Auroville: A town of ‘Servitors’

Puducherry, known for Sri Aurobindo’s karma Bhoomi, has an International township- Aurovile, which was inaugurated by the 'Mother' on February 28, 1968.Based on Mother’s own sketch of 1965, Auroville is meant to have four district zones- namely Residential, International, Cultural and Industrial zone.  Apart from India, Auroville has pavilions of England, USA, France Canada , South Africa and Tibet. 
Shri Aurobindo Ghosh came to Puducherry in April 1910 at the age of 38. He migrated from Calcutta (now Kolkata). He was married to Mrinalini devi who also accompanied him to Puducherry. She died in 1918 due to illness. Shri Aurobindo established an Ashram in Puducherry which was opened on November 24, 1926. Shri Aurobindo had a large number of disciples and they were visiting to his Ashram frequently. The great philosopher, Aurobindo died in 1950. 

Auroville is the oldest enduring settlement, and today it is commended by UNESCO as a project of importance to the future of humanity. Auroville was a brainchild of French lady Mirra Alfassa, whom  Sri Aurobindo proclaimed his spiritual partner and hailed as the “Mother” (an embodiment of the force of Creation)—organized his followers into the Aurobindo Ashram in 1926.  Alfassa anointed Auroville. She initiated work on Bharat Nivas.

Over the period, several areas of activities were started in Auroville like- Kala Kendra, Bharat Kalari Training Centre, Auditorium, Centre of Perspective Studies, Rest Houses, Eco tourism etc. The credit of all these activities goes to Dr. Jayanthi Ravi, Secretary, Auroville Foundation, who is working with full dedication to manifest the agenda of 'mother'. One of its key recent successes is the Pathway project, which has established several shops and permanent stalls, including La Boutique, Wildlife Art Gallery, BN Cafeteria, Nature Elements, BN Souvenir Shop, Svaram Sound Bath, I & I Connections, and Deepam Candles. This project has boosted the economy of Auroville's commercial units, making the BN campus self-sustaining.

Auroville, the city of Dawn, an international township inaugurated in 1968, where 62 countries are represented in a harmonious coexistence, experiencing and applying the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother to realize human unity. The township’s population is more than 3,500.
Bharat Nivas, within Auroville's International Zone, aims to be a model centre showcasing India's past and future, as envisioned by Sri Aurobindo. It seeks to realize human unity, provide educational opportunities, and foster continuous progress. Specifically, Bharat Nivas houses the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, the Sri Aurobindo World Centre for Human Unity, a Centre for Indian Studies, and a Centre for Research in Indian Culture. 

Key Objectives of Bharat Nivas:
Presenting India's Past and Future:
Bharat Nivas aims to offer a living experience of India's rich history and the future envisioned by Sri Aurobindo, particularly as outlined in his 1947 message. 
Realizing Human Unity:
A core purpose of Auroville, and thus of Bharat Nivas, is to manifest the essential unity of mankind amidst the diversity of cultures. 
Educational and Educational Advancement:
Bharat Nivas is intended to be a place of constant learning and growth, offering opportunities for individuals to explore different aspects of life and culture. 
Fostering Cultural and Spiritual Activities:
The pavilion aims to be a hub for cultural events, research, and spiritual pursuits, reflecting the Indian ethos within Auroville. 
Promoting Research and Experimentation:
The Centre for Research in Indian Culture within Bharat Nivas actively researches the possibilities of the future, explores ancient truths, and applies them to contemporary life. 

According to Janmejay Mohanty, Trustee of Bharat Nivas, Auroville is receiving more than seven thousand visitors daily and during weekend the figure crossed to 10,000.  Since Auroville is spread over in a 4 km area which is not possible to take a round in one day now e-cycles are also available for visitors on rent. People are availing this facility in good number, he said. If a tourist wants to stay in Auroville, he will enjoy the stay if he lives there as a ‘Servitor.’