MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING OF AUROVILLE INTERNATIONAL, from June 24th, 6 p.m. through 29th, 1 p.m., 1997 -
Place: Centre d’Art Polyphonique ‘Le Kleebach’, 68140 Munster, Alsace, France
Present: 60 members of AVI centers and liaisons in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, U.K., USA and of course from Auroville itself (list of participants available at AVI-desk or attached).
Absent: Argentina, Australia, Canada and Israel
The meeting had been organised by the team of AVI France (Devasmita, Dominique, Klara, Paulette, Satyakam) in close collaboration with the AVI France ‘Antenne Alsace’ group (Brigitte, Denis, Francine, Jacques, Josiane, Nicole, Peter) in Alsace who also had found the location. ‘Under the sign of harmony’ was the motto and the two teams have been able to implement this up till the smallest detail with refinement and grace. Well designed folders were received by all (with.. oh French touch, a little vial of perfume for each female participant..), blow-ups of Dominique’s photo’s modestly and elegantly adorned all spaces, and certainly the continuous openness and charming friendliness and willingness of the AVI France teams were touching and conducive for a harmonious gathering. For those who were unable to follow the discussions in English, simultaneous translation into French was provided, a job done with attention and care.
Music played an important and carrying role throughout the entire meeting. Carefully chosen Indian or Western classical music would get the participants settled and centered before meetings began. In the evenings musical workshops were given by Bruno Leduc-Corbet, student of Nageswara Rao, who gradually initiated the audience deeper into the vibrational workings of Indian raga; and well appreciated concerts were given by Heinrich (piano, Bach, Beethoven, Satie, Ravel, Gershwin, Messiaen a.o.), by Vidiprasad Gosh and Latif Khan (north Indian classical, sarod and tabla), by Merry (organ, clavichord) and Sabina (vocals), and by Bruno on his veena . Smaller spontaneous performances took place as well and at times the entire assembly found itself taken up in jubilant songs - in French, Swahili, German, British, Tamil and Sanskrit..- as an ode to glad and happy togetherness.
Furthermore, a French visiting humanist scholar, Mr. Daniel Baum, presented a paper on ‘Intolerance in our societies’ evoking discussions on the nature and meaning of intolerance, on human nature in general and Auroville’s role in development of the same..; while Andreas Mascha and Hans Peter Hofmann from Germany talked about ‘Auroville, the scientific aspect’, suggesting that all inner research and experience in the field of integral yoga in Auroville is of importance for the world and should be made available to the scientific community. In different parts of the most advanced sciences there are fragments which go into the direction of the integral yoga when looked at from a broader view and ways need to be explored to find models to communicate regarding these. (Both papers will be sent to Centres which were absent, and can be made available to other parties interested as well.)
Since the agenda of the meeting was packed and repeatedly adapted in order to further elaborate on topics not yet entirely satisfied (copies of the original agenda available at AVI desk), only one day was spent in the country side from 11 a.m. onwards. A two hour walk was made on the heights of ‘Le petit ballon’ with a panoramic view of the blue lines of Vosges mountains, over the Plain of Alsace and even beyond the Rhine to the Black Forest. A simple picnic was enjoyed, after which the participants visited ‘Musee d’Unterlinden’ in Colmar (temporary art, 15th and 16th century painting, sculpture around 1500, Martin Schongauer exhibition a.o.). On other days smaller walks were made, here and there between programmes. Also the favourite AVI stick game, to catch and throw in harmony, was played but by far not often enough..
A typical symptom of the glad re-meeting and togetherness of the participants was the fact that, although it had been suggested that they split in smaller groups for the sake of easier discussion, this was never implemented: the group preferred to function as a whole.
Only those participants working on specifics regarding fundraising, calendar, selection of slides for an AV slide collection, and structuring of AVI statutes have repeatedly met between other programmes and worked in smaller groups throughout the entire week. Needless to say that during dinner and evening programmes spontaneous groups were forming and discussions continued. Early mornings found small groups gathering together in some of Kleebach’s spaces to do hatha yoga, t’ai chi, or sit and meditate.
There also formed a Crocodile group: older centres explaining to younger ones how to achieve a basic set-up, newsletters, first contacts and so on. This was very much appreciated.
TOPICS DISCUSSED, AGREEMENTS ETC.
