Finishing with the free dinner donated by Tanto Pizzeria, the meeting begun 3 hours before, and brought more questions than answers. More than 450 Aurovilians attended to this meeting organized by the RAS. If you failed to listen to the almost 3 hours of recording you'll have the chance know about the long list of topics discussed. Are you new to Auroville's matter? Then listen to it till the end and enjoy how the Auroville's resident are trying to make happen the Auroville's Dream. Next step? Another meeting but with just one topic: The land. Read more

Sonja of Auroville Council talks on current issues the Council continues to face; the topic is land. The urgency of awareness regarding water in Auroville and bio-region is of vital importance today: Gilles Boulicot gives a talk giving facts, awareness. The Mother had said there is enough water; the Aurovilians must use their ingenuity to collect it and make use of it, in a conversation with early Aurovilian Dr.Tim Rees, hydro-geologist. Auroville seeks measures to overcome this challenge and develop a water resource management plan. Read more

Frederick, a Working Committee member, spoke to us on some current issues. His overall view is that this will be a year of many changes, and as such a year of intensive work, outwardly as well as inwardly. The aims of the Working Committee are to create a process in which it will become a facilitating agent, and to be more proactive than reactive as it is now. Appointment of the community's friendly secretary Bala Baskhar is seen as a positive change. And we all should focus on renewing of our consciousness and do what we are here for.

Since as far back as 2005, a group of Aurovillians have taken up an environmental activist campaign with the Pondicherry garbage control. The Pondicherry dump, located just 3 km outside of Auroville, is a smouldering wasteland where nearly 350 tons of garbage are dumped each day. The dump, which often catches fire because of the lack of waste sorting, causes a thick, grey cloud of toxic smoke. For Auroville, this low combustion incineration causes especially serious health and environmental issues because of its proximity to the dump site. Read more

Daniel of the working committee brings us updates on Auroville's 44th Birthday to be celebrated tomorrow, 28 February 2012, and the events line-up, hoping for peace and human unity. Daniel also gives important information on the cyclone relief situation pertaining to the cleaning up of tress, the coming-up auction of firewood, and the financials involved. As for the hot-topic of illegal buildings, he tells us about the on-going discussions with the l'Avenir and the other groups currently involved in the land protection work.

In January 2012, we spoke to Cristo of the l'Avenir d'Auroville about the work of the planning office with regards to the greenbelt masterplan and the recent cyclone. Cristo tells us the story of the development of the masterplan and also his own involvement in the project. We learn the aims, challenges, learnings, the laws and regulations of l'Avenir. There is much to be learnt here about the complexities involved in development of the 'land-use' plan and building standards, especially with regards to natural calamities like cyclones.

Today’s featured interview is with Lala of the Auroville Council talking about a few of the current issues. 21 Feb., eve of the Tibetan Dragon year 2139, Tibetan Chanting by students from Tibetan Children`s Village school in Dharamsala. Simple tunes of Aurelio convey the mantric atmosphere of the unfolding of SAVITRI at Savitri Bhavan Thursday, 23 Feb. 6 pm. Needed; a pool of Aurovilian volunteers to be around the Amphitheater when collective get-togethers take place; contact suryanina@auroville.org.in Read more

An interview with Sathiya, secretary for the Council; she is enthusiastic about this Council. Auroville Wood-link, an initiative of the Auroville Forest group seeks people to run, maintain and manage the project. The financial impact of the storm is devastating to many forests; there is a lot of timber on the floor, but the forest will not have any other source of income for the next 10 to 15 years. Concert on 7 January: French nomadic pianist Marc Vella with Ana, Hartmut, Suryan, Joy, Jivatman, Taranti, Caroline, Elisa, Anisha and Tiago. Read more

After a week of cyclone Jorge from Windarra Farm is also of those who cherish what the natural calamity brought out of us as human beings. As he mentions in between that the spirit of Auroville became alive. There is love and care amongst people giving to whoever might need it, and he feels proud to be here at this time. For Windarra, which is and organic farm, will also take few months to bring short term crops, and a year, years to bring back fruit trees. They estimate that 90% of cashew trees in the area are either uprooted or affected. Read more

Auroville Council member Sonja gives an update on what's current on their table; not surprisingly, a lot on cyclone relief. Info on making a donation provided in the news; see more at cyclonehelp@auroville.org.in. Cyclone Relief Services information listed for water, generators, solar, tree clearing, housing and help in the Greebelt. Matrimandir closed to visitors until Pongal, mid-January. Wind/Solar Renewable Energy Design Workshop coming up on January 9 to 14. For more images open the READ MORE section. Read more

