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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2015}}
{{Advert|date=October 2019}}
{{Short description|Experimental township in Villupuram district and Puducherry, South India}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Auroville
| native_name        = Aurore ([[French language|French]])
| native_name_lang   = La ville de l'aube
| other_name         = 
| settlement_type    = [[Town]]
| image_skyline      = File:Town Hall of Auroville.jpg
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = Town hall of Auroville
| nickname           = City of Dawn
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = 
| pushpin_map        = India Tamil Nadu
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt    = 
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|12|0|25|N|79|48|38|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = India
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]
| subdivision_name2  = Viluppuram
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   = 1968
| founder            = Mirra Alfassa
| named_for          = Sri Aurobindo
| government_type    = Self-governance in collaboration with the [[Government of India]]
| governing_body     = Resident's assembly
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 
| area_rank          = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 
| population_total   = 2814
| population_as_of   = 2018
| population_footnotes = 
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank    = 
| population_demonym = Aurovilian,<ref>Aurovilien,{{cite web|url=https://www.auroville.org/contents/526 |title=To be a True Aurovilian: Mother Explains How to Live in the World and - for the Divine - at the Same Time |publisher=auroville.org |date=19 January 2019 |access-date= 3 February 2019}}Aurovillian,</ref> Aurovillienne<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.auroville.org/contents/4567 |title=Solitude Farm Cafe |publisher=auroville.org |date=5 November 2018 |access-date=3 February 2019 |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411013025/https://auroville.org/contents/4567 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = 
| postal_code        = 605101
| area_code          = 0413
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate = '''TN-16''', PY-01
| website            = [http://www.auroville.org www.auroville.org]
| footnotes          = 
| official_name      = 
| image_seal         = Auroville symbol.svg
}}
{{utopia}}
'''Auroville''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɔːr|ə|v|ɪ|l}}; '''City of Dawn''' [[French language|French]]: ''Cité de l'aube'') is an [[intentional community|experimental township]] in [[Viluppuram district]], mostly in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]], with some parts in the Union Territory of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]] in [[India]].<ref name="brief">[http://www.auroville.org/contents/95 Auroville in brief] Official website. Updated 30 March 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016</ref> It was founded in 1968 by [[Mirra Alfassa]] (known as "the Mother" or "La Mère") and designed by architect [[Roger Anger]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boloji.com/architecture/00053.htm |title=Roger Anger as architect |publisher=Boloji.com |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114073814/http://www.boloji.com/architecture/00053.htm |archive-date=14 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.architectureweek.com/2005/1116/culture_1-1.html |title=Auroville founded by Mira Richards |publisher=Architectureweek.com |date=16 November 2005 |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207170027/http://www.architectureweek.com/2005/1116/culture_1-1.html |archive-date=7 December 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.auroville.info/ACUR/templates/avfuture.htm |title=Mirra Alfassa as other name |publisher=Auroville.info |access-date=26 January 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525131918/http://www.auroville.info/ACUR/templates/avfuture.htm |archive-date=25 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Etymology==
Auroville's name is derived from the French language: ''aurore'', meaning "dawn", and ''ville'', meaning "town" or "city". Additionally, it is named after [[Sri Aurobindo]] (1872–1950).<ref name="unesco courier">[https://www.questia.com/magazine/1G1-13796203/auroville-the-fulfillment-of-a-dream Auroville, the Fulfillment of a Dream] by Lotfallah Soliman. UNESCO Courier. January 1993 Retrieved 28 May 2016.{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629230733/https://www.questia.com/magazine/1G1-13796203/auroville-the-fulfillment-of-a-dream|date=29 June 2016|title=}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Auroville 2018 stampsheet of India 2.jpg|thumb|2018 stamp sheet of India dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Auroville]]
At its Annual Conference in 1964 and with [[Mirra Alfassa]] as its Executive President, the [[Sri Aurobindo]] Society in [[Puducherry (city)|Puducherry]] passed a resolution for the establishment of a city dedicated to the vision of Sri Aurobindo. Alfassa was the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, who believed that "man is a transitional being."{{cn|date=April 2025}} Alfassa expected that this experimental "universal township" would contribute significantly to the "progress of humanity towards its splendid future by bringing together people of goodwill and aspiration for a better world". Alfassa also believed that such a universal township would contribute decisively to the Indian renaissance.<ref>''Mother's Agenda'', Vol. 9, dt.3.02.68</ref>

Alfassa's first public message in 1965 stated:

{{Quote |Greetings from Auroville to all men of good will.

