Participants – Resident’s Assembly Service

Participants 2019

Amy

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I'm interested in most areas of Auroville life ... the overall collective, the health & well-being, on all levels, of the residents; overall organization & governance; conscious development of the International Zone in particular, but the whole material development of Auroville as a place for a progressive human unity. I've primarily worked in governance & education (admin). Presently I'm enjoying the relative quiet of the Auroville Archives.

What area of work are you interested in?
1) nurture a healthy practice of taking the time needed to seek inner wisdom (sometimes in silence) in both individual and collective decision-making in all areas of Auroville life;
2) reduced bureaucracy, and manifest less unnecessary delay for resolutions in all different kinds of processes (supporting new initiatives, guideline / policy creation, budget(s) review / approval, 'sticky issues' that impact individual(s) and the collective).

Sunyata

Anandi Zhang

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Union of Ideal, ideas and reality, education, farms and forests, governance, organization, economy, sustainability in everything, upcycling, arts. Areas I have worked in: Planting and farming, education, organization, translation.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1. Vanakkam to the Divine in each person: Understanding, acknowledgement and appreciation of each Aurovilian, newcomer, volunteer, guest, worker, villager, young and old, man or woman, as a fellow human being, who are essentially a divine being with outer differences, which should not trap ourselves, but rather aid us in a living unity in diversity.

2. Being, feeling, thinking, speaking and acting from an inner space of faith and abundance.

Kriya

Anu

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process?
Yes, as a Participant

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Interest: The creation of this Universal Town. Work Areas: Matrimandir, Pour Tous, 6 choreographic works, 9 books, presentations on Auroville and its city plan + Working Com, Bharat Nivas, L'avenir

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community
A receptive opening and service towards the realization of the Mother's Dream through her city. Imagination, creativity and dedicated work to match that Dream.

Sunship

Bhakti Mills

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I'm a freelance graphic designer so I offer my service to any Aurovillian or unit that needs help with their communication or image. I am interested in creating bridges between Auroville and the outside, in promoting exchange and culture.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) It's hard to say what I would change in the community because I presume we are all doing our best, maybe now is a good time to start the Auroville University..

Auromodele

Boobalan V.

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Since I was 13 years old, I’ve been involved in Siddhartha forest and is one of my area of interest. In the past have worked with Dehasakthi sports as a teacher for kids and at Deepanam school.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) Very energetic and experience person with local villagers and honest person..

Siddhartha Forest

Caroline

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in? I am Naturopath, voice teacher and singer. I like to explore the body intelligence and the way one express her/himself in the world. I worked in performing arts and educational field. I am now teaching voice classes and am involved in the study group as I am inspired by the Divine Anarchy Mother invited us to manifest in Auroville and feel that this group is a beautiful team/tool/instrument able to help in this journey.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) I would like to see more joy and care within aurovilians in order to dare more collective experiences on different levels as economy, health, education, art and decisions making. For this to happen, I would consider to create more collective gatherings based on inner growth processes as Constellations, Restorative circles, Forum theater events, Open forums on taboos etc... to face and transform our collective and personal shadows, fears and difficulties with an adventurous and joyful spirit.

New Creation

Chali

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process?
Yes, as a Participant

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Areas of interest are education, administration, communication, among others. I co-founded Center for Further Learning, which evolved into Future School, and worked there for almost 20 years; I have been in the Entry Group, an early AV Council, the Working Committee, School Board; I am currently an executive of SAIIER, member secretary of the SAIIER Board, member of the FAMC and part of the 50th Anniversary Coordination Team.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community
One of the key changes I would like to see is that we are less critical of each other. We are very good at criticizing and complaining but not so good at offering appreciation and understanding. It would also be helpful to work on our self awareness as individuals and asking if we are truly in the 'right' place as far as work, while taking into account where we are as a community and as human beings.

Madhuca

Claude

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process?
Yes, as a Participant

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Developing the values of Auroville and the guidelines given by the Mother in the organisation and governance of Auroville. I am presently acting as Coordinator of the Technical Team of L'Avenir d'Auroville, and implementing the necessary structures. I am also proposing elements of understanding of Sri Aurobindo's poem Ilion

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community
I would like that, similarly to what we are presently implementing in L'Avenir, the the four main groups are each supported by a permanent team of skilled people.
Then we could slowly move towards what the Mother asked for : that the more conscious people, elected or chosen through a process to be determined, are involved in the governance.

Sanjana

Divya

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Right now I'm focusing on teaching (Future School) and media/press welcome (OutreachMedia) but I also studied and worked in hotel management and translation. I worked in L'avenir d'Auroville/TDC for the past 4 years and participated in HB meetings for 3+ years as well as Kalpana Allocation and Youth Housing teams.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) 1. (re-)centering around core values of AV
2. (more/"better") communication within AV
3. higher attractiveness for younger people
4. more participation in working groups & community-related work.

