Auroville is an international community, near Pondicherry , in the State of Tamil Nadu in southern India, built with the purpose of being a "Universal City, where all men and women could live in harmony, regardless of nationality, race , beliefs and politics, to realize human unity in diversity. Its urbanistic proposal is original and develops the city in the form of a spiral symbolizing the human evolution and in the center rises majestic the Temple of Matrimandir.
Currently, there are about 2,200 residents from 45 countries, including Brazil, as well as many Indians who live there and work in various activities. The population constantly grows and not infrequently some of its thousands of visitors, fall in love with the place and philosophy of life and remain there throught their lives. People can apply to be permanent residents of Auroville. To do so, they need to make an appointment with the "Entry Group" at the end of their period as a guest to officially confirm their decision.
It was founded on the principles of Integral Yoga , conceived and developed by Sri Aurobindo and "The Mother." The concept of the city began in the 1930s, but it was in 1960 that the Sri Aurobindo Association in Pondicherry proposed the beginning of its construction, in the form thought by the two mentors- Sri Aurobindo & the Mother. The project was presented to the Government of India, which gave its authorization and referred to the UNESCO General Assembly. In 1966, in a unanimous resolution, UNESCO endorsed the project, saying that it was important for the future of humanity. On February 28, 1968, about five thousand people gathered in an assembly held at the site (Amphitheater), the center of the future city, for the opening ceremony attended by representatives of about 124 nations including the State of India.Each one, as a symbolic act, brought some of the land from one’s own country and were mixed and stored in a lotus flower shaped memorial which was placed in the Peace Area of the amphitheater.
Auroville is developed around Matrimandir. Various zones and areas have been earmarked for specialized activities:
The Peace Area, located in the center of the city, comprises the wonderful temple of Mother -Matrimandir and its gardens, the amphitheater housing the "Urn of Human Unity" and the lake that creates an atmosphere of calm and serenity and also serves to irrigate the whole area.
The Industrial Area, with about 100 hectares, north of the "Peace Area", the "Green Industry" is one of the pillars of Auroville's efforts to become a self-sustaining city. The preservation of nature is another very important principle for which Auroville was founded. This area comprises small and medium industries, training centers, arts and crafts centres, cheese industry, incense factory, in addition to the city administration building.
The Residential Area is the largest of the areas, with about 200 acres surrounded by parks, although the main entrance is located on a busy highway. Nested in Auroville, guests houses have been built, welcoming guests from all over the world who come to know the philosophy and experience daily life of Auroville, as well as the residents' homes with their peculiar architecture.
The International Area, west of the Peace Area, houses the national and cultural pavilions, grouped by continents. Its purpose is to demonstrate unity in diversity, where the people of each of the nations of the world can express themselves.
The Cultural Area with about 90 hectares is located in the eastern "Peace Area" and was planned to become a place for research in the area of education and artistic expressions.The city, with a circumference of about 1.25 k, is surrounded by an extensive green belt. Organic farms, forests, endangered species (flora and fauna) preservation areas, as well as serving as a barn for food consumed in the community, planting medicinal herbs used in natural medicines, recreation place, schools, etc.