked alone as well as with a team.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
As mentioned I have been an Executive of an Auroville unit since 2008 so i am aware of the requirements for running a unit in Auroville, India.
I am already quite busy and might be taking on another project so I have very limited time.
But I feel that now more than ever we all need to work for our community.
I could work only part time or as a resource person when needed.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
I could work only part time or as a resource person when needed.
Name: Gijs
Community: Udoombu
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Name: Gijs
Community: Udoombu
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I believe Auroville has the potential to develop economically in a way that is radically different from the norm: not maximising financial returns, but optimising a balance between multiple forms of wealth and value.
This is not just our community’s need, but it’s the need of the entire human species at this point in time. Capitalism in its current form is the cause of the Climate Crisis and the 6th wave of Mass Extinction we are witnessing, as well as pandemics of various kinds, polarisation, extreme inequality and even war.
There is no guarantee that Auroville will come up with a model that works better than the dominant money-monoculture, but it is our responsibility to try. We are given enormous privilege in terms of resources of all kinds, goodwill and (still considerable) autonomy. We owe it to India, to the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, to all those who invested their lives in Auroville to make a sincere attempt at prototyping an Integral Economy.
Those are big and lofty words, and I have been disappointed more than once when trying to instigate such moves in Auroville. Everyone has objections, reasons why it might fail, personal interests in maintaining the status quo, jealousy of others success, etc. etc etc. But I chose to live in community, not in an individualistic self-contained way, so this messiness comes with the territory. The downside (dealing with cynicism and bitterness) is still outweighed by the upside (collective intelligence, group creativity, unity in diversity). I believe I can contribute in a meaningful way to this unfolding process so I offer myself.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I always lived in community, from when I was 18 (in rural Rajasthan), then during college with students collectives, and since 2009 in AV. My default way of functioning is teamwork, and I have been involved in the following:
At University
– student union mobilisation and representation in University governance bodies
– running various collectives, including media (local magazine), education (curriculum development) and housing
In Auroville
-participating in AV projects such as the 5 yearly farm group assessment and plan (twice, the last one called AV Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) which included cross-sector collaboration), Deep Ecology study circle, Bohmian Dialogue, Social Entrepreneurship in the AV Bioregion (SEDAB), The Learning Community (TLC) as core team member, Integral Entrepreneurship Lab (IEL) as core member, Growing AV Economy Sustainably (GAES) and the Lotus Group (focusing on economic reform for AV), Coordinating AV Learning Activities (COALA – looking at edu sector-wide strategy), the Green Papaya Collective (a participatory economy experiment), Youth Centre and Youth Link mentoring
-launched programs such as UnLtd Tamil Nadu as coach, team leader and fundraiser, Auroville Resource Mobilisation Service as co-founder and resource person, (R)Evolutionary Leadership program (focusing on inner and outer change)
-FAMC secretariat for 6 months, during which time I tried to push for more delegation to resource persons to relieve the group members and enhance community participation
Across India
-mobilisation of smallholder rainfed farmers and forming collective institutions for extension, marketing and village development (Vidarbha, Telangana, Manipur)
-sector-wide collaboration in the cotton textile industry, focusing on ethical standards for fibre cultivation and factory worker employment
-social entrepreneurship training for Indian youth (Jagriti Yatra, Ashoka Fellowship)
-Corporate Social Responsibility and purpose driven business practices for commerce professionals (IIM B, Pegasus)
My 25 years have shown me that there are patterns in teamwork (archetypical behaviour) but also a lot of surprise. It’s a dance in which one needs to sense the requirement of the moment, the opportunities and risks and of course ones own inner guidance. As mentioned earlier, in AV this process sometimes goes very wrong, but sometimes it is beautiful. I can’t say that I have found the magic cure or recipe for success, but I can contribute to the groups’ understanding of its own dynamics and if a group wants to improve I’m happy to be a part of that process.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
My domain of expertise is both Social Entrepreneurship and Organic Agriculture.
This includes
Business management (I founded various companies and raised equity from impact investors)
– supply chain management
– business process design
– fundraising both commercial and non-commercial
– Human Resource management
Alternative Economy Research & Development (I currently work with blockchain based models)
– critique of dominant models
– frameworks for economies based on multiple forms of wealth
– Complementary Currency design and token engineering
– Fairtrade value chain development
– Certification and voluntary standards
Startup coaching (I ran an incubator for 7 years, promoting 40 startups)
– Systems thinking and strategy
– Business model design
– team building
– personal value mapping and life coaching
Sustainable Agriculture (hold MSc in Organic Agriculture)
– training and facilitation
– agronomy and farming systems analysis
– agroecology
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
August-March (summer time I plan to travel to Europe overland which takes time…)
Name: Jeyandira Saraswathi Yafarova
Community: Djaima
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Name: Jeyandira Saraswathi Yafarova
Community: Djaima
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I could use the professional skills to add some value to my contributions to the community.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Ms. Jeyandira Saraswathi Yafarova
Career Summary
Work Experience:
1. Enrolled at the Bar council of India (Tamilnadu & Pondicherry} (Enrollment No.1104/2002).
2. Corporate and Litigation experience of 19 years and 10 months.
3. Post qualification experience of more than 16 years in Media & Entertainment Laws; Property laws, Tax laws, International Business Laws and Immigration laws.
Knowledge and Skills:
Areas of specialization: Media and Entertainment Laws, Civil law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law, Corporate laws, Environmental law, Property Law, International Business Law and Tax Laws; Electricity Laws, Education laws and Immigration laws.
Skills:
> Hands on experience in contract drafting, negotiation and execution skills.
> Experience in drafting, negotiation and handling transactions independently.
> Conducting legal due diligence for the purposes of amalgamation, business take over, joint venture, etc.,
> Work experience and knowledge in Contract Act 1857, Copyright Law and Trademark laws, Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act1995, TRAI Regulations.
> Work experience and knowledge with various content regulation such as the Self-Regulation Code framed by the IBF and the BCCC Guidelines, the ASCI, NCPCR guidelines, etc.,
> Excellent research skills, good negotiation skills, very good communication skills and proficiency in English, Hindi and Tamil languages,
> Extensive work experience in Property laws and transactions for larger organizations viz., Sun Tv Network, Auroville Foundation with hands on experience in liaising with government authorities related to property transactions and compliance aspects.
> Hands on experience on the property matters from title discovery, execution of a transaction, handling tax compliances and other incidental matters that requires frequently liaising with the revenue authorities of the state to administer the properties belonging to the organization – Auroville Foundation.
Work experience Profile (PQE – both litigation and corporate experience):
Pursuing private practice in Courts in addition to providing legal services as Independent Counsel, to Digital media companies in Cable and Broadcasting business, including
Sris Law Firm PC, providing legal services to a Law Firm located in Virginia and Maryland, USA, as Legal Consultant, which includes but not limited to Case Analysis, Legal Research and Strategy, Drafting of Pleadings, Discovery of documents, Analysis of Discovery documents and preparing Discovery Reports and Deficiency Analysis; Analyzing and devising strategy for steering the Discovery process of Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents, Trial Preparations including putting together Pleadings, Discovery and Exhibits Binders including preparing trial questions for parties, witnesses, experts, etc., Preparing opening statement and closing arguments for final hearing of the case and such other incidental drafting of correspondences, etc., legal research and legal analysis including drafting of relevant documents throughout the proceedings.