An interview with Aryadeep about the saving and protecting Auroville land identity. To create good situations for all the stake holders, to secure the whole hearted cooperation of all and for protecting the lands for the appropriate and unified development of Auroville together with the appropriate, beautiful and ideal development of the surrounding population and localities. The COLLAP newsletter it is published by Auroville Land Fund to give more information about the land topic. Download the latest 2 issue here: COLAAP 48 , COLAAP 49

Announcements featured in today's news: Christmas Fair: the 'Fair-de-Luck' on Dec. 17th at the Youth Center promised to be an afternoon of fun, games, music, shops, theater, food and art.Volunteers and contributions gratefully accepted. LRM (Land Resources Management) shares some challenges they face. B, for the Cooperatif Cosmique Aura, explains the Aura; a means of exchange vs. money, an energy exchange between those who live in Auroville. Auras can reflect and respect the values for which people have come to Auroville. Read more

Ashish Mathur, Chief Executive Officer at RAMKY Integrated Township Ltd., has been sharing his vision which is "Sustainable Growth and a green and clean Earth" during the Vision workshop of the Auroville Green Practices. His company is known for its pioneering role in the civil, public and environmental development of infrastructure in India and it strongly believes that the fruits of development must reach every man and woman without any discrimination. His insights into the environmental problems of today have inspired the audience. Read more

Sunny speaks about the ongoing important topic of development vs. the land, the sacred forests, the trees planted and nourished by those who came first, to create the Greenbelt of Auroville. Also featured is the music of Ana and Tiago's Yemadas Bamboo Band. Auroville’s Farewell Room, presently located at the Auroville Health Centre, is planned to become a part of the new Integral Healing Centre coming up on the Crown Road near Arka, announces its fundraising efforts. Read more

The Auroville Sustainable Agriculture Plan Steering Group prepared on Thursday 11th of August an interesting, and vital to us all presentation on the Five Years Plan. It should secure sustainable grown produce by increase of our own production, which can be done only by the help of the community, by using land more efficiently, by a higher involvement of people in agriculture and by the change of the food habits. Not just the Farm Group but each key sector of the community needs to think of how to be sustainable, to increase awareness.

Today the news features an excerpt from yesterday's presentation at Town Hall by Acha and David Stein on the Green Belt and on town planning; using the land in harmony with the environment and the local residents. Aurovilians present expressed themselves with interest and relevant ideas, actively participating. Also find an update and information about the Auroville Health Centre, its services to Aurovilians and to neighbouring villages. Read more

L'avenir d'Auroville/ TDC it will hold its first TDC (Town Development Council) meeting with TDC/L'avenir d'Auroville chairman Mr Doshi this weekend . Members of Avenir Advisory Council Mr Dattatri and Toine are also invited. In today's news we feature interview with Renu about it. In this official meeting and the same time practical workshop they will discous about relationship with Tamil Nadu government, zoning regulations for Tamil Nadu and Auroville's Master plan in relation to it, next steps in land protection of the Master Plan.... Read more

Transit lounge is a new temporary housing project for newcomers and Aurovillians who are forced to house sit and move from place to place looking for accommodation facilities,thus this project will fulfill their housing needs. This consists of basic dis-mountable houses which will be made from natural materials obtained from local villages environment with compost toilets. However, the houses will cost around a lakh or two,which may be affordable to everyone. In this case the housing problem in Auroville will be solved. "I call upon newcomers and Aurovillians to participate in this enthusiastic project," says Manu. Apparently it is expected that about 30 houses will be built just for the start and more in the future, though there hasn't been much response from both newcomers and Aurovilians. Read more

The last meeting for transit lounge of 24th 0f June was basically about the land issue when one Tamil person on the previous one that had taken place on 16thof June claimed that part of the land was his. Manu who is the main man and his team went back and sat on the table to figure out how they were going to deal with issue there fore they decided to go for plan plan B and this was to take up the land opposite Courage. In this interview however Manu and Balagi spoke about how the project will benefit the Aurovilians and newcomers who have a housing situation and the materials that would be used in the construction of the dis-mountable houses further more they talked about how the students(architect interns) will be involved in the project and also that the materials are tested at pondicherry university...... Read more

In today news we feature short interview with Gilles about Town Development Council which was recognized and is supported by district authority of Villupuram as a legal body of of the Auroville Fundation. Governing Board empowered L'Avenir d'Auroville to be Town Development Council, and in the area of master plan all have to follow its guidance and rules for the development, but those does not apply in the nearby villages. This morning a new stretch of crown road toward Vikas was open. Read more