Are invited to Auroville all those who thirst for progress and aspire to a higher and truer life.

Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries will be 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| author=Mirra Alfassa<ref name="unesco courier"/>}}

===Site===
A site, approximately 20 square kilometres of a desertified plateau some 10&nbsp;km north of Pondicherry and 5&nbsp;km from the coast, was chosen for the city.<ref name="unesco courier"/>

===Inauguration===
The inauguration ceremony, which was attended by delegates from 124 nations, was held on Wednesday, 28 February 1968. Handwritten in French by Alfassa (the "Mother"), its four-point [[charter]] set forth her vision of "integral living":<ref>[http://www.auroville.org/contents/1 The Auroville Charter] Updated 25 October 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2016.</ref>
{{blockquote|text=
Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville, one must be the willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.
Auroville will be the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.
Auroville wants to be the bridge between the past and the future. Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring toward future realizations.
Auroville will be a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual human unity.
|multiline = yes}}

==The Matrimandir==
[[File:The Matrimandir in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg|left|thumb|The Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in the center of town]]
In the middle of the town is the [[Matrimandir]], which Alfassa conceived as "a symbol of [[the Divine']]s answer to man's aspiration for perfection". Silence is maintained inside the Matrimandir to ensure the tranquility of the space, and the entire area surrounding the Matrimandir is called the "Peace area". Inside the Matrimandir, a spiraling ramp leads upwards to an air-conditioned chamber of polished white marble, which is referred to as "a place to find one's consciousness".

Matrimandir is surrounded by manicured gardens and equipped with a solar power plant. When there is no sunlight, the sunray on the globe is replaced by a beam from a solar-powered light.

Radiating from this center are four "zones" of the city: the "Residential Zone", "Industrial Zone", "Cultural (& Educational) Zone" and "International Zone". Around the city lies a Green Belt, an environmental research and resource area that includes farms and forestries, a botanical garden, a seed bank, medicinal and herbal plants, water catchment bunds, and some communities.

==Legal status and government==
Prior to 1980, the Sri Aurobindo Society legally owned all of the city's assets. In 1980, the [[Government of India]] passed the Auroville Emergency Provision Act 1980, under which it took over the city's management. The change was initiated after Mirra Alfassa died in 1973, and serious fissures developed between the Society and the city's residents in its day-to-day management. The residents appealed to [[Indira Gandhi]], then [[Prime Minister of India]], for an intervention. The Society challenged the government's action in the [[Supreme Court of India]]. The final verdict upheld the constitutional validity of the government's action and intervention.

In 1988, after the verdict, a need was felt to make a lasting arrangement for the long-term management of Auroville. The city's representatives, along with [[Kireet Joshi]], then Educational Advisor to the Union government, met for consultations with then-prime minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]]. Later that year, the [https://auroville.org/page/auroville-foundation-act%C2%A01988 Auroville Foundation Act 1988]{{external links inline|date=April 2025}}, was passed by the [[Lok Sabha|Indian Parliament]]. The Act stipulated the vesting of all movable and immovable assets of the city in a foundation known as Auroville Foundation<ref>[http://www.teindia.nic.in/mhrd/50yrsedu/x/7H/9D/7H9D0101.htm Auroville Foundation Act 1988] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630082850/http://www.teindia.nic.in/mhrd/50yrsedu/x/7H/9D/7H9D0101.htm |date=30 June 2016}} Teacher Education, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. Retrieved 28 May 2016.</ref> and creating a three-tier governing system: the Governing Board, the Residents' Assembly, and the Auroville International Advisory Council.<ref>[http://www.teindia.nic.in/mhrd/50yrsedu/x/7H/9D/7H9D0301.htm The Auroville Foundation Act – 10 Establishment and incorporation of the Foundation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630081352/http://www.teindia.nic.in/mhrd/50yrsedu/x/7H/9D/7H9D0301.htm |date=30 June 2016}} Teacher Education, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. Retrieved 28 May 2016.</ref> The Governing Board selected by the Indian government consists of seven prominent Indians in education, culture, environment, and social service in the areas of Auroville's ideals. The International Advisory Council is composed of five members also selected by the government who have rendered valuable service to humanity in the areas of Auroville's ideals. The Residents' Assembly consists of all official residents of the city. All three governing bodies are meant to work in harmony and collaborate to accomplish the ideals of Auroville as mentioned in the charter, as per processes defined in the [https://lawsisto.com/Read-Central-Act/158/AUROVILLE-FOUNDATION-ACT-1988 Auroville Foundation Act]{{external links inline|date=April 2025}}.