Auroville Foundation, a Statutory body created under the Parliamentary Act, functioning under the Ministry of Human Resources Development of Union of India, as Resident Legal advisor and Former Executive Board Member of Land Administration and Management Board of the Auroville Foundation and providing legal services under various legal domains to Auroville.
Lycee Francais International School, Pondicherry, as the legal consultant and Public Relations Officer, providing legal services in Educational and labour laws including handling labour litigation for the Lycee Francais International School, Pondicherry.
Welworth software Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, as Legal consultant providing legal services in Negotiation & Contract Management on Commercial transactions of the company besides providing business legal support and litigation support services.
Promtex PromService (A Hydraulic Brake manufacturer), based in Moscow, Russia and Electronica (A security service company) based in Yaroslavl, Russia, providing contract Management services along with overall business support, in respect of their business joint venture with a Bangalore based company.
Providing business legal support and ensuring compliances for the group of companies viz., Gold in Glass pvt. Ltd., Aditi Diamonds prvt. Ltd., Varuna Energy pvt. Ltd., as a consultant of the company.
Litigation & Corporate – Legal Experience in Media Industry
STAR India Private Limited (A subsidiary of Twenty first Century Fox Company and Parent company of Star Den Media Services Pvt. Ltd):-
(Previously) Media Pro Enterprise India Pvt. Ltd – a Joint Venture Company formed between STAR DEN Media Services Pvt. Ltd (A Subsidiary of Star India Pvt. Ltd) and Zee Turner Limited:-
Position : Senior Manager – Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Location : Bangalore & Mumbai
Reporting : Directly to Head – Legal and Regulatory
Key Responsibilities : My job responsibilities here include:
a) Drafting and vetting various agreements including
(I) Channel License/Distribution Agreements with the Channel Partners/Principal Channel Companies’ for the purpose of obtaining the Distribution Rights of Channels for Distributing the respective Television Channels in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc., via all the distribution platforms viz., DTH, Analogue Cable, CAS addressable cable system, IPTV, HITS and other Addressable Platforms in India;
(ii) Research and Market Survey Agreements with the Government authorities and other private research agencies for the purpose of conducting market survey to assess and ascertain the subscriber base that helps to boost the subscription revenue;
(iii) Channel Placement Agreements with the Service providers for placement of channels on the agreed frequencies in their Cable Network to maximise the reachability of channels;
(iv) Subscription / Distribution Agreement with the Service Providers in various Platforms via DTH, Analogue Cable, CAS, IPTV, HITS, etc., for further re-distribution to the end customers/viewers;
(v) Other important agreements relating to broadcast of channels and Agreements/MOUs/legal documentation required in the course of the daily business operations subject to Head Legal’s procedural approval;
b) Briefing external counsel and preparing and reviewing pleadings for high stake litigation matters before Hon’ble Supreme Court, Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, High Courts, other courts and tribunals;
c) Advising on and strategizing various legal and regulatory nuances;
d) Ensuring Regulatory compliances such as
(I) Half-yearly and Annual filing of Interconnect Register Agreement details of all the Platforms;
(ii) Addressing the queries of TRAI with respect to Channels distributed by the Company;
(iii) Tendering responses and contesting the TRAI complaints initiated by Service Providers such as Cable Operators, etc;
(iv) Filing of rate cards of Channels for various platforms in terms of the Tariff and Regulatory requirement;
(v) Providing comments on the Consultation Papers issued by TRAI before drafting / enactment of Regulation; effecting certain amendments to Interconnection Regulations, Tariff Orders, etc and taking part in the Open House Discussions conducted by TRAI in the process;
e) Preparing MIS on Legal, Regulatory, Anti-piracy actions and Credit Risk Management action on a monthly basis and making presentations and briefing senior management and other teams about legal and regulatory compliances;
f) Ensuring Secretarial compliances of the company including preparation of Board Minutes; filing of Statutory Forms in compliance with the ROC requirement; filing the Annual Returns; etc and other relevant secretarial compliances incidental thereto, with the Registrar of companies within the statutory limitation period subject to Head – Legal’s procedural approval.
MSM Discovery Pvt. Ltd (A Joint venture of Discovery communications Network):-
Position : Assistant Manager – Legal
Location : Delhi and Mumbai
Reporting : Directly to Chief Financial Officer and Sr. VP – Sales initially and later to Legal Head
Key Responsibilities : Same as above, in Star TV.
Zee Turner Limited (A Joint venture of Zee group of Channels and Turner International Limited):-
Position : Executive – Legal
Location : Chennai
Reporting : Directly to Senior Manager – Legal centrally located at Delhi and Regional Manager – Sales located at Regional Office at Chennai.
Key Responsibilities : My job responsibilities here include:
a) Advising on and strategizing various business, legal and regulatory nuances to the business team of the south Region.
b) Handling piracy issues, filing criminal complaints, and arranging for raids in coordination with our piracy control agency and with police aid and managing relevant legal proceedings in criminal courts.
Sun TV Network Limited:-
Position : Legal Consultant
Location : Chennai
Reporting : Directly to General Counsel
Key Responsibilities : My job responsibilities here include:
a) Being a part of the centralized legal team with hands-on on matters pertaining to broadcasting contents, content distribution including CAS, Non-CAS and DTH platforms; Publication business, managing the legal formalities in setting up the Radio business and hands-on on obtaining IPRS / PPL rights for Radio FMs and IPR Registrations pertaining to the Company.
b) Advising on and strategising various legal and regulatory nuances to the Business team;
c) Ensuring Regulatory compliance and briefing the business and other teams about legal and regulatory compliances.
d) Drafting, vetting and negotiating various agreements including agreements for purchasing movies, content creation, acquisition (such as serials, reality shows, etc.,) and assisting the business team in strategy and documentation, sub-distribution agreements to MSOs, etc., other important agreements relating to broadcast of channels subject to General counsel’s procedural approval. I was responsible for culling out the first cut draft of all agreements;
e) Briefing external counsel and drafting and reviewing pleadings for litigation matters before Hon’ble Supreme Court, Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, High Courts, other courts and tribunals across India;
f) Managing the legal formalities and Filing of Deeds of Declaration for the purpose of setting up of printing, publishing and editing of the Daily Newspapers, Weekly, Fortnightly and the Monthly Magazines being published by the subsidiary company of the Sun TV Network, M/s. KAL Publications Pvt. Ltd of the Network and Ensuring relevant legal and statutory compliances in respect of the publication wing;
g) Registration of trademarks and related procedures: Filing application for Trademarks, Patent Rights & Copyrights of the Logos, Titles and Programmes and their Trademarks, etc., of the Company; filing of oppositions and Trademark & Copyright Registrations, etc., briefing the External Attorneys and working closely throughout the process.
h) Handling the property transaction of the organization: Laisoning with Local and Government bodies for obtaining relevant documents viz, patta, Chitta, Adangal, Encumbrance Certificates, Revenue Certificates and other documents pertaining to the properties proposed for purchase by the company. Preparation and Registration of Sale Deeds and other relevant documentation at concerned Sub-Registrar’s office.
i) Hands on – on the legal formalities and compliances involved in setting up of the FM Radio stations across India by the Group Company and managing the filing and compliances with the relevant authorities within the timeframes besides consistently assisting the business team on the routine legal issues. Briefing the counsels and handling the preparation and reviewing of pleadings in the relevant litigations in this regard.