MATRIMANDIR
During the opening session letters were read out from Helmut and also from the Matrimandir Coordination Group, updating the assembly on the latest developments at the MM and the possible workings of the so-called Helmut Approach. Thursday evening Dominique presented an hour long slide show on Matrimandir from 1970 onwards, captivating the audience in a fascinated silence. Hereafter stories and anecdotes around Matrimandir were recounted by Alain and Bill. Sunday morning a newly arrived paper, a ‘call from Matrimandir’ by MCG was read out to the gathering, and hard copies distributed of the same (copies of all three papers available at AVI-desk or attached). There were no discussions on this topic.
AUROVILLE LAND
(Wednesday morning and afternoon sessions, and further smaller meetings throughout the week)
Guy opened the meeting by reading through a progress report on work in AV leading into the need of securing the lands. The recently finalised short video on this issue was viewed and copies given to all Centres in the languages required. Data of land, cost, priorities and planned target amounts for the coming years were given (relevant figures will be communicated to the Centres by Guy and/or Auroville Fundraising Cell). Report on a first direct mailing campaign in India, on prospects of direct mailings via the Centres, discussion on the available fundraising materials and brochures, ‘AV The city the earth needs’, ‘Healing the earth’, ‘AV A city that cares for its bioregion’ and ‘How to participate in the development of AV’. Centres were provided with an extensive package of information and also with a list of general pending AV projects. It is interesting to note that a considerable donation towards the land from Stichting de Zaaier, which was announced during the meeting, seems to have opened some higher level sluice gates since it was followed by several other substantial donations towards the same. It evoked great appreciation in the meeting and served as encouragement to take up this endeavour.
In further sessions, spread out over the entire week, possibilities such as the use of cards (produced in France with a tiny bit of AV soil included in them, and in AV), a possible campaign of Art for the Land, legacy fundraising, ways of approaching Indian communities living in Western countries and other such options were discussed. Long and intense sessions saw to it that a strong connection has been established between Centres and the AV Fundraising Cell (AVFRC). It was announced that Guy would visit the European Centres in July and August, so as to finalise further details of working together for the land.
Agreements:
== When considering fundraising, the question arises ‘How to present AV to the world? What are our criteria to what we write for fundraising?’ A general consensus was that, most definitely, the main tool to be used is clear and honest information on Auroville and its needs, and that nowhere the old-style, ‘sentimental’ way of fundraising will be used. Mother’s ‘Don’t run after funds - just inform people’ was the well accepted lead.
== Only a careful selection of quotes, if at all, is asked for.
== Auroville to be presented as an experience, an experiment in human unity, a process, a challenge to be lived in the contrasting context of its daily realities and its vision and call.
== There will be a continual interchange between AVFRC and Centres about the when-and-where use of the addresses on the
database shared between AV and Centres. Only with the knowledge and consent of the latter, Auroville will use the addresses falling in the realm of the Centres.
== In October/November of this year a major mailing for the land is foreseen. Centres will send stickers of addresses of their database before September, and the mailing will be done directly from Auroville, accompanied with a covering letter signed by both AVFRC and Centre. Main text of the letter to be supplied by AVFRC, possibly modified by resp. Centres. All countries present vouched to participate in this; absent countries will be approached for the same.
== All leaflets, brochures etc. prepared by AVFRC can be used and translated into the language needed, preferable by members of the Centres themselves since they find themselves in the middle of the culture/society concerned, are aware of the language, tone and style prevailing at the moment. Printing can be done in AV. An interesting observation (by Guy and Mauna) was that the in AV prepared fundraising materials, which looked so fine in AV, appeared somehow bleak and inadequate when perused in the Western context. Text, layout, general appearance and language used should be clear and perfect and could be a collaborated effort between AV and Centres in the future. Understanding was given for the tough job AV Press is undertaking under existing conditions and with limited materials. A repeated strong willingness from the side of the Centres was expressed to work together with AV to produce high quality material, as well as the strong hope that Auroville could be open for this.
== Requests were expressed for leaflets or other detailed info material on the Auroville Guest Weeks, a Guide for Guests (on anything a visitor to AV can expect) and, generally speaking, for a steady, regularly updated flow of well written information and photographs from AV to Centres. A dynamic AV Publication Group is urgently asked for. Also, photocopies or photographs of rewards received by Auroville, and of testimonials given by world figures would add to accurate reporting. In this context the recently released AV Today Index was very much appreciated and happily received by all Centres.
