1357 / 1424
1357
If all this is not pure politician manipulation, I don’t know anymore what the words
mean. It gives ground to Arjun’s letter when he speaks about a faction operating
politician manoeuvres. It is sad to see how happily Aurovilians get manipulated
under the name of goodwill and collaboration (and I don’t doubt one minute the
sincerity of their aspiration).
I thank Arjun for the flame I found in his letter, a flame I would like to see burning
in each Aurovilian.
Jean Yves”
Note: Several other individuals in Auroville, such as Kosha, who could not be seen
as ‘partisans”, had the courage to speak up and to write up their minds,
questioning the ethical grounds of letting Roger A continue as a member of the
Governing Board, of the Chairman thus interpreting Arjun’s letter, and of the
Board’s interventionist course.
While several of us also protested individually, such as Deepti, Jithendra, John H,
the entire Matrimandir Team put out a short statement:
*Food for Thought. 30-6-2003:
“Much has been made of Arjun’s letter. Here are some points that rectify a few
subtle and not so subtle ‘impressions’ created in the General Meeting!
1.
Arjun sent his letter dated 21
st
June 2003 in response to a ‘most urgent’
official request dated 13
th
June 2003 from the Secretary-in-charge to send
his ‘views’ on the Matrimandir situation in his capacity as member of the
Core Group. This letter from the Secretary-in-charge and Arjun’s reply are
posted alongside this note.
2.
More people wished to sign along with him but he insisted that it was easier
for him to take the consequences that might arise.
What happened yesterday is a mere diversionary tactic, false fire to distract
everyone’s attention from the Government takeover of the finances of Matrimandir.
Matrimandir Workers Team”
Note: At the time, the BJP was in power at the Centre. The Ministry directly
responsible for the Auroville Foundation from its inception has been the Ministry for
Human Resources. The Minister was Sri Murali Manohar Joshi, who had recently
visited Matrimandir and had had a very deep experience while in the Chamber. His
daughter had also visited Auroville independently and become a close friend of
Arjun and Deepti.
Kusum decided to write two letters, one open letter to the Governing Board and to
the Working Committee, and one directly to the Minister.