Litigation Experience
King & Partridge – Law Firm
Position: Junior Counsel
Key Responsibilities:
a) Practiced at the High Court of Madras in the areas of Civil, Criminal, Personal, Labour & Service laws, property laws, Arbitration and Intellectual property Laws.
b) Drafting pleadings and arguments for various cases including civil disputes, consumer matters, trademark infringement, passing off actions and also in various arbitration matters;
c) Drafting Commercial contracts & agreements for corporate clients and independent business firms, etc.
d) Appearing and arguing before various courts and tribunals including Hon’ble High Court of Madras; State and Central Administrative Tribunal, Chennai; State and District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Family Courts, Debt Recovery Tribunal; Company Law Boards; Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstructions, Chennai and Civil and District courts in Chennai and other districts of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry.
e) Closely assisted in the Legal Research for the Journal “”Corporate Law Journal”” published by M/s. King & Partridge.
Educational Qualifications:
Qualification University/Institution Year of Passing
LL.M., (Business Law) Dr.Ambedkar Govt.law College, Pondicherry June 2014
PG Diploma in French Law Dr.Ambedkar Govt.law College, Pondicherry June 2014
B.A., LL.B., Dr.Ambedkar Govt.law College, Pondicherry June 2002
ACS Institute of Company Secretaries of India, New Delhi, India
Pursuing Legal aspects of conducting Business in Russia – Online Certificate course St.Petersburg State University May 2020
Rethinking International Tax Law – Online Certificate course Universitiet Leiden July 2020
Internet giants – the law & Economics of Social Media Platform – Online Certificate course University of Chicago September 2020
International Cyber conflicts – Online Certificate Course The State University of New York August 2020
Personal Details
Mobile Number : 91 – 8754921079 / +91 – 413- 2968092
Email Address : tanyajaya03@gmail.com and jayensaras@hotmail.com
Languages known : Tamil, English, Hindi, French, Russian, Spanish and Telugu
References:
1. Mr.Anil Kumar – General Counsel – Sun TV Network
2. Ms. Shyamala Venkatachalam – Legal head Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., (Former Senior VP – Star Tv Pvt. Ltd.)
3. Mr. Girish Buttan – legal head – Zee Tv Network
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I have a Masters in Business Law and have work experience as in-house counsel handling litigation, corporate and regulatory affairs and secretarial compliance for the organisations mentioned in the Resume.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
Available to start immediately
Name: Kumbha
Community: Aurodam
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I have grown up in in Auroville from day one of my life. My parents came to Auroville in the 70’s and gave everything they had to the project. They have helped create a wonderful place for all of us today. Yet in the process we had a very humble household. From this my parents had to learn to survive here and I too had to make may way through the world, travel education etc… I managed on my own, and then moved back to Auroville after school. Here too, there is no direct help, I needed to survive, build a home and live here. I’ve always believed that taking care of my own needs, preferable giving employment to other Aurovilian’s and growing a livelihood here will be one of my greater contributions to this society.
I’d love to see a thriving economic society here in Auroville. We can do it. I know we can.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Auroville school system – 17 years
gap year International travel – 1 year
Business School (the Netherlands) – 4 years
Marketing research industrial warehouse cranes (the Netherlands) – 1 year
Gap year International travel – 1 year
Marketing, project management operation (Sound Wizard) – 4 years
Sales and market research (Maroma) – 1 year
Executive (Sound Wizard) 10 years
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
People skills
Management
Presentation
Strategy
Good financial overview
Motivational
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
the full year
Name: Mita Radhakrishnan
Community: Samasti / New Creation
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
At this moment in Auroville’s history, it is very important to assert the right of the Residents Assembly to organize activities and choose the members of its various working groups. This is my main reason for applying to be part of this Selection Process to become a member of the FAMC. We need a very strong FAMC that stands united and is able to pro-actively manage control and defend the assets of Auroville. We also need an FAMC that strongly enables self-sufficiency of Auroville. We need an FAMC that will create a caring economy, where people give of themselves wholeheartedly and have their needs met. We need to create an economy and opportunities that will enable young people to stay here rather than leave.
I want to be on the FAMC to take action – both internally to Auroville and externally. Internally, I strongly believe that compliance should be enabled and achieved from the bottom-up rather than the top-down. There is a lot that can be done for this. One of my long-standing wishes is to have a colorfully illustrated primer for new activities and new units which would explain clearly and visually all the rules that are to be followed for accounts. CAG Audit points should be transparent and online so that all can learn how things should be done. Best practices need to be shared. It would be great to organise meetings as well.
I think it is a shame and that many units function simply at a survival level, enough to pay the maintenance needs of the unit holder, and also that many unit holders simply sign-off on Balance Sheets prepared by accountants without even reading them. I would like to organise multiple sessions (maybe recorded to replay) on how to read a Balance Sheet. Units must be supported to grow. There is a need to increase the social media presence of Auroville units. Funds need to be made available to help units starting out. I want to create an atmosphere where Aurovilians will give to Auroville with joy, to create a collective economy together, because we want to, not because we have to. Externally, I believe there are several sources to tap into – within India and abroad – to enable the creation and expansion of units.
I would like the FAMC to do a “”Happiness Audit””. To truly understand people’s needs and the gaps.
The Chapter on Money in Sri Aurobindo’s fantastic book, “”The Mother”” is deeply inspirational to me.
I am tired of the scarcity mentality that is prevalent in Auroville : Auroville has to GROW. We can create abundance together.
We have to grow our economy together so that the needs of all are met and no one is left wanting.
There is an incredibly amount of knowledge and expertise in this community. We have to find a way to enable Aurovilians to share that knowledge in a way that creates passive income streams for individuals and the collective.
Fundraising is another area I would like to work on within the FAMC. Consolidating land in the greenbelt is a huge priority. Money is needed for that but we are not doing anywhere near enough. I have some ideas there. Certain investments are also needed to expand fundraising for Auroville. Better management of donations and donors through a software such as ERP4Impact is needed in order to grow donations. We also need to grow donations within the community – have some ideas there as well. To create a system which allows people to give towards certain activities of their choice and to each other .
Decentralisation and freedom to give will work in our favour, rather than top-down control. We also need to find money for a fleet of e-vehicles as parking stations which will reduce traffic in Auroville. Many external agencies can be approached in a systematic way. We need to ramp it up, but in a de-centralised yet completely connected way.
Also, I have certain values and beliefs which I feel are crucial for Auroville:
– All money belongs to Mother and we are Her instruments. Our role is to be Trustees of Her money on Her behalf.
– Work is karma yoga and our offering to the Divine.
– Everyone needs to Give, rather than Take.
– We need to have certain Strict standards of accounting applicable to all.
– No one should steal from any unit or cheat in any way. Scrupulous honesty is needed, and it must come from within and from a Collective Awareness and pressure, not a top-down imposition… We need to identify all the ways in which some people cheat & eliminate that completely by showing the cheaters it is not possible. We need to have courage to do that face to face, and it isn’t only the FAMC’s job to do that. It is our collective job.
Basically the FAMC is an ENABLER, to help Mother’s Auroville manifest. I’d like to be part of that process, through very practical actions. (No words, Acts!).
