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I cannot reconcile myself to the existence of any factions at Auroville. I would like
to believe that there are none. Those who strongly disagree with each other at
Auroville, I believe, are all devoted to the Mother and Her words. I wish they try to
think what Mother would have advised them. Let them follow the Mother’s voice
and stand by their conscience and the inner voice. I am sure it would be for all to
work together.
May I add that I see nothing wrong in our agreeing to try to ‘follow’, i.e. ‘to
understand’ what each one of our colleagues may have to say. If we care to look up
any English dictionary, we would find that ‘follow’ does not always mean ‘obey’,
‘walk behind’ or ‘become a blind follower’. ‘Follow’ is also often used in the sense of
‘understand’ e.g. when I ask: ‘Do you follow what I say?’
I must say, I have the highest regards for Dr Kireet Joshi and the fullest faith in his
leadership. His life is a saga of sacrifice and selfless service. He is an erudite scholar
and sincere and devout devotee of the Mother and Her path. He has no personal
axe to grind. It saddens me to see accusing fingers raised even at him. It is a great
disservice to Auroville to drag Dr Joshi’s name into any controversy. He should be
seen as above all mundane controversies and above all factions, if there are any. If
a saintly and selfless person like him can be so misunderstood, of all places at
Auroville, I do not see why I can continue to be associated with all this.
I cannot somehow accept that at Auroville and at its soul, the Matrimandir, any of
the followers of the Mother would be fighting over the control of cheque books,
money and the like.
To the best of my knowledge, the Auroville Foundation has tried to function as a
facilitator and not to interfere with the life and work of the Aurovilians. It is in that
spirit that it wanted them (the residents) to deliberate upon and themselves settle
matters regarding Matrimandir. I do not think the Foundation would or should like
to impose its views on the residents in matters which are not strictly germane to its
domain under the statute. I am a little surprised at anybody finding fault with the
Foundation honouring the freedom and the right of Aurovilians to decide their own
matters themselves.
I must add that I have the greatest regards and love for all those who have been
working for the Matrimandir. All – Roger, Divakar, Walter, Arjun, Frederick,
yourself, Somu and others – are some of the most honourable and lovable persons.
I have found all of them to be very reasonable and understanding and equally
devoted to the Mother and Her Vision. All of these names have my fullest faith and
confidence and I am sure all will work together in unity and harmony in the cause
of the Divine and no one would try to oust the other from the Mother’s path and
service.
Since some other friends have also written to me and I am not in a position to reply
to all separately, I am taking the liberty to send copies of this letter to them.
Warm regards,
Sincerely,