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As you know, I have been pleading with the Government for years to extend full
support for the development of Auroville, and I have constantly been presenting to
them the ideals of Auroville and notable achievements of Auroville.
In the meeting of the Governing Board, which was held on the 24
th
June, it was
suggested that a special event should be organised for 21
st
February 2004 as a
mark of Auroville’s rededication to the ideals laid down in the Mother’s Charter. This
event will require a united effort of all the Residents of Auroville; it will also be an
opportunity to demonstrate harmony, goodwill, discipline and quest for the Truth.
While all these positive prospects are unfolding before us, it is necessary that the
Residents work together in the spirit of collaboration and happy understanding filled
with unfailing goodwill.
Permit me, however, to express my genuine apprehension that there is one fact
that might cause a great danger to any successful demonstration of team spirit.
This factor is related to the fact that some Residents of Auroville have been feeling
and expressing resentment in regard to the decisions that have recently been taken
by the Finance Committee and the Governing Board in regard to Matrimandir.
Letters that have been issued by some of them are regretfully aggressive and
indicate also a sense of misunderstanding. I should like to appeal to them all to
realise that the Governing Board is fully committed to the freedom of the residents
carrying out the activities of Auroville for purposes of the promotion of the ideals
contained in the Mother’s Charter and of the directions that have been given by her
for the work of Auroville. I should also like to request them not to take any step or
measure that would jeopardise the process of understanding, agreement and
lasting harmony between Auroville Residents, Governing Board and the
Government of India. Collaboration among the residents of Auroville and their
harmonious relationship with the Governing Board are extremely important.
In this connection, I have been feeling and I have shared this feeling of
apprehension with many Members of the Governing Board to whom I have been
able to speak personally, that under the pressure of misunderstanding and
aggressiveness, some of our friends in the Matrimandir Workers’ Team might think
of resorting to the process of the Court of Law. We would like to think and believe
that such a course of action must be far from their minds. But we would like to
ensure that measures must be taken to prevent any action which would place the
Governing Board in opposition to any Residents of Auroville.
One of the courses that might be contemplated would be to secure an ex-parte stay
order on the operation of the decision of the Governing Board. With all my
earnestness, I should like to make this appeal to kindly ensure that such a course
of action is prevented, and, in this regard, I seek the cooperation of all the
Residents of Auroville. On the part of the Foundation, I have instructed the Acting
Secretary to file a Caveat in the concerned courts, so that the unlikely action in this
direction is effectively prevented. I have done this mort reluctantly. The only
motive is to avoid confrontation, the consequences of which would be extremely
injurious to the ideals for which we are all working together. I do trust that the
Caveat that has been filed remains simply on paper, without the need of its
operation.