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
This is huge. I was born in New Delhi in 1969 at the Military Hospital in Delhi Cantonment. Did my schooling at the Army Public School in New Delhi. (All but the very last year). Then I moved to Rome, Italy where my father was posted at the Indian Embassy. I went to an International School. I received Gold Medals in English and Social Studies and the European Council of International School’s Award for International Understanding. I went to Mount Holyoke College, USA for my BA in the Liberal Arts. My Major was Politics and I had several Minors including Women’s Studies, Development Studies, African Studies, Third World Studies. The academics were excellent and I was also involved in a very wide range of extra-curricular activities which involved a lot of teamwork. I was elected to the Who’s Who Amongst Students in American Colleges and Universities and received other awards. As a student on Financial Aid, I did everything from washing pots in the dorm kitchens to being an audio-visual techie in an auditorium. I received a strong message to return to India, so I graduated and came back in 1990. I did my Masters in Political Science at JNU Delhi 1990-1992. We had a team of friends who studied together. It was a wonderful experience of sharing the work. I worked with an NGO, Jagori, in Delhi, first as a volunteer and then as a staff member. Again the work was a collective. Actually the organisation itself was organised as a collective. I came to Auroville after meeting Tapas in Delhi in 1995. I came in a wheelchair with many broken bones after an accident. Tapas took care of me and I benefitted from the experience of many Aurovilian healers. Tapas initiated me to the yoga of Mother and Sri Aurobindo. The first text of Mother’s that she gave me to read was The Agenda, 23.06.1965, “”Have you heard of Auroville?””- a fantastic text where Mother talks with Satprem for the first time about Auroville. It was so inspiring. I resigned from my job in Delhi and never left. Auroville is my life’s blood. I don’t see any other reason to live than Auroville. It’s been like that from 1995.
About teamwork : Most of my life before coming to Auroville, I have been part of teams.
– The Language Lab team is fantastic and I am proud to be part of it and I love my fellow team-members. We are a family and we care for each other, and we work very well together. We really enjoy our work.
– The Highway Task Force was also a great team of very varied Aurovilians, and I really enjoyed that. We were very efficient.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
– I have been a Trustee of Swagatam Trust since about 10 years.
– I have been a member of these working groups of Auroville :
Secretary, Working Committee
Member-Secretary, Development Group
Member, Executive Committee (predated today’s AV council)
Member, Working Committee (1998 or so, and then 2013)
Highway Task Force 2018
PVAC Bioregional Forum.
RA Revival
– In my first year as Trustee Swagatam Trust, I created with the help of Ranjith (then the Lab Accountant; now member of the FAMC) the first consolidated balance sheet of an Auroville trust. Later this became the basis of the Consolidated Balance Sheet of the Foundation.
– Together with Tapas, I have created the Auroville Language Lab with its Tomatis Research Centre. We have built a wonderful building for this project and managed over 6 crore rupees over several years. We started out with a budget of Rs. 2000/- in 1998.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
All months!
Name: Petra Mo
Community: Discipline
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I was given a nomination and though I didn’t feel ready to join before, I feel it’s time now. Others talk about the same old people in groups. I have no political ambitions but am fully dedicated to the ideal of human unity, which according to my understanding and experience is the actual truth, in one consciousness.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
MSc. Industrial engineering and management (Industriell ekonomi)
7 years with worldsteel.org, incl. in charge of global sustainability report
Newcomer for Auroville Bamboo Centre, housing service, entry…
Diploma Creative writing
Volunteered for AV Today, MAgzAV
Restorative circles facilitator
Founder at Transformation KG
Facilitator (writing, RC…) TLC for many years
Currently: 1) Communications for The Colours of Nature (did Levi Strauss project reporting etc) and 2) Small writing activity (AVARTS) mainly ghostwriting on spiritual (nondual) topics, 3) Member of the Aura barter app Core Team, for which I see great potential, 4) volunteer edit and writing support for AVns.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
See above. Able to take holistic view. A collaborator and conflict solver.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
Most. I didn’t leave India since 2018.
Name: Prakash
Community: Alipsa
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Name: Prakash
Community: Alipsa
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I would like to have a change in our community especially in these challenging times.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have been a graphic designer most of my life, been handeling different types of age group in different parts of Tamil Nadu and Auroville.
This was my life during 8 years of my life. Now I have chosen my path as a farmer and i have been farming since 7 years. My farm that i have started in 2022 is called Alipsa located next to kottakarai.
I have had worked in:
1. Earth Institute as graphic designer.
2. Auroville Consulting as a project manager for urban agri projects.
3. Upasana as a graphic designer.
Worked in Chennai for 4 years as head graphic designer with 12 people as a group.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I’m ready to listen and observe the current situation between both the sides and being as a nutual body and for the best interest of the community i would act as required.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
June to the next selection.
Name: Shankar
Community: New Era School Campus, Aspiration
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I studied Economics and interested in community economic policies. I feel Auroville has to adopt an evolving economic policy which can include all innovative ideas and give space for Aurovilians who try differently to achieve the Mother’s goal, i.e. human unity and todays biggest challenge of bringing sustainability.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I worked as a language teacher for 36 years in AV. I also took care of Schools where I worked. I was in BCC. I run Atithi Griha as a co executive.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Research and Policy making
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Stephanie
Community: Sanjana
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
FAMC
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
If working for one of the working groups, I would always pick one in the ‘financial’ world, as this is where I feel most comfortable. This time I apply simply because I want to be there when the community needs support.
In the moment my only aspiration is to keep our Auroville afloat. Its all our home and it breaks my heart to see what is happening. We all came here for a dream. Let’s hope we can keep on working towards this dream.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Higher education: master of business administration
Work experience outside: many years in Advertising, self employed: accounting service, worked for a investing company
AV work experience: Transition school art teacher, Tsunami relief, founder of ‘Reach for the Stars scholarship program (running since 2011), worked in administration for Economy group, set up accounts for City Service, housing., started HR Initiative with others
Working groups: first BCC, FAMC, then BCC again
My team work experience: Except for in my first experience I always felt that there were only two or three people really working in the group, me included. I worked too much, felt overwhelmed and gave up. My own work attitude is like that, hope I can overcome this when I work in a group again:)
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Good at finance, financial reporting, accounting, balance sheet reading, good at understanding the financial workings in Auroville.
I am interested to look at the bigger picture of the economy in Auroville. Work on becoming independent from outside sources, providing enough for everyone living here.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
will be out in July
WORKING COMMITTEE
Name: Aravinda
Community: Auro Orchard
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Dear all,
My aspiration is to be a willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness, offering all I have, all I can and all I am to the service of the Mother. I promise to dedicate my time and energy, skills and resources for the realisation of Auroville, and to live by its values and ideals, as given to us in the Charter, the Dream, To be a true Aurovilian, and other messages of the Mother.
In the present context of Auroville I felt a calling to serve the community through one of the working groups… Having been nominated for the Working Committee, and knowing well that this is one of the most challenging tasks, I am accepting this nomination with utter humility. If selected, I shall endeavour with all sincerity to embrace divergent views in the community and aspire for Mother’s Guidance to lead us to the higher all-embracing Truth. I shall not let the sense of a power position influence my actions, attitude and behaviour towards fellow Aurovilians.
In this critical phase of Auroville’s growth, I promise to serve the greater good for all beyond all narrow interests, as a member or as a resource person for the working group that I will be assigned to.
