A Brief History of Auroville

The mother already had a vision for a universal township in the 1930s. In the 1960s it was brought to her to actually start the project. She gave her blessings for the City of Dawn and the idea started to take shape in reality. After the concept was passed by the UNESCO, who gave their full support, calling it a project of importance to the future of humanity, Auroville "started" on the 28th of February in 1968. 

After the inauguration ceremony, which was joined by people from 124 nations, the real work began to actually build the universal township. 

Facing a barren plateau with only red soil, no trees, no scrubs, the first need was reforestation. After experimenting with different seeds and planting techniques a forest slowly rose, bringing shade, cooler air and a rising water level. 

Another project was building the Matrimandir, the soul of Auroville. With little funding, a huge workload and many heads with different ideas, the Matrimanir took 38 years until it reached its completion. 

During these 38 years a city, with housing and great infrastructure, developed around its center and soul. Today, not 50,000 but only 2500 people from 43 different nations are living in Auroville. A lush forest with flourishing wildlife is embedding a town with lots of art and culture, education, healing, small scale industries, organic farming and a great community life. 

Only pictures still reminds one of the times when Auroville was nothing but red soil and a great vision. 

The great vision to realize human unity and fulfill the transformation of consciousness is still the main goal that keeps everyone going. Nobody knows when it will be implemented and the goals reached. Auroville, an experiment in the making, is a still a place of change and constant development. 

Some of the images were gratefully taken from auroville.org.