Auroville represents a very significant effort of the human spirit for another world, another future

Presenter: KAPOOR, Rakesh, researcher, writer and editor based in New Delhi, and founder-director of Alternative Futures

Title: Auroville – the City of the Future

Abstract: Auroville is a rare, living manifestation of a futuristic ideology and system of thought that has inspired millions. It is based on the ideas of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, whereby human beings are destined to overcome their divisive consciousness and to evolve, through inner self development, to a higher than mental (supramental) state of consciousness and being, which will transform and divinise human nature. Based on these ideas the Mother dreamt of Auroville as “a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.” This international ‘city of the future’ was set up in 1968 in southern India, with support of the Indian government and UNESCO.

For four decades this vibrant community, with 1800 residents today, has been experimenting and innovating in a remarkable way that has three aspects: the spiritual, the social and the ecological. The presentation will cover the origin of this fascinating experiment, the design of the township, the manner in which it has grown and has restored the ecology of the area, and the social, economic and political organisation of the community. Auroville represents a very significant effort of the human spirit for another world, another future. The presentation will discuss what makes Auroville a radically transformative and futuristic initiative, and what hope it represents for humanity.

Author biography – Rakesh Kapoor is a researcher, writer and editor based in New Delhi. Trained as a sociologist, he has worked with a number of Indian and international organisations. Since 2000, he is founder-director of Alternative Futures, a research and communication group that seeks to document and promote viable alternatives, ideas, policies, efforts and innovations for a more sustainable, humane and just future. He is a Consulting Editor of Futures and an Executive Board member of WFSF during the previous term (2001-2005), and the current term (2005-09).Last Updated ( Monday, 26 May 2008 08:23 )