We've met Catherine the Green Group coordinator, and Martanda from the Forest Group to find out about life in the wild. These modern day foresters may live off the main grid but by producing their own energy they maintain an up-to-date lifestyle. In this podcast, they also talk about the beauty and the difficulties of maintaining and protecting the surrounding forest. Read more

In today's news we feature Bridget from L'Avenir d"Auroville talking about outcome of the survey on housing, and many other issues related to it. The full interview with Bridget and Muthaeh from L'AVenir d'Auroville was recorded by Monica and will be soon uploaded on AV Radio page. Buddha garden is celebrating it's Basil day on Tuesday, June the 21st and on this occasion they will offer Pasta with Pesto from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. AV GAS Service and Working Committee informs us that they have received information from the LPG gas agency in Pondicherry that they will shortly introduce a new booking system for purchasing the LPG gas, IVRS(integrated voice recognition system). Read more

We talked with Paul Vincent, one of the - as WC and AVC named them - self appointed group of disgruntled and dissatisfied residents. Paul Vincent clearly explains why he's not satisfy with the process of nomination of new members of Working Committee and Auroville Council, whose present mandate is about to end on 22nd of June. Read more

Hot summer Saturday afternoon didn't stop African students to hold a drumming gathering on the land appointed for Africa House - Pavilion of African Culture in International Zone. Mohanam Sound Crew hosted them with instruments and exchange rhythms with Africans. Interesting, and very lively combination soon attracted crowd which was passing by on their way to Matrimandir...and lifted up quite some feet. Read more

This is a short interview with two of the organizers of the Africa Cultural Event this Saturday 28th of May. Eric from South Africa an Aurovillian to be, and Valentine from Kenya a former student living in Pondicherry. In this Broadcast they speak about their hopes and visions on the establishment of an African unity center here in Auroville. Read more

The Transit Lounge project has taken solid roots. Every Wednesday, prospective users gather to discuss issues, share ideas and visit builders to get first hand experience of the 8 housing designs. At the start of this week, we share an interview with Architect Manu, who summarizes last Wednesday's meeting in which "users" were brought together with builder Peter A. Luminosity and his design "Beyond Johnny". This weeks meeting will take place on Wednesday 18th at 5pm, location Reeve. Prospective "users" will have the opportunity to meet with builder Eric and receive explicit information on his Auzolan Construction. We are looking to follow the development of The Transit Lounge/ Dis-Mountable Housing Project, but if ... Read more

On Wednesday 4th of May, new and old residents gathered at Courage community for a tour to develop a stronger understanding of the physical space of the site on which the project will manifest. In this rather informal meeting "potential users" were given an intimate platform to discuss concerns and acquire more information on details surrounding the project. The community meeting in this broadcast, facilitated by Architect Manu and Dorle from Auroville and L'Avenir d'Auroville, with input of Courage- and prospective "users", gives a brief summary of Transit Housing project while embracing subjects around communal infrastructure and especially waste water systems.

L'Avenir d'Auroville held the meeting with all architects of Auroville on main topic - how to work on development of Auroville, which is so specific and so diverse in purposes and interests. Meeting was called by Governing Board member Mr B. V. Doshi and joined by advisory member Mr. Harijit Singh Anand. As Mr.B.V. Doshi stated at his opening in Auroville many things are unknown and unclear - starting with land, demography facts, activities, housing, institutions and their connections with population, and their purposes. Establishing Development Council, which would be introduced to the Governing Board might bring some clarity and efficiently connect dispersed plans. Read more

As a kick-off for the presentation of the Auroville Sustainable Agriculture Plan (ASAP), within the next few months, Auroville Radio presents a series of eleven interviews concerning the foods we eat in Auroville. What were the ideas in the old days of Auroville regarding agriculture and sustainable foods? Which agricultural developments did Auroville been through since the first Aurovillians started to change the dusty plains into the forest it is today? How is the present situation in Auroville's greenbelt and what is it capable of? And, perhaps most important, what are the challenges for the future?.... Read more

As a kick-off for the presentation of the Auroville Sustainable Agriculture Plan (ASAP), within the next few months, Auroville Radio presents a series of eleven interviews concerning the foods we eat in Auroville. What were the ideas in the old days of Auroville regarding agriculture and sustainable foods? Which agricultural developments did Auroville been through since the first Aurovilians started to change the dusty plains into the forest it is today? How is the present situation in Auroville's greenbelt and what is it capable of? And, perhaps most important, what are the challenges for the future?.... Read more