The Auroville Foundation is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://education.nic.in/cd50years/x/7H/9D/7H9D0101.htm |title=The Auroville Foundation Act (1988) |publisher=Education.nic.in |access-date=26 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212095936/http://education.nic.in/cd50years/x/7H/9D/7H9D0101.htm |archive-date=12 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://auroville.org/journals&media/newsandnotes/NewsNotes_no_251_July_12_08.zip |title=Auroville News & Notes No.251 |access-date=26 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216025529/http://auroville.org/journals%26media/newsandnotes/NewsNotes_no_251_July_12_08.zip |archive-date=16 February 2012}}</ref> The HRD ministry appoints the seven members of the Governing Board and the five members of the International Advisory Council. There is also a secretary to the Foundation, appointed by the government, who resides in Auroville and has an office with supporting staff.<ref>The Auroville Handbook 2013 page 14.</ref> The Foundation currently owns about half of the total land required for the township. The remaining lands are being purchased whenever funds are available.

===Chairmen throughout the years ===
* [[Karan Singh]] – former Union Minister, 1991
* [[M. S. Swaminathan]] – agricultural scientist
* [[Kireet Joshi]] – former Special Educational Advisor to the Government of India
* [[R. N. Ravi]] – Governor of [[Tamil Nadu]]

==Society and population==
[[File:General evolution of aurovilian population.png|thumb|General evolution of Aurovilian population<ref name=pop>{{cite web|title=Census - Auroville population |url=http://archive.auroville.org/society/av_population.htm |website=www.auroville.org |publisher=Auroville |access-date=25 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225172208/http://archive.auroville.org/society/av_population.htm |archive-date=25 December 2014}}</ref>]]
In the initial 20 years, about 400 individuals from 20 countries resided in the township. In the next 20 years, this number rose to 2,000 individuals from 40 countries. {{As of|2018|1}},<ref name=":0">{{cite web |author=Auroville Résidents Service |title=Breakdown by nationality – Total 2953 |url=https://www.auroville-france.org/images/pdf/Nationality%20Breakdown%20Jan%202018.pdf |access-date=7 December 2018 |website=www.auroville-france.org |archive-date=22 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922163353/https://www.auroville-france.org/images/pdf/Nationality%20Breakdown%20Jan%202018.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> it has 2,814 residents (2,127 adults and 687 children) from 54 countries with around 50% from India, and almost 20% from both [[France]] and [[Germany]].<ref name="pop-2">[http://www.auroville.org/contents/3329 Census – Auroville population May 2016] Official website for Auroville Retrieved 28 May 2016</ref> The community had many residential housing clusters with [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[English language|English]], [[French language|French]] and [[Sanskrit]] names like ''Aspiration'', ''Arati'', ''La Ferme'', ''Auromodel'' and ''Isaiambalam''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.auroville.org/society/housing.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080605044940/http://www.auroville.org/society/housing.htm|url-status=dead|title=List of neighbourhoods|archive-date=5 June 2008}}</ref>
[[File:Courtyard of the Tibetan Centre, Auroville 01.jpg|thumb|Courtyard of the Tibetan Centre, Auroville]]
[[File:Dalai Lama seat, Tibetan Centre in Auroville.jpg|thumb|Dalai Lama's seat, Tibetan Centre, Auroville]]