In joy and service,
Aravinda
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
o I met the Mother in 1968, joined the Ashram School and graduated in 1971, then worked at the Ashram Press until 1983, with designing and printing of publications in several languages, as well as coordination of teams of Ashramites and local workers. I enjoyed sports and cultural activities in the Ashram, as well as participation in some projects in Auroville, like initial roads building and construction of Matrimandir.
o I lived overseas from 1983 to 2009, mostly in Canada, about three years in Italy and one in South Africa, working with various projects of art and music, cultural exchanges, yoga-asana, as well as hospitality (managing a guest house for 10 years), renovation of homes and gardening.
o During this period I frequently visited India and Auroville, with a particular gravitation towards Matrimandir, including a 6 months stay in 1996, guilding discs.
o In 2006 Jasmin and I hosted the first Auroville-Africa conference in Cape Town, with about 40 Aurovilians and AVI members joining local participants. We organised several Africa-related events in Auroville (many may remember the workshops with Ginn and Letlapa from South Africa in 2007).
o Back in India, I spent the first 2 years in an Ashram farm on Ousteri Lake working with infrastructure development and projects with school children.
o In 2012 we lived in Sadhana Forest for 4 months, where my main task was corresponding and dealing with Railways officers from Chennai, to avoid a planned railway alignment going through Sadhana Forest.
o Living in Aurogreen from 2012, I built a moveable workshop, volunteered with art projects for Fleur d’Auroville and FoodLink, teaching maths at Future School, and designing of an art book with drawings by Huta.
o During 2014-16 Jasmin and I participated in the planning and starting of the Sustainable Livelihood Institute (SLI), moving to its premises in Kottakarai in 2015 as care takers, with multiple tasks including renovations and organising exposure visits and training camps in Auroville for farmers and government officers from across Tamil Nadu, and water management groups from Odisha.
o Since 2016 we are living in AuroOrchard, where we have built an earth home and I have been looking after infrastructure development and renovation projects, while also being involved in various community events and initiatives in Auroville.
o In 2018 I joined the Highway Task Force in its efforts to avert a six-lane highway crossing through Auroville’s reforested area. It was a tough job with all odds against us, but with a firm faith, and full support of the community and the surrounding villages, this mission impossible was successful.
o Since 2019 I am engaged in activities aiming at enlivening Sanskrit as one of the four languages of Auroville, as envisioned by the Mother.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
o Love for inter-cultural communication.
o Fluency in English, Hindi and French, working knowledge of Tamil, Italian and Bengali, familiarity with Gujarati and Odia, and keen love for Sanskrit.
o Commitment to transparency and inclusivity, and to collaborate with other working groups.
o Love for organisation, logistics, attention to details, and team work.
o Deep faith in the community of Auroville and in our unity in diversity, and in the destiny of the City at the service of Truth.
o Keen interest in sustainable solutions and in collaborating with living Nature, so crucial for the planet.
o Strong belief in a vaster synthesis of seemingly contradictory views.
o Love for harmony and beauty in all spheres of life and manifestation.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
Name: Chali
Community: Madhuca
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I have been asked by many individuals to apply for a second term in the Working Committee and I am responding to those requests and the call to serve Auroville in this way during this challenging time. I have lived in Auroville for over 39 of my 55 years and in my adult years have dedicated myself to serve in whatever capacity is asked of me with a clear calling. This is a work for which I believe I am well-suited and through which I can serve our community, working towards individual and collective growth and progress.
Living in Auroville means to try and live for something beyond oneself, and to believe that despite everything, there is something beautiful and meaningful to look forward to, that everything that happens is an opportunity for learning and growth. Someone once said to me that the beauty of Auroville is that despite all the problems and the challenges, we keep waking up in the morning and trying.
The Dream, the aims and ideals of Auroville, the deep belief in the importance of an evolution of consciousness, and the connection I feel to Mother and Sri Aurobindo are what keep me going, are what keep me here, are what give me strength and purpose through all the ups and downs of this incredible place.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Personal Details:
Name: Chali Denise Grinnell
Address: Madhuca, Auroville, TN 605101
Contact Information: chaligrinnell7@gmail.com/0 413 262 2113/+91 97876 28806/+1 4144461001
Nationality: American (USA)
Age: 55 (DOB 30 May 1967)
Background: My parents (Narad and Mary Helen) first came into contact with the teachings of Mother and Sri Aurobindo at the East/West Cultural Center in San Francisco, and my mother had visited the Sri Aurobindo Ashram for the first time before I was born. They came back with me for the inauguration of Auroville in 1968, and we later moved to India in 1969, living in Pondicherry, Promesse, the Matrimandir Camp and then settling in the Matrimandir Nursery. I met the Mother several times as a child and I have notes to the Mother from my parents about my name, with the Mother’s signature and ‘Blessings’.
In 1981 we returned to the US (I was almost 14 by that time) where I completed high school and university in Texas, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a Minor in English, went on to do one year of study in the field of Medical Technology, and then worked in medical research at the University of Texas Medical Branch for almost 5 years.
In 1994 I decided to return to Auroville and it has been my home since then.
Auroville work areas: During the first year after my return to Auroville I worked in several different areas, including the Matrimandir Nursery. At one point, Dr. Rauf Ali suggested that I work with another young Aurovilian, Luk Gastmans, to revive an idea to set up a learning center. Luk and I rewrote the proposal, did fund-raising and opened the Center for Further Learning (CFL), as a tutoring center, in 1997. In January of 2002, CFL moved into the new high school campus that is now known as Future School. I continued to work there as coordinator, teacher (Biology and English), mentor, and administrator until May 2015.
From July 2009 until January 2012 I also had parallel responsibilities as a member of Auroville’s Working Committee.
In December of 2014 I was invited to take up the position of Executive for SAIIER (Sri Aurobindo International Institute of Educational Research). I accepted and in January of 2015 I began working there part-time while still working in Future School. There was a transitional phase of 4 months until May 2015, when I took up my work in SAIIER on a full-time basis, although I continued to co-teach 4 class hours of English in Future School until May 2016.
In April 2019 I was selected as a member of the Working Committee for the second time. In April 2021 I resigned as executive of SAIIER but remain as a member of the SAIIER Board.
Other related AV experience: CFL’s and Future School’s representative on the Auroville School Board for 15 years; member of the SAIIER Research Advisory Committee and of the SAIIER Board; member of the Scholarship and Education Fund (SEF) since its inception; Entry Group for two years from 1995-1997; member of one of the first Auroville Councils during the same period; member of the FAMC for 3 years; one of the coordinators and team members for Auroville’s 50th Anniversary.
Other details of interest: I have 2 wonderful sons (Dylan, 25, and Aaron, 24) who were both born at home in Auroville and have benefited from Auroville’s education throughout their lives. Dylan graduated from Future School in May and took some time off to work and live in Auroville before going to university in Berlin, Germany; Aaron completed a one year diploma course in French cuisine.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Some of the skills and qualities that I will bring to the work are: an ability to synthesize different points of view and approaches into something that is comfortable for all; enjoy and do best when working in a team; attention to detail; writing; a strong sense of duty and responsibility; sincerity and trust-worthiness; punctuality (most of the time 😉 ); organized and logical thinking combined with sensitivity to feelings and the ‘spirit’ of actions and intentions; being able to put myself in others’ shoes; networking and institutional memory; capacity to let ideas silently develop before talking or acting. I have been in a previous WCom and have served in the WCom again for the past 3 years, which has given me a lot of experience in what the work entails and what is needed on all levels and in all circumstances.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
Name: Claire
Community: Sukhavati
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
The role of the Working Committee of the Resident Assembly is more than ever essential to set up the conditions for the community to embody and manifest the raison d’être of Auroville. I wish to serve the community by offering my skills at the service of the missions defined and to be redefined by the Resident Assembly.