== Special meetings were held regarding the AV Calendar, which will be organised for ’98 by the AVFRC and will be dedicated to the issue of the land. It will be of smaller size than usual, and printed in two versions, one standing for use as desk calendar, and one for hanging. Quite a few Centres would have preferred the original, larger size. Also in this field collaboration with the Centres is recommendable, state of the art knowledge and competence available in our circle of friends is offered.
Appreciation was voiced for the decision to once again produce 3000 copies, so that last year’s practice of sending them out to local authorities and other interested parties in India can be continued.
Dominique offers to take care of the AV Calendar for the year 2000. She will be working on this with Kathy of AVI Spain, who has experience in the field.
AUROVILLE: SPIRITUALLY SECULAR?
A discussion was held on ‘what constitutes the unique character of AV’ and the necessity to obey the psychic being to find a manner of action, ‘a path for each one’ but definitely ‘no religion’ nor religiosity. The ‘are we a sect’ question has become acute in the Western world.
++ AV is as it is.., it can’t do anything to avoid people calling it a sect ++ AVians have to have great discrimination to see which practice is accepted, which movement stems from true enlightened vision and which not ++ due to retrenchment policies and a fear of infiltration of certain sects, Western governments are inclined to discriminate, especially when money is concerned; this situation may get worse, AV and Centres to be alert ++ if AV is to be a true experiment/experience in human unity, it should be less inward; to close in upon itself is contradictory to its aim ++ AV’s main protection against being a sect is its diversity, unity in diversity.., have quiet confidence.. ++ why don’t Aurovilians come more out in the open, give talks, lectures, share with the world ++ we don’t need images.., AV is interesting through the experience itself ++ could a strong and active International Advisory Council be called for - why is it presently not functioning? ++ a contre-pouvoir group is good to have, necessary in each society ++ sect or non-sect is a problem of communication: how does the world see us.. ++ do people in Auroville realise what a pretentious impression it gives to present yourselves as ‘The city the earth needs’..? AV
has a lot to live up to.. ++ in AV I only notice a bunch of iconoclasts! No respect for anything.., no teacher, no guru.. ++ a special effort has to be made between AV and the village, then something truly unique can emerge ++ if AV is to be a city of human unity it has certain responsibilities towards the world, in the world ++ AV’s experience as a multi-cultural township is relevant for cities in the world with their large and growing number of migrants and should have its experience more known, this would override the sect image ++ AV is an experiment, different cultures intermingling, very clear; if one doesn’t see that firsthand then nobody can make you see.. ++ the role of the AVI Centres could be to provide AV with information about experiences, expertise and discoveries happening outside of AV which are true and relevant for the work - is AV open to this? ++ there is strong communication needed between Centres and AV in the field of publications ++ a very skeptical journalist had been reading AVToday and said that he immediately knew AV wasn’t a sect since it was criticising itself in its own articles.. ++
VIDEO
AVI at its General Assembly 1995 decided to finance a very much needed new introduction film about AV. The responsibility in regard to content and form would stay completely inside the AV community.
Although the video, Impressions ’96, was not collectively viewed during the Kleebach meeting, it became clear that in the eyes of many AVI members - as in the eyes of many Aurovilians - it is not quite sufficient in regard to a balanced presentation of the AV community. However, quite a few Centres did appreciate the video all the same, agreeing to never use this new film as an independent presentation of AV, but always as only a colourful ingredient in a broader presentation. It was observed that technically speaking "Impressions '96" is by far the most professional film which AV has produced up till now, but the film was found lacking as a coherent introduction, not giving a realistic and balanced picture of the realities of life in AV and neither of the joy it evokes..
The hope was expressed that, as indicated by the WC, AV will soon produce a new and comprehensive, informative introductory video, based on a well prepared and agreed upon script, and made by a resident video crew, which could replace Impressions ‘96.
An up-to-date list of available AV videos and their price was handed out (available at AVI desk or hereby attached).