===Demographics===
The population break-down:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Nationality
!Dec 2021<ref>{{Cite web |title=Census December 2021 - Auroville population {{!}} Auroville |url=https://auroville.org/contents/3329 |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=auroville.org}}</ref>
|- 
| [[Indian passport|Indian]]  
|1513
|- 
| [[French passport|French]]   
|462
|- 
|    [[German passport|German]]	      
|260
|- 
|    [[Italian passport|Italian]]	     
|177
|- 
|    [[Dutch passport|Dutch]]    
|106
|- 
|      [[United States passport|American]]	 
|117
|- 
|      [[Russian passport|Russian]]  
|82
|- 
|           [[Spanish passport|Spanish]]	  
|65
|- 
| [[British passport|British]]   
|66
|- 
|                  [[Swiss passport|Swiss]]    
|41
|- 
|              [[Israeli passport|Israeli]]       
|50
|- 
|         [[Belgian passport|Belgian]]       
|43
|- 
|             [[South Korean passport|South Korean]]   
|52
|- 
|                [[Swedish passport|Swedish]]	 
|24
|- 
|         [[Canadian passport|Canadian]]	
|26
|- 
|        [[Ukrainian passport|Ukrainian]]	
|22
|- 
|[[Australian passport|Australian]]	
|19
|- 
|            [[Austrian passport|Austrian]] 
|12
|- 
|                    [[Japanese passport|Japanese]]  
|13
|- 
|              [[South African passport|South African]] 
|13
|- 
|                 [[Chinese passport|Chinese]] (excluding Tibetan) 
|16
|- 
|              [[Argentine passport|Argentinian]]
|9
|-
|                [[Hungarian passport|Hungarian]] 
|8
|- 
|            [[Slovenian passport|Slovenian]] 
|6
|- 
|         [[Mexican passport|Mexican]]	 
|6
|- 
|           [[Nepalese passport|Nepalese]] 
|6
|- 
|        [[Brazilian passport|Brazilian]] 
|12
|- 
|              [[Latvian passport|Latvian]]	 
|4
|- 
|                [[Belarusian passport|Belarusian]]
|4
|- 
|              [[Green Book (Tibetan document)|Tibetan]]
|3
|- 
|   [[Ethiopian passport|Ethiopian]]	        
|3
|- 
|    [[Sri Lankan passport|Sri Lankan]]	
|3
|- 
|              [[Bulgarian passport|Bulgarian]]	
|2
|- 
|     [[Moldovan passport|Moldovan]]
|1
|- 
|     [[Icelandic passport|Icelandic]]
|1
|- 
|       [[Colombian passport|Colombian]] 
|5
|- 
|            [[Rwandan passport|Rwandan]]  
|2
|-
|     [[Irish passport|Irish]]	      
|2
|- 
| [[Czech passport|Czech]]	         
|1
|-
| [[Filipino passport|Filipino]]       
|2
|- 
|      [[Danish passport|Danish]] 
|5
|-
| [[Taiwanese passport|Taiwanese]] 
|2
|- 
| [[Ecuadorian passport|Ecuadorian]] 
|1
|-
|     [[Egyptian passport|Egyptian]]      
|1
|-
| [[Algerian passport|Algerian]] 
|1
|- 
|     [[Finnish passport|Finnish]]	      
|2
|-
|   [[Iranian passport|Iranian]]
|9
|- 
|    [[Kazakh passport|Kazakh]]	      
|4
|-
|     [[Lithuanian passport|Lithuanian]]	     
|2
|-
|     [[Chilean passport|Chilean]]
|2
|-
|[[Macedonian passport|Macedonian]]
|4
|-
|[[Norwegian passport|Norwegian]]
|2
|-
|[[Portuguese passport|Portuguese]]
|2
|-
|[[Croatian passport|Croatian]]
|1
|-
|[[Indonesian passport|Indonesian]]
|1
|-
|[[Luxembourg passport|Luxembourger]]
|1
|-
|[[Polish passport|Polish]]
|1
|-
|[[Sudanese passport|Sudanese]]
|1
|-
|[[Romanian passport|Romanian]]
|1
|-
|Total
|3,302
|}

===Surrounding villages===
Auroville works closely together with the surrounding villages, where mainly Tamil people reside, via the Auroville Village Action Trust under which many different projects including the villages fall. The biggest one under the trust is the [[Auroville Village Action Group (AVAG)]], which has programs for women's empowerment, education, and financial support and also sells its own products in the name of AVAL, Surya, and Kudumbam as social enterprise work.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.auroville.org/contents/805 |title=Auroville Village Action Group (AVAG) |publisher= Auroville |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref> Other activities falling under the trust are the Life Education Centre, Auroville Industrial School, Mohanam cultural centre, Auroville Health Services, Deepam school for disabled children, Thamarai community centre, Martuvam Healing forest, and the Reach for the Stars! program enabling higher education for village youth.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.auroville.org/contents/1635 |title=Auroville Village Action Trust |publisher= Auroville |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref> Concerns exist because of violence allegedly caused by criminal elements entering from the surrounding villages.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Spiritual Utopia Struggles With Crime and Corruption |website=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |date=24 July 2015 |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/roads/2015/07/auroville_india_s_famed_utopian_community_struggles_with_crime_and_corruption.html |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref>