I came here twelve years ago after having received the call of the Mother. I have left behind my belongings, my carrier, my family, my friends to answer to this inner call, with this tremendous aspiration for the new world to come. Without any hesitation, any doubt carried by my faith I have jumped into this great adventure. With the unconditional love of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo always. I have gone through many experiences and this journey of transformation of myself have brought me many gifts I didn’t expected. I have dedicated myself to this action that is the Integral yoga, this Inconsiderable treasure they have left to the world.
The world is facing a major crisis, we are about to reach the aim and the old world is fighting with its last forces to survive. Auroville is going through a difficult time, some are using the name of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s name to achieve their goals, pushing us to the very edge. I know deep down that we have to be more than ever organised, flexible and creative to assert the role of the community and nurture collaboration.
I have till now stepped back from groups as I was not interested at all by the usual patterns observed in this kind of top down organisation. Times have changed, the community is now aware that groups have to evolve towards another organisation at the service of the community as a whole, concerned about organising the work more than about who is taking decisions. I wish to help.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Professional experiences:
AUROVILLE
from 2018: CO-ORGANISER
Auroville Art Camp, Auroville, India
From 2010 : VISUAL ARTIST
Abstract painting, Films, Video art installations
c.f Artist bio data
From 2010 to 2018 : ART TEACHER
Last School , Auroville, India
Film Making Apprenticeship, Auroville, India
From 2010 to 2011: CO-MANAGER
Creating and setting up a new gallery and art centre
Centre d’Art, Auroville India
BEFORE AUROVILLE
From 2008 to 2009 : GENERAL DIRECTOR
EXAPRINT (e-business group), Montpellier, France
19 millions Euros annual turn over
From 2004 to 2008 : CONSULTANT/TRAINER
Professional independent:
EXAPRINT (e-business group), Montpellier, France
Leader mentoring , coaching
ORIFFPL (Office régional de formation des Professions libérales), Montpellier, France
Training : Marketing strategy, business negotiation
Beneficiaries: Professionals
FORCE U ( Training Insitute of Magasins U), St Brès, France
Training : H.R / Personal Developpement: Communication, Management, the change management
Beneficiaries:: Department managers, executives of the central purchasing body
EMPATHIE ( Cabinet conseil formation), Marseille, France
Intervention chez NORAUTO
Training : Sales
Beneficiaries:: Sales persons, Managers
Salaried:
AFPA ( Vocational training centre), St Jean de Vedas, France
Training: Communication, customer relationship
Beneficiaries: Call center employees
CF2M ( Cabinet conseil formation), Béziers , France
for DELL Computer (Montpellier)
Training: Phone sales technics, conflict resolution
Beneficiaries: : Sales Engineers and hotline technicians french and Spanish, Coaching of key accounts Sales Engineers for Spain
RICHARD CONSEILS ( Cabinet conseil formation), Lavérune, France
Coaching Public: Business owners
A2T ( Cabinet conseil formation), Narbonne, France
For MAJAR (Carcassonne)
Training: Phone reception
Beneficiaries: : Sales representatives, receptionnists, technicians
AMPLITUDE ( Cabinet conseil formation), Paris, France
For GO SPORT (France)
Training: Sale
Beneficiaries:: salesmen
For EDF PRO (France)
Training: Phone reception
Beneficiaries: :Call centre agents
From 2001 to 2003 MULTIMEDIA PROJECT MANAGER NEXT20 (Computer engineering, New technologies), Paris, France In Charge of France Telecom, department of social affairs account
From 1999 to 2000 PROJECT MANAGER SEPHORA (Distribution sélective), Paris, France
From 1998 to 1999 STORE MANAGER SEPHORA (Distribution sélective), Paris, France 45 MF annual turnover
From 1991 to 1998 BRANCH MANAGER BNP (Réseau bancaire), Paris, France
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Artist
Organisation of projects (Art, Culture, I.T, Luxury industry, E-Business)
Management of teams and projects (Art, Culture, I.T, Luxury industry, E-Business)
Training and Teaching adults and teenagers
Consulting in organisation, training and Human Resources
Coaching managers and executives
Trained in cognitive and behavioural therapies
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Elisa
Community: New Creation
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Name: Elisa
Community: New Creation
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
To serve the essence, purpose and values of Auroville in concrete steps forward, so we as Aurovilans and Auroville as a collective body can grow and thrive through the transformational phasis we are going through.
I feel that our collective organisation needed to grow anyway, inspite the challenging dynamics at play, this moment is also offering an opportunity to rise and co-create a world where it feels true, good and beautiful to live in.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have a legal background which i practiced at the UN, in NGOs, and in France as a legal counsel of companies, In Auroville, I was previously in the WCom and Av Council from Dec 2014 till March 2018. Since then, i was facilitating meetings, designing processes, helping teams to work together… Parallely, i am an ICC member (in charge of sexual harrasment cases and prevention).
I am passionate by the understanding, exploration and experimentation of new systems of governance, justice, that aim at serving our individual and collective growth of consciousness, through true progress and nurturing our wellbeing.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I have skills in team building, facilitation, oral and written communication, conflicts résolution, i understand legal matters, i value progressing in conscious decision making, i love co-creating a world that embodies our evolution of consciousness.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
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Name: Francois
Community: Auromodel
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
To work in delhi and Auroville and put across the correct point of view on Auroville’s growth, as well as help with visas.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
52 years in Auroville.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
journalism writing political connections.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Ilayabharathy
Community: Ami
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Since i was born and grown up here in Auroville, i have seen how in many ways Auroville has progressed and played an integral role in shaping up many people’s life internally and spiritually.
It is definite that we are not a perfect collective but it is undeniable that we are a collective. I feel inspired to contribute towards organization of Auroville which will strengthen this collective more. So I would like to take up an active role working towards this direction.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Bharathy Somasundaram
Sysop and Net administrator (Town hall)
Ami, Auroville
Ph. 9443617098 / 9751110018
Community: Ami
Age: 33
Aurovilian since: 1988
Email: ibharathy2@gmail.com
Ph.no: 9443617098 / 9751110018
Education: Schooling in Auroville, BCA, MCA from Annamalai University, Chidambaram
Current work status: Blue light as Net administrator in Town hall, Sysop, Member of Housing Board
My interests:
I am a young person with interest to learn more about various sectors of Auroville administration. Since my childhood, Auroville has shaped me up as a person I am today through the richest experiences it could offer personally and professionally. Most of the work I am doing as part of my current work is learned through practical experiences than through formal education.
I have been having an affinity to work towards Auroville organization and administration for some years and have put collective efforts to learn the current functioning as much as possible through personal mentors and by organizing sharing/learning sessions.
I am a team player, dynamic, focused on my work, and easy to work with. I am an explorer constantly trying to find new ways to do work in a better and more efficient way. Apart from these, I am open to learn new skills and exposure as a way of integral learning.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
I have good IT skills which have been my core area of work for many years in Auroville. I am good at personal communication in specific situations with people through understanding various realities.
I have always been keen on finding solutions to a situation and seeing the positive effect it brings. I feel very much inspired to contribute to the Auroville governance.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
I also need to take care of TH Network, servers in TH etc etc
Name: Jurgen Axer
Community: Sunship
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
We are in an existential crisis, ideological as well as constitutional. A powerful ‘hostile takeover’. Their aim: Victory – at any cost. Reconciliation not programmed. ‘But we are the people’ as the East Germans chanted on the streets shortly bevor unification. “”We are the Residence Assembly”” is our call and the Working Committee our elected representation.
