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1359
*To the Minister for Human Resources, Sri Murali Manohar Joshi, from
Kusum Shah, July 2003:
“I write this letter to you because the issues I raised in previous letters written to
the Governing Board (attached) have now come to a most dangerous flash-point. It
is time for you to look into this situation.
When the Government of India first intervened in the experiment of Auroville it was
with the avowed purpose of protecting it, of keeping it safe from any ambitious
individual. India also wished through its actions to expressly demonstrate her
deepest respect and appreciation for the legacy of Sri Aurobindo.
Every single one of the Government of India’s actions in and upon this unique
laboratory must be measured against the highest norm and ought o withstand the
most critical scrutiny. By her manner of nurturing Auroville, India makes a living
demonstration of her transcending gifts for manifesting harmony, synthesis and
unity – gifts that are unique amongst the nations of the world.
Yet today the Government has shown the greatest unwisdom. The actions of its
present representatives have brought to an abrupt end what has been so far an
otherwise impeccable record of good trusteeship. This wonderful, precious gift of Sri
Aurobindo to humanity is being warped and twisted away from the truth and beauty
of its ideals, and that will bring grave consequences.
Today, under the present Chairman of the Governing Board of the Auroville
Foundation, India’s intervention has been brought to disrepute. Statutory decisions
have been made that have caused only divisions, have given rise to the crassest
politics, and have victimised sincere and dedicated persons. These decisions are not
only inexcusable; their sole purpose is to favour a single faction (personal friends of
the Chairman). These actions will prove to be grossly harmful for both the
Government of India and Auroville.
I ask you therefore:
1.
What are the limits of power, rules and regulatory mechanisms to control a
person who by his very appointment is called upon to be impartial and who
instead behaves as a faction leader, backed by and having at his disposal all
his statutory authority?
2.
What are the rules and regulations by which a body such as the Governing
Board can be regulated when it begins to commit gross injustices solely to
favour one of its members?
3.
What court of appeal is available for us to address our call for fairness and
justice? Do we turn to you? Or to the Courts of Law? Or to the Parliament of
India which first created the Auroville Act?
4.
The Matrimandir HAS to be protected from such heavy-handed manipulation.
There is NO validation for the present arbitrary takeover of its finances. The
Matrimandir has been built from the beginning solely by the dedicated efforts
of those who serve the Mother. Its monies have come from the contributions
of individual donors in the public at large. It receives no Government money.
The Shrine of the Mother must remain necessarily independent and self-
managing if it has to keep its spirit and its nature.