==Economy==
Instead of paper and coin currency, residents are given account numbers to connect to their central account. Visitors are requested to get a temporary account and an Aurocard, a special [[debit card]] for its citizens.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aurocard {{!}} Auroville |url=https://auroville.org/page/aurocard |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=auroville.org}}</ref>

Residents of Auroville are expected to make a monthly contribution to the community. They are asked to help the community whenever possible by work, money, or kind. The "guest contribution", or a daily fee paid by the guests of Auroville, constitutes a part of Auroville's budget. There is a system of "maintenance",  whereby those Aurovilians in need can receive from the community monthly maintenance which covers simple basic needs of life. Auroville's economy and its overall life are of an evolving nature and there are ongoing experiments to reach closer to the vision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://business.in.com/article/work-in-progress/commerce-in-a-cocoon/3722/1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911083507/http://business.in.com/article/work-in-progress/commerce-in-a-cocoon/3722/1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 September 2009 |title=Forbes India |publisher=Business.in.com |access-date=26 January 2012}}</ref>

The Government of India only finances a small amount of Auroville's budget, which is mainly formed by contributions from Auroville's commercial units which contribute 33% of their profits to Auroville's Central Fund and by donations, largely foreign, from Auroville's multiple international bases set up all over the world. There are guest houses, building construction units, information technology, small and medium scale businesses, producing and re-selling items such as handmade paper for [[stationery]] items, organic food, as well as producing its well-known [[incense]] sticks, which can be bought in Auroville's own shop in [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]. They are also sold online in India and abroad. Each of these units contributes a considerable part of their profits to the township. Over 5,000 people, mostly from the nearby localities, are employed in various sections and units of Auroville.

Other activities include [[afforestation]], organic agriculture, basic educational research, [[health care]], village development, [[appropriate technology]], town planning, water table management, cultural activities, and community services.

==Location==
[[File:Auro 044.jpg|thumb|Auroville Main Road]]
[[File:Auro 082.jpg|thumb|Auro Beach]]

Auroville is composed of a cluster of properties some {{convert|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of [[Pondicherry (city)|Pondicherry]]. It can be easily reached via the [[East Coast Road]] (ECR) which connects [[Chennai]] and Pondicherry. The visitor center and [[Matrimandir]] can be reached by traveling {{convert|6|km|mi|abbr=on}} westwards from the signposted turnoff at the ECR Bommayapalayam. Turning east leads directly to Auroville's private beach called Repos, several hundred meters away.
[[Pondicherry University]] is very near to auroville.

==Climate==
It is included in the sub-humid tropics ([[wet-and-dry tropical climate]]) situated on a plateau region with its maximum elevation of {{convert|32|m|ft|abbr=on}} above sea level located in the Matrimandir area. The annual rainfall average is {{convert|1200|mm|in|abbr=on}} mainly from the SW monsoon (June to Sept.) and NE monsoon (Nov to Dec) with a dry period of approx 6 months. The average maximum temperature is {{convert|32.2|°C|°F}}, average minimum {{convert|20|°C|°F}}.

==Communications and media==
The Auroville website provides open as well as restricted forums for various projects, interests, organizations, and outreach which make up the life of the community.<ref>Auroville [http://www.auroville.org/journals&media/journals.htm Journals & newsletters] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060830023315/http://www.auroville.org/journals%26media/journals.htm |date=30 August 2006}}</ref> The opinions expressed in these publications are not necessarily those of the community at large. The Auroville radio website provides recordings and daily news covering local events. Auroville also has an internal MediaInterface, formerly OutreachMedia, team to regulate visits of journalists and film/video makers, which has served the community for many decades. Their aim is to ensure that all journalists and filmmakers get official, up-to-date information and representative footage from reliable sources.