That’s the agenda.
For this we need to be focused on our inner truth and outer strength: the inner truth is our progress in freedom as individuals, as our collective and through our physical environment – evolving. Outside we have to be understood as mature and representing the whole community; to have a legal mindset, political understanding and diplomatic skills as the art to talk even to ‘monster’. And a lot of common sense, lightness and confidence. WE ARE THE PEOPLE, we have created this place physically, carried by the spirit of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo.
On this base I was called as interim member to the acting Workcom and on the same base I’m a dedicated member for this selection process.
Whatever will be the result of this process it needs skillful and courage’s woman and men with knowledge who are complimentary to each other but can work together as a team. This will be the needed strength.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Outside:
• Studied Teacher Higher Secondary
• Scholarship Holder of the German/Indian Government for Studies in Auroville/Ashram
• PhD about Sri Aurobindo at University Cologne
• Director of the National Youth Organization, German Red Cross
• Regional Director South Asia for a German (governmental) political Foundation, based in New Delhi
• Regional Director North America for the same organization, based in Washington DC
• Co-owner and Executive of a Communication Agency in Germany, Cologne
• 1974 first visit to Auroville/Ashram
• 1979/1980 studies at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry
• Co-Founder of Auroville International
• Co-Founder and first chairman of Auroville International Germany
• Friend of Auroville from 1994 onwards with place in Dana
• Newcomer to Auroville 2014?
• Teacher at Future School ‘Global Citizenship’
• Empirical Study (SAIIER)on the Development of Integral Education in Auroville
(Co-Owner Chali)
• Member of the 50th AV Celebration Committee and responsible for the Journey of Auroville to New Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata and later to Tamil Nadu, together with Frederick and team
All my activities worked only together with a team. I’m really used and experienced in it.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
• Experienced negotiator
• Focused on an objective
• Deep listening
• Diplomatic skills
• Joyful
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Krishnaraju
Community: Grace community
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Name: Krishnaraju
Community: Grace community
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
In spirit of Auroville.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
Working in AV Vehicle Service and involving in AV Mobility services .
Participated in few task forces in last 5 years.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Few years working in transport sector, where I had created good platform for Aurovilians with the local transport department. Willing to learn more in different sectors and provide my skills. Interested to work in Police liason, if selected.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Mael
Community: Grace
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
Auroville is facing one of its most challenging times – but these are also times in which a huge transformational leap is possible. This is an occasion for us all to get involved in shaping our collective body and perhaps also in redefining the way our Residents’ Assembly functions.
The Working Committee’s mandate is to represent the Residents’ Assembly towards external entities, while also assisting its healthy functioning, ideally striving to move beyond division. Although this may be a difficult task at present, especially when many voices fear to express themselves or are being silenced, I personally continue to aspire for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity – in diversity. And this starts with ensuring that everyone’s integrity is respected, without which ‘collaboration’ remains only a word. The purpose of Auroville dwells in its collective adventure, for which we are asked to work hand in hand in spite of our differences, and to place our common aspirations before our personal preferences. In spite of my own limitations, this is what I commit to as a resident of Auroville.
The Working Committee is also mandated to be the bridge with other authorities of the Auroville Foundation, and I keep this intention at heart – while remembering that Auroville’s raison d’être is first and foremost to be an experimental township that is shaped by us, its residents, along with the evolution of our consciousnesses. It is important that residents of Auroville are kept at the core of this endeavour, because without its residents, Auroville would only be an empty shell.
I feel a strong call to help in improving our methods of communication, both internal and external, by enabling more clarity and a better flow of information. This is the first reason for which I feel drawn to join the Working Committee. I may not have legal knowledge, nor diplomatic experience; but I believe I can work on improving the communication flow and help bridge the divide which is at times perceived between the community and its Working Committee, due to an insufficient flow of information.
I believe this artificial gap is also due to responsibilities being loaded on the shoulders of too few people, and I wish to help better organise resource persons of the Working Committee, in order to ease the flow and repartition of tasks between the Working Committee (alongside with other working groups) and the wider community. This task may fall under the purview of the Council, but I believe it is also in line with the Working Committee’s role to assist the Residents’ Assembly in undertaking its duties under the Auroville Foundation Act.
Of course, if selected, I am willing to take up other tasks as assigned to me by the team or by the community. But I am clear that the skills I can first and foremost offer are that of communication and coordination. Whether these skills will be best utilised as a Working Committee member or as a resource person to the Working Committee is still unclear to me, and I leave it for the Selection Committee to decide. If selected, I will review my involvement after one year, to assess whether my contribution is meaningful enough or whether another member should replace me.
In both cases, whether selected or not, I am willing to support the Working Committee and the Residents’ Assembly in facing the challenges Auroville is currently going through, and standing for our core purpose and values.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I am trained as a social anthropologist and have written a masters’ thesis on Auroville, for which I had to study Auroville’s functioning including its self-governance. When I returned to Auroville in 2018, I joined the Residents’ Assembly Service with the hope to help bring clarity on Auroville’s processes and ‘organic structure’. This, together with my growing experience as a facilitator and as a resource person to several WGs since 2019, gave me more insights on the RA’s way of functioning and how the flow of information / resources could perhaps be improved.
I have been working in teams since I was 14 years old and feel comfortable in most team dynamics. If selected for the Working Committee, I hope to bring some support in regards to fluid communication flows between the team as well, as I believe this to be the most important element in healthy group dynamics.
Being only 27 years old, I may not have as many skills / as much experience as other nominees, but hope to also bring some freshness and some lightness whenever possible. 🙂
*Brief Curriculum vitae:*
2021 – 2022 (Auroville): Resource person to several working groups or their members (including the AVC, WCom, RAS) – mainly in the field of written communications, policy reviewing, general advice / support. Assistance with the coordination of two Residents’ Assembly decision-making processes.
2021 (France): Organising & participating in workshops and retreats for the youth.
2019 till now (Auroville): Member of the facilitators pool, taking up facilitation at times.
2019 till now (Auroville): Regularly presenting the Yucca sessions on organisation
2019 (Auroville): Resource person to the AVC and RAS – mainly in the field of written communications, general advice / support.
2018 – 2019 (Auroville): Member of the Residents’ Assembly Service & the then Study Group on Organisation
2018 till now (Auroville): Active member of the Residents’ Assembly
2016 – 2018 (France): Masters in Social Anthropology – thesis on Auroville
2017 (Auroville): Member of YouthLink
2013 – 2016 (France): Bachelors in Psychology + president of a students association, admin of a national federation of students
2010 – 2013 (France): Admin & management of an online participatory platform – with a team of approx 40 people
*Other work experiences (less relevant):*
I am a massage therapist, a poet, a website builder and at times I also do translation (French – English).
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
*Skills and specific interests:*
– Writing skills in French and English (the latter may need proofreading) – as much as possible in a clear and structured way
– Understanding of Auroville’s self-governance structure
– Good interpersonal skills
– Management & coordination skills
– Public speaking & facilitation (still learning)
– Ability to detach from my opinion and see the other side of the picture while standing for my ‘non-negotiables’
*Lack of experience (but openness to learn) in the fields of:*
– Diplomacy with officials
– Indian and international law
I stand for Sincerity, Clarity, Joy and Courage.
