French –woman guided and inspired every single activity of
the Ashram/expertsAuroville is clearly an experimental city like no other in the world
today
In 1924 Mira Richard, wife of a French diplomat, she came to
Pondicherry.
She and Sri Aurobindo immediately recognized the `spirituality’ of each other.
She returned in 1920, took over the management of the Ashram, developed new
activities and showed each devotee his path to the new consciousness. She was
the driving force behind the new international township
of Auroville on the outskirts of Pondicherry. Right up to
her death in 1973 at the age of 95 years this remarkable French –woman guided
and inspired every single activity of the Ashram.
The Ashram is truly a marvel of organization. Its all
embracing activities seem to influence almost every aspect of life in Pondicherry. The
industrial and agricultural units of the ashram make everything from bread,
textiles and furniture to paper and perfumes.
They grow fruits and vegetables and rice.
They have their own printing works.
They run libraries and guest-houses, even boutiques and an
art gallery.
They stage plays, dance and musical performances and show
films in an open –air quadrangle or in their auditorium.
Auroville is clearly an experimental city like no other in
the world today. It could be a pointer to the future-Aurobino’s `new
consciousness,’ becoming visible in a city.