==BBC child abuse investigation==
In May 2008, the [[BBC]] produced a 10-minute ''[[Newsnight]]'' film about Auroville, which was aired on [[BBC Two]].<ref>BBC Two (22 May 2008). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/7413982.stm Indian town's sex abuse claims]. Retrieved on: 21 June 2008.</ref> A short version was aired on [[BBC Radio 4|Radio 4]]'s ''[[From Our Own Correspondent]]''. It also appeared on BBC Online.<ref>BBC News (24 May 2008). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7417864.stm Local concerns over Indian utopia]. Retrieved on: 21 June 2008.</ref> The reports contrasted the idealism of its founders with allegations by some people that the community tolerates [[Pedophilia|pedophiles]], especially in a school that Auroville has established for local village children. 

Auroville filed an official complaint to the BBC that the report was biased, untrue and contravened BBC editorial ethical guidelines. After investigations, [[Ofcom]] did not uphold the complaint.<ref>[https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/46444/issue157.pdf Ofcom. (2010, May 10). Ofcom Broadcast Bulletin Issue 157 (p. 38): "Complaint by The Auroville Foundation and the community of Auroville made on their behalf by The Working Committee of the Residents’ Assembly of the Auroville Foundation through its authorised representative, Mr Carel B Thieme - Newsnight, BBC2, 21 May 2008."]</ref>

== Controversial development plans ==
On 4 December 2021, local police, joined by a group of outsiders, began demolishing the Auroville Youth Centre – uprooting the surrounding trees with the help of earthmovers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-14|title=Auroville: the legacy of the 1960's largest utopian city|url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/auroville-legacy-utopian-city/|access-date=2022-01-17|language=en-US}}</ref> Despite the protests by the residents, on 5 December more than 900 trees were bulldozed across 67 acres in Auroville. An internal petition signed by more than 500 Auroville residents requested postponement of the development work on the Crown Road ‘Right of Way’, until the Auroville community could arrive at a collective agreement on a practical way forward.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Auroville tree felling: NGT stay order extended till January 3|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/12/21/auroville-tree-felling-ngt-stay-order-extended-till-january-3.html|access-date=2022-01-17|website=The Week|language=en}}</ref> An application filed by some residents of Auroville against the ongoing illegal clearing of forests by the Auroville Foundation led the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) of India to order an interim stay on felling of trees on 17 December 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-12-11|title=NGT orders interim stay on felling of Auroville trees|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/ngt-orders-interim-stay-on-felling-of-auroville-trees/article37929206.ece|access-date=2022-01-17|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> This ban against tree felling inside Auroville was extended by the NGT until the next court hearing on 3 January. [https://greentribunal.gov.in/gen_pdf_test.php?filepath=L25ndF9kb2N1bWVudHMvbmd0L2Nhc2Vkb2MvanVkZ2VtZW50cy9DSEVOTkFJLzIwMjItMDQtMjgvMTY1MTE1MTM3NzE2NDUzOTgyNjY2MjZhOTIxMWNhYzEwLnBkZg== The verdict was announced on 28 April 2022], which directed the Auroville Foundation Office to prepare a proper township plan and apply for Environmental Clearance (EC) under Item 8 (b) of the [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/265655/environmental-impact-assessment-notification-2006/ EIA Notification, 2006]. Till then they were directed not to proceed with further construction in the project area with the exception of ets the completion of the crown road given a Joint Committee comprising officials in forest, wildlife, and state departments inspect the area in question and the Auroville Foundation Office undertake the crown road work in the remaining stretches where there are no trees.

==50th anniversary==
By occasion of the 50th anniversary of Auroville on 28 February 2018 the Indian President [[Ram Nath Kovind]] sent a message to the community in which he called Sri Aurobindo "one of modern India's greatest sages". He also wrote that Auroville "represents humanity's aspiration for peace and goodwill" and that it is "a unique symbol of human unity".<ref>[http://www.outreachmedia.auroville.org New Delhi, January 23, 2018] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117064414/http://www.outreachmedia.auroville.org/ |date=17 January 2019 }}. Outreachmedia.auroville.org. Retrieved on 25 December 2018.</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=September 2021}}

Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] visited the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville on 25 February 2018. After a meditation in the Matrimandir and participation in some functions he gave a speech in the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium.<ref>AVI News 2/2018, Auroville International Deutschland e.V., Berlin, pp. 6–9.</ref> He referred to the Auroville Charter and the basic principles of life in the community. Then he said, "Indian society is fundamentally diverse. It has fostered dialogue and a philosophic tradition. Auroville showcases this ancient Indian tradition to the world by bringing together global diversity." At the end of his speech, he expressed his wish that Auroville may continue developing and supporting new and creative ideas for India and the whole world.<ref>''Mother India'', Pondicherry, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, June 2018, pp. 57–58. For the quotation, see p. 57</ref>