Kalabhumi

Giulio

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I do work as surveyor, thus I am involved in town planning at large, generating maps and collecting data to be used for Auroville planning actions.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) In my view, we need to start working on town planning at town level, not at single-project level. Everything is connected and interconnected, therefore it does not make any sense looking only at "my project". This can be achieved soon once we start talking and start WORKING TOGETHER..

Ami

Inge

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process?
Yes, as a Participant

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Health, organization, education, communication. I have worked as a mentor, team member, and Biology teacher in Future School, content writer in AVAG, writer for the Auroville Today, 50th team member for 1.5 years, and as member of the Working Committee for past three years.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community
The changes:
1. A movement towards increased individual and collective discipline,
2. Increased community participation in Auroville’s organization; let’s not assume that non-participation falls under universal suffrage and is necessarily because people don’t want to. Make the right choice the easy choice and things may change 🙂
3. Moving away from judgement and making assumptions about others, and looking inwards for the answers.
4. Let’s be BOLD.

Gaia

Iris

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Therapy, healing, manifestation of the Divine Consciousness in matter in which ever way and field I am a healer and have worked in this field for the last 25 years I am also coaching the Pool of Silent Presence Keepers.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) The manifestation of the Divine Consciousness in matter meaning in the everyday life, in the places and buildings of AV, in the management of the town, its people and resources..

Surya Nivas

Jasmin

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
‘All life is yoga’! Everything that brings Auroville closer to the Dream of the Divine… I love learning, with so much to be learnt in this amazing place! With a background mainly in arts, music, education, health care, and a deep connection to Nature, I love discovering the precious treasures each of us carries within… (Warning -I am useless at: excel sheets, accounting and bureaucracy 🙂 ) My primary work being on the farm, I am only offering to participate in the selection process because I feel it is a responsibility we should all share to the greatest possible extent, therefore if there is a need, I am available and will do my best…

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) - I believe we should put strong emphasis on cultivating communication skills and community building.
- I believe a large community like Auroville can only function on the basis of well functioning, healthy and happy small communities that together make up the bigger whole.
- I also welcome the call for a reviewing and transformation of our governance system, carried by our deepest aspirations, collective Wisdom and Her Grace…
- I imagine an Auroville where each one gives regularly some time to volunteer in a community service, as a step towards greater sense of belonging and a living togetherness.
.

AuroOrchard

Kati

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I'm a member of the team of "restorative auroville"; we are offering restorative circles as a part of auroville's conflict resolution policy.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) I would like to see changes in the overall communication in auroville, as this is one of our biggest problems we encounter everywhere here, among friends and colleagues, within units and schools as well as between residents and working groups etc. i would wish for more clarity, transparency and more listening to each other..

Creativity

Kavitha

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Worked at: Entry Service: Core Team member, New Era Secondary School: Sub-teacher & fundraising, AV Today Magazine: writing articles, L'avenir: Research on Bio-regional Initiatives, Pitchandikulam: Sustainable Enterprise Development in Bioregion, YouthLink: co-founder & executive, Auroville Ambassador: when ever traveling.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) 1.Working collectively more out of a space of genuine trust and optimism.
2. Opening to the world to co-create a better future for Auroville, India & the world at large..

Sharanga

Manas

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
My interests are education, governance and economy. I have been involved in education (ACI, Future School) and have facilitated several working groups.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) The key change I would like to see is for people to come together for progress, not be stuck in their ideology, positions, interests and religiosity..

Centre Field

Marc

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
My interest is in participatory processes, consensus building and entrepreneurship. I have been part of the study group on organization for the past years, completed 2 years of membership of the Auroville Council . I'm a trustee of the Free Flow Trust and executive of 2 commercial units.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) More involvement from the residents in the organization of our community and more engagement from the working groups towards the community..

Madhuca

Margarita

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I have my own commercial unit, called MGEcoduties, that is all related to Natural products without any chemical use. It started very small (just Rs. 30,000/- turnover in 2011), and I have learnt a lot in the last 7 years. Today it contributes in the top 12 monthly to Auroville (almost 1 crore rupees turnover last year), along with in-kind (free-cost) for 15 schools of Auroville and 10 Institutions of Auroville. Auroville Economy, specially related to commercial units, is still in blur in the map of Auroville. Many people has expressed ideas in how to change it, but so far the Auroville units are alone and left to their own luck (good/bad). Conscious Business is priority to Auroville. Business sister/brother-wood should be highly understood and required.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) In the past Auroville contributions were basically based in Grants from GoI and donations. Lately the main income of Auroville and its future is in the Commercial Units contributions. Special care should be provided on them. Nurture - Regulations - Licenses - Agreements - Taxes - Import/Export - Indian Marketing - Worldwide Marketing - ECommerce, etc. There are lot of things that we are improvising every single day, and not just to see our Balance Sheets/PandLs every 6 months..

