DLC Blog

Dear India: Are You Ready?

What do you know about India? Better yet, what in the world do I know about India? For both questions, it's most likely not as much as we would like. For myself, the question is even more pertinent due to the fact that I will be leaving the beautiful United States for the comfort, sweltering heat, and dirt roads of southern India. My study abroad, or should I say adventure, will take place next quarter as I venture off to Auroville, India, a self sustaining community based on ideals of human unity, peace, and a divine in all. What does that mean? I really don't know, but hopefully in four months I will.

India is a far cry from America, and Auroville is an even further step outside of my cultural knowledge. Auroville was founded in 1968 by the 'Mother,' who dreamed of a city based on principles of human unity and international understanding. With a goal of 50,000 inhabitants, early Aurovilleans took a deserted area of land in south India and developed it into the inspirational and unique community it is today. Currently Auroville has approximately 1600 residents from over 40 countries. The community also works very closely with neighboring native villages, providing free health care, education, as well as various employment opportunities to both women and men.

*Photo courtesy of www.auroville.org

The ideals, values, and core makeup of Auroville and its people are much deeper than a short blog can possibly explore. In essence, it is a community based on exploring the spiritual connection amongst everyone, a place that believes money and possession is invaluable, who values earth and inner discovery, a place where a part means a whole and a whole means a part. It is an incredibly stimulating idea and a very unconventional one, especially from a western point of view. And while friends may joke and ask if I think India is ready for me, I think the real question is, am I ready for India?

To learn more about Auroville, visit: www.auroville.org

Posted by Mia at October 17, 2006 04:52 PM in .