==In popular culture==
At present, any filming within and about Auroville requires land permission from the Government of India.<ref>News & Notes 10 March 2012 [438]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auroville.org/journals&media/outreachmedia.htm |title=Information for the Press and Media |work=auroville.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130142702/http://www.auroville.org/journals%26media/outreachmedia.htm |archive-date=30 November 2013}}</ref> Many filmmakers visit Auroville, and a wide range of films are available. These include

* ''Ever Slow Green - Re-afforestation in Auroville, South India'', full length, 56 minutes, 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brainfever.in/ever-slow-green/ |title=Ever Slow Green - brainfever media productions |work=brainfever.in |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11709428/|title=Ever Slow Green - IMDb|work=imdb.com|date=22 April 2021}}</ref>
* ''City of the Dawn'', full length, 80 minutes, 2010<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/7703/City-of-the-Dawn |title=City of the Dawn – Watch Documentaries Online – Promote Documentary Film |work=cultureunplugged.com |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref>
* ''Auroville, the outline of a world'', full length, 25 minutes, 2009<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://vimeo.com/20071836 |title=Auroville, the outline of a world (India, Documentary) |work=Vimeo |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref>
* ''Auroville – A Dream of the Divine'' (part 1 and 2), full length, 20 minutes in two parts, 2003<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX9iBZGvjlI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/GX9iBZGvjlI |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=AUROVILLE – A Dream of the Divine (part 1of2) |date=24 July 2009 |work=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOfT25ri7rU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/aOfT25ri7rU |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live |title=AUROVILLE – A Dream of the Divine (part 2of2) |date=24 July 2009 |work=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* ''Spiritual journey... Auroville'' (Духовное путешествие... Ауровиль), six 25-minute videos on Auroville by Russian filmmakers, 2013<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://vimeo.com/vashuk/videos |title=Jenya & Anya Vashuk's Videos |work=vimeo.com}}</ref>
* ''The India Trip'' full length, 49 minutes, from the [[National Film Board of Canada]], 1971<ref>{{cite web | title = The India Trip | url = https://www.nfb.ca/film/india_trip | year = 1971 | publisher = [[National Film Board of Canada]] | author = Bill Davies | access-date = 22 March 2015 | type = Documentary}} (49 min 30 s)</ref>
* Auroville topics can also be heard on Auroville Radio,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aurovilleradio.org/news/news-from-auroville/|title=News from Auroville|publisher=Auroville Radio|access-date=13 August 2017}}</ref> and the films about Auroville screened at the biennial Auroville Film Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aurovillefilmfestival.org/films-2013-about-av/|title=films 2013 – about AV|work=aurovillefilmfestival.org|access-date=2 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033556/http://aurovillefilmfestival.org/films-2013-about-av/|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="200" height="150px" perrow="4" align="center">
File:Matrimandir Auroville Pondicherry.jpg|alt=Matri Mandir|A close view of Auroville Matri Mandir in [[Puducherry (city)|Puducherry]]
File:Auro 049.jpg|Savitri Bhawan
File:Auro 017.jpg|Vérité Learning Centre
File:Auro 073.jpg|Bharat Niwas
</gallery>

==See also==<!-- Please keep entries in alphabetical order & add a short description [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
{{div col|small=yes|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Auroville Marathon]]
*[[Arcosanti]]
*[[Sacromonte]]
*[[Planned Community]]