Creativity

Michaelg

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Governance, Policies, Architecture, Planning, Construction. Currently working as an architect in Auroville and as a resource person for GOI Grant Group. Formerly part of SAIIER as Construction Coordinator.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) Commitment and Competencies to enable the community to grow together. Better resource management to increase efficiencies and allow sustainable development.

Aurodam

Nadia

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process?
Yes, as a Participant

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I am interested in education and literature. I am a french teacher currently working in Last School. I am also getting trained in video to make a documentary based on Integral Yoga.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community
I would like to see new buildings respecting more the ecological realities and the creation of renting homes for Aurovilians. On the economical level, I would like to see each Aurovilian receiving a maintenance more easily.

New Creation

Nicola

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process?
Yes, as a Participant

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
My main area of interest is health and dental care. I am executive of Linea Dental and AV dental Lab units. My experiences of organization are: I am a trustee of ABC Trust. I am part of the arbiter pool. I was a member of Working Committee in 2000-01.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community
I wish to see more participation on the collective organization and a larger representation of all parts of our community.
I wish to see a real shift from personal and individual "economy" towards a more collective one, closer to the ideals of Auroville.
I wish we are able to support and develop new and existing projects/units in order to generate the incomes we needs.

Transformation

Philippe

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
It's such a broad question, so many things! Organization, governance, economy, forest, city, diplomacy, technologies: these are the first things which come to my mind with respect to the working groups.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) Again, such a broad question... In the context of working groups: integrity, transparency, accountability, stop power and personal trips, etc: nothing too fancy, i guess.

Kalpana

Prashant

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process? Yes, as a Participant What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in? Planning, Governance, Policy Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community 1. Have a good balanced planning group that will take Auroville's planning and development group forward 2. Better interaction and understanding between community and working groups, and between working groups and government.

Certitude

Priyamvada

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I have volunteered: In Nandanam. and teach horse ridding currently working at Freeland Bookshop part time tour guide in visitor center.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) The changes I need and can work on is in myself and to contribute to the community I first need to understand how it works before anything else!.

Muyarchi

Shama

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Design, planning, development, animals/ animal care. Already working in these fields. Have own design consultancy, supporting TDC by taking up work in various areas mainly at organizational level. Have worked with AVC regarding animal care..

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) More individuals with required skills and capacity coming forward to contribute by joining working group. More tolerance towards differences in individuals.

Auromodele

Sindhuja

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process?
Yes, as a Participant

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Architecture, organization. I have served 3 years on the Auroville Council and 6 months on L'avenir d'Auroville

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community
Less process
Less fear of "community"
Simplicity in selection for these tasks - the more complicated we make it the more is the notion of power.

Aurodam

Sonja

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
1.Greenbelt, tree planting, vegetable growing. 2. Kids lunch cooking. Bharat nivas 3. Starting Visitors center cafeteria. 5 years 4. Brief moments of secretarial work for health center and CSR. 5.Starting Inside India tours with Joster. 6. Work as therapist in quiet. 7. Started the guest information tours. 8. Started the Aspiration newcomer program. 9. Be part of the AVC, 2011-13 10. Part of the Housing board team, Famc for housing, housing service. And besides all be a mother and hope to be grandmother.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) There is my interest, together with support new housing projects for young adults and staying healthy!.

Aurodam

Sophie

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
Governance, conflict resolution, equality, justice, education, Integral Yoga. I have been teaching in Auroville schools for 10 years, organizing educational programmes for youth and adults for the last 3 years, mentoring and coaching youth, welcoming and accompanying newcomers (I was part of the aspiration programme and mentor of many newcomers). I have also been part of the arbitration body for some years.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) I would like to see more harmony & transparency, eliminate corruption and discrimination, promote fairness & equality, taking everyone's needs into consideration, working towards unity in diversity. In Her Light,..

Invocation IV

Susmita

Would you like to be part of the Main Working Groups Selection Process?
Yes, as a Participant

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I have been working for many years in the field of barriers-free environment. I think that the Accessibility to All it is very important issue to create an inclusive society

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community
I would like also to be a resource person for L'Avenir in order to improve the Accessibility in Auroville . I would like to see all the groups working together harmoniously to help Auroville grow positevely accordingly Mother's Dream

Arati 3B

Vinodhini

What are your areas of interest in Auroville, and in what areas have you already worked in?
I have worked at OutreachMedia, as liaison for local media I provide legal consultations for Official groups of Auroville , sometimes for personal matters of individual Aurovilians and rarely to units. My main area of work is with Name and Symbol of Auroville Protection group, engaged in protecting the name and symbol of Auroville, as per the Emblems and Names (Prevention of improper use) Act. I have a small activity called House of Harmony, where I create some handmade jewelry.

Please mention one or two key changes that you would like to see in the community.
1) One of the changes I believe will make a big difference is to acknowledge each other. (It is my personal dream to see individuals, working groups have a system of acknowledging an email received.) This point makes me realise I understand conceptually what I like to see as change but I don't have practical ideas to implement. thank you. this is food for thought.

Prarthna