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Lotus-shaped urn: symbol of human unity

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A LABORATORY FOR A SUSTAINABLE PLANET

Regenerating the Earth

Auroville has gained national and international acclaim for its wasteland reclamation, soil and water conservation, and reforestation work. Over 2 million forest, hedge, fruit and fuel wood trees have been planted, transforming more than 2,500 acres of barren land into a lush green landscape.

Organic Farming

Auroville's organic farms are producing food without using pesticides. Efforts are being made in cooperation with the village farmers to reintroduce sustainable agriculture throughout the bioregion.

Using Renewable Energy

About 1,200 solar panels for electricity and water, 30 wind pumps, 30 solar water heaters, 120 solar cookers, and 15 ferro-cement biogas plants have established Auroville as a major testing ground for renewable energy sources in India.

Building with Appropriate Building Technologies

The Auroville Building Centre provides regular training programmes, offers consultancy, designs buildings and supervises construction sites using appropriate, cost-effective building technologies. In 1995 and 1996, the centre received the yearly Outstanding Performance Award from the Indian Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation for its activities in this field.

Educating Children and Youth

Auroville runs 2 creches, 2 kindergartens, 2 primary schools and a high school. It also provides assistance to 4 day schools and over 15 part-time evening schools for the children of the nearby villages. About 700 children from Auroville and surrounding villages are benefiting from AurovilleÕs educational and sport programmes.

Caring for People's Health

The Auroville Health Centre serves the neighbouring villages via its headquarters and 6 sub-centres. A team of about 30 local women, trained and working as health workers in 19 villages, gives first aid, home cures, pregnancy check-ups, and basic health education. The Health Centre also runs a dental care unit, a childrenÕs home for pediatric treatment, a medical lab, a pharmacy and a small medicinal plant garden, and offers several preventive health programmes.

Creating a Sustainable Bioregion

The Auroville Village Action Group is engaged in a comprehensive development programme with the 40,000 villagers living in the area, particularly women and children. This programme aims at encouraging villagers to identify their own problems and to develop the spirit and self-confidence to deal with them. Auroville also provides training and employment for about 5,000 local people.

NEXT: YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!

This presentation on Auroville will be conducted by Guy Ryckaert and Shivaya, long time residents of Auroville.