{{div col end}}
<!-- please keep entries in alphabetical order -->

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
; English:
* Abundance Publications. ''The Auroville Handbook.''Pondicherry: All-India Press, 2007.
* ''Auroville &nbsp;–&nbsp; Development Perspectives 1993–1998 &nbsp;–&nbsp; An Invitation To Participate'', Typoscript, Autoren/Hrsg. Auroville Development Group, Bharat–Nivas, Auroville 1993, no ISBN
* K. M. Agarwala (Hrsg.): ''Auroville – The City Of Dawn'', Sri Aurobindo Center New Delhi 1996, no ISBN
* ''Auroville References in Mother's Agenda'', Auroville Press, Auroville, no Y., no ISBN
* Jerome Clayton Glenn: ''Linking the Future: [[Findhorn Foundation|Findhorn]], Auroville [[Arcosanti]]'', published by Hexiad Project/ Center on Technology and Society, Cambridge, Massachusetts 1979, no ISBN
* Anupama Kundoo: ''Roger Anger, Research on Beauty, Architecture 1953–2008'', JOVIS Verlag Berlin 2009, {{ISBN|978-3-86859-006-7}}
* Peter Richards: ''Experience!Auroville &nbsp;–&nbsp; Guide Book for Guests and Visitors'', Pondicherry 2000, no ISBN
* Savitra: ''Auroville: Sun-Word Rising &nbsp;–&nbsp; A Trust For The Earth'', published by The Community of Auroville, Auroville 1980, no ISBN
* ''The Auroville Adventure &nbsp;–&nbsp; Selections from ten years of Auroville Today'', published by Auroville Today, Auroville 1998, no ISBN
* ''The Auroville Experience &nbsp;–&nbsp; Selections from 202 issues of Auroville Today, November 1988 to November 2005'', published by Auroville Today, Auroville 2006, no ISBN
* Jessica Namakkal, [https://www.academia.edu/2476990/European_Dreams_Tamil_Land_Auroville_and_the_Paradox_of_a_Postcolonial_Utopia European Dreams, Tamil Land: Auroville and the Paradox of a Postcolonial Utopia], in ''Journal for the Study of Radicalism'', Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 2012, pp.&nbsp;59–88 (Published by Michigan State University Press)
* {{cite journal |last1=Koduvayur Venkitaraman |first1=Abhishek |last2=Joshi |first2=Neelakshi |title=A critical examination of a community-led ecovillage initiative: a case of Auroville, India |journal=Climate Action |date=2022 |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=15 |doi=10.1007/s44168-022-00016-3 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2022CliAc...1...15K }}
* [[:fr:Xavier Pavie|Xavier Pavie]]« Encouraging Young People to Develop Social Entrepreneurship in a Community the Case of Auroville ». Case center, reference n°320-0123-1. ESSEC Business School 2020.
* [[:fr:Xavier Pavie|Xavier Pavie]]« Auroville, from utopia to responsible innovation: from the emergence of a utopian community to the development of entrepreneurial initiatives ». Case center, reference n°819-0026-1. ESSEC Business School 2019.

;German:
* [[Mira Alfassa]]: ''Die Mutter über Auroville'', Auropublikations (Hrsg.), Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, Pondicherry 1978, no ISBN
* Alan G. (Hrsg.): ''Auroville &nbsp;–&nbsp; Ein Traum nimmt Gestalt an'', o.O. (vermutlich Auroville/ Pondicherry) 1996, 1. dt. Aufl., no ISBN
* Juergen Axer: ''Integrale Erziehung – Ein pädagogisches Konzept auf der Grundlage der Philosophie Sri Aurobindo's'', Dissertation Universität Köln. Verlag Wissenschaft und Politik, Köln 1983, {{ISBN|3-8046-8621-4}}
* Michael Klostermann: ''Auroville &nbsp;–&nbsp; Stadt des Zukunftsmenschen''; Fischer Taschenbuch Verlag, Frankfurt/M., Februar 1976; {{ISBN|3-436-02254-3}}
* Renate Börger: ''Auroville &nbsp;–&nbsp; Eine Vision blüht'', Verlag Connection Medien, Niedertaufkirchen 2004, 3. veränderte Aufl., {{ISBN|3-928248-01-4}}

==External links==
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{{Commons category|Auroville}}
* {{Official website|http://www.auroville.org }}
* [http://www.aurovilleradio.org Radio with daily updates] from Auroville
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170529150556/http://auronews.in/ Auroville News]
* [https://puthuchery.com/auroville/ About Auroville]

* {{cite news | title = Auroville: The Road to Utopia | url = https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2464228923 | date = 11 June 2014 | publisher = [[CBC Radio]] | work = Ideas | author = Ashley Walters | access-date = 28 December 2022 | type = Podcast|ref=none}} (54 min)

{{Integral Yoga|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Auroville| ]]
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[[Category:1968 establishments in Madras State]]
[[Category:Intentional communities in India]]
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[[Category:Cities and towns in Viluppuram district]]
[[Category:Schools affiliated with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram]]
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