I also aspire for more Humour and less seriousness in Auroville. 🙂
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Prashant Hedao
Community: Certitude
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I have been a resource person in the past for the Working Committee and have worked in the past with them on several key issues concerning Auroville, such as the highway task force, covid-19 task force, land issues, planning, etc. I have been in touch with several government officials at Tamil Nadu and at Centre (in Delhi) whom I know personally for many of the above mentioned tasks concerning Auroville.
I believe with my qualifications and understanding of the political and administrative systems at TN and Centre I will be able to contribute for Auroville’s progress technically as well as in policies in a meaningful way.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
In Auroville I was a member of L’avenir d’Auroville during 2008-10 and have been a resource person and a member of the technical teams in land use as well as regional planning until late-2021. As mentioned earlier I have been a resource person for Working Committee on several important issues concerning Auroville. I have always been a team player in my work inside and outside of Auroville, as I believe that it is definitely more productive than a top heavy hierarchical structure/organization.
As part of my planning/policy studies, I have used and applied GIS/digital mapping (Geographic Information Systems) for the last over 3 decades in fields such as urban & regional planning, natural resources management, post-disaster rehabilitation planning, biodiversity conservation, climate change, disaster resilient infrastructure, etc., and have applied that successfully in policy formulation at various levels of governments, nationally as well as internationally.
I have a PhD in geography from University of California at Davis (UC Davis, 2016), masters in landscape architecture/regional planning from University of Pennsylvania (PENN, 1991), and a bachelor in architecture from University of Mumbai (Sir JJ College of Architecture, 1984). I am still affiliated with UC Davis as a visiting faculty/research scientist at Information Centre for Environment (ICE). Currently part of my work involves setting up a GIS Centre for Health at WHO that will support their work in pandemics, universal health coverage, health emergency responses, etc. using geospatial technology.
I would like to apply my global work experiences for the development of Auroville
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Large part of Working Committee’s work involves interfacing with various government officials, agencies and department at all levels. I would like to nurture my connections in the government(s) and other organizations and use that to support Auroville’s development and progress. My work in the area of planning and policies supported by technical knowledge and science has been effective in various areas of work that I have been involved in.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Part-time
What months of the year?
As I am involved in humanitarian/non-profit work with national and international organizations, and I would like to continue doing that, because it is important that I stay connected with these international and national networks as it will be only beneficial for my work for Auroville as a member of Working Committee. Therefore I may not be able to spend all the days of the week.
Name: Renu
Community: Forecomers
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I have lived in Auroville for over 40 years, and have always remained a dedicated worker to this community. The inauguration of Auroville is etched in my memory and inspires me to live and work in Auroville still today.
One of my main reasons for wanting to join the Wcom is that I see the issue of self-governance, as written in the Auroville Foundation Act, as paramount to protect. My main motivation to apply is that I believe I have some important skills to share with the team; my institutional memory, communication skills, and a strong belief in the community of Auroville. I am not confused about what is happening now, and I understand the steps that our administration must take in order to ensure the Residents’ Assembly has a voice.
I believe that institutional memory, in particular, is necessary in these times – and we need those who can remember why policies in Auroville were created, the context, and the history to step up and participate. I can remember our important meetings, and how decisions were made in the past and today. I am inspired to live up to the Dream and the Charter, and have tried to remain true to these ideals in every work I have done.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
2019 to present: I am currently an executive of the Land Board of the Auroville Foundation, whose duties are to purchase and protect land for Auroville and tend to any disputes or concerns.
I am also an executive of the Auroville Art Service, which is a platform to promote artists and culture in Auroville and India.
2014-2016 I worked an the Auroville Radio, (an internet radio) producing programs, training volunteers and school children as well as other managerial duties, we also assisted in the rapid setup of a 24 hr community radio for the 2015 flood disaster in Cuddalore initiated by the Collector
2010-2013 I served in the Avenir TDC (the Auroville Planning committee) and managed a communication platform for harmonious and collective planning with the community.
2006 -07 I worked as an English teacher in the Udavi outreach school located near Edayanchavadi village.
2003-05 I have served as a Working Committee member
2001 I was the project coordinator for building of the American Pavilion in the International zone of Auroville together with the students of the University of Washington
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Some of my skills are good written and verbal communication across cultures. I can speak English, French and passable Tamil. I am a team player. I am honest and hard working. I care deeply about Auroville. I get the work done, when there is hard difficult work to do, I am always ready to do it. Some of my specific interests are in strengthening Auroville’s relationship to our neighbouring villages.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Sandeep
Community: Discipline
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
The only aspiration is to see this experiment succeed, whatever it takes.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
In 1978, left home to join Auroville. 6 months later returned, joined the Army and served from 1981 to 2004, when took premature retirement. Visited AV infrequently during service, working on Matrimandir construction.
Worked with Grasim Industries from 2004 to 2005. Then joined a private company based in Kuwait, posted to Baghdad till 2007and later to Eritrea, East Africa till 2008.
Moved to Auroville and worked for 1.5 years in Discipline Farm. Was invited to join LRM where I served for a year.
Ran the Telephone Service for a couple of years, then invited to join the first Land Board, where served for the next 2 .5 years .
Now working with the Financial Service on FCRA compliance.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
Fact based decision making
Administration
Work coordination
Project monitoring
Working knowledge of Govt functioning
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Valli
Community: Petite Ferme
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I have decided to apply as a candidate for the Working Committee for the following reasons:
After 20 years of my service as a Secretary in the Working Committee, I suddenly hear my inner call voicing and urging me to join as a member, participate in the discussion and to make important moves during this challenging time.
Try to take initiative to bring unity to our diverse life.
Please share a résumé of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience*
I have been working as a Secretary for the Working Committee for the past 20 years. I gained a lot of insights into how the Auroville organizational structures work. In my experience, a team dynamic is a must to make important decisions and constantly keep our common goal in mind before taking any major decisions.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience*
I have gained good communication skills in my work experience in
To find ways to bring in more participation of residents in the collective decision-making process
I will still coordinate and closely work with the Secretariat in terms of record-keeping, and disseminating information to the community
My other interest would be to maintain a good relationship with the police, village panchayats, and local authorities
Try to do my best whatever topics end up on the table of the Working Committee
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I have been working as a Secretary for the Working Committee for the past 20 years. I gained a lot of insights into how the Auroville organizational structures work. In my experience, a team dynamic is a must to make important decisions and our common goal has to be kept in mind.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
– I have gained a good communication skills
– maintain a good Auroville relationship with police, village panchayats, and local authorities
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—
Name: Yuval Sekoles
Community: Eternity
Which working group you nominate yourself for?
Working Committee
Motivation letter: Explain the reasons and motivations that drive your application, and your aspirations relating to the ideals of Auroville
I wish to reconstruct the pioneering spirit of Auroville.
Please share a resume of your experiences (work, life experiences, internships, group participation, etc.) inside and outside of Auroville. Please describe your teamwork experience
I served as a member of the Council, Housing Board, Land Board & Forest Group.
Please describe your skills, domain of expertise, specific interests etc. If applying for a specialist role, kindly highlight your relevant skills and experience
My skills are: Superb management capabilities, social capability and emotional intelligence.
I have read the current mandate of the working group I am applying for, and I agree to work according to the current mandate if selected
Yes
Are you interested to join the working group
Full-time
What months of the year?
—