AV SLIDE PRESENTATION
Throughout the week a smaller group has been meeting to make a selection of AV slides (provided by Martin, Joss, Sylvia and Doro) in order to develop a common AV slide presentation of about 100 slides, a full carousel which will be available to all Centres. Money from the AVI Common Pot will be used this year to organise the the first original set-up, consisting of some 100 slides comprising AV’s history up till now. Every year some 20 or more are to be added to this compilation. A brief description of each slide and a basic script that can be used as a starting point will also be developed.
Dominique, who is collaborating on this with the German team, will have the final choice and will organise the logistics of the undertaking. AVian photographers are strongly invited to participate and the main idea is that smaller Centres will receive the collection for free, whereas the larger ones will pay for it.
REPORTS FROM THE CENTRES
In two different sessions the Centres gave reports on their doings and communicated with each other about their experiences (to include these reports in this overview would make it too long: complete list at AVI desk or attached). Major changes are in AVI U.K. where Martin will henceforth be working two days per week full time for AV and has clear plans to energise the Centre and its outreach into U.K.; in AVI Germany where the tax exemption problems created a new solidarity and strength among its 160 members; and in AVI USA which seems to be breaking through an impasse, is getting more and more active and started a new newsletter. A group of four Swiss people, connected with the energetic AVI France’s Alsace team, is thinking of setting up a centre in Switzerland, accepting an interesting challenge of simultaneously reaching out in the three languages current there.
AVI BUDGET
Financial overview of the AVI Finances during 1996/7 had been prepared by Ilse (treasurer of AVI) and Mauna handed over her list of expenditures (both papers available at AVI desk or attached). It was decided to pay - for this year only - from the remaining balance the amount of DGL 700 for the rent of Auroville’s website (12 x US$30 for July 97 till July 98) and reserve some DGL 800 for the production of the high quality AV slide presentation. The annual contribution to the AVI Association by its members will remain the same as last year, i.e. DGL 650 plus DGL 15 bank costs.
It is always appreciated that Mauna’s maintenance and most of her running cost is assumed by Auroville.
AVI LOGO
AV Press has designed, on request, a common logo for Auroville International which was generally appreciated and adopted by all Centres. It consists of the outlines of the five continents, embedded in a blue shaded background, superimposed on which appear the words Auroville International in Mother’s handwriting in white. An orange AV symbol and underlining top off the logo; names of the resp. Centres can be integrated into the same. The logo can be used as letterhead, on newsletters, visiting cards and so on.
AUROVILLE INTERNATIONAL STATUTES
In ’95 it was decided to re-word and re-structure the AVI statutes which had been drafted in ’82 and many parts of which had become obsolete. Subsequently work on adapting the text to the existing situation started and proposals were sent in the beginning of this year to Carel of WC for perusal. Suggestions and changes coming from AV were duly integrated and during the Kleebach meeting representatives of Centres have been going through the entire document.
Excerpt:
The object of the Association is to work for the advancement of the ideal of human unity by promoting the development of the International Township of Auroville and by encouraging the realisation throughout the world of the aims and ideals of Auroville as laid down in its charter.
The Association endeavours to achieve its object by:
Registry of the association remains in Holland. AVI Centres have to be registered as legal entity in their home country; Centres without that legal structure are to be called AVI Liaisons. Conditions for becoming a Centre clearly defined, always in consultation with WC of AV who protects use of AV name and symbol; in each country only one main AVI Centre, others are sub-centres or antennae. Annual AVI meeting is General Assembly. Auroville is to have two representatives: one on the AVI Board (functioning as international secretary, presently done by Mauna) and one on General Assembly (WC to yearly send an official AV representative, as Guy was this year). AVI Board to consist of 3 to 12 members. Official representation of AVI requires at least 2 board members. Rules for termination of board members, voting, annual financial statement, calling a board meeting etc. etc.
All present Centres accepted the draft of the statutes as read.
New members for AVI Board:
Chairperson Mia (AVI Netherlands)
Vice Chairperson Wolfgang (AVI Germany)
Gen.Secretary Martin (AVI U.K.)
Treasurer Alain G (AVI France)
Board members Kathy (AVI Spain)
Larry (AVI USA)
Ulf (AVI Sweden)
Int.secretary Mauna
All present Centres accepted the proposed board members.
Italy and Austria, and in due time Switzerland, are invited to begin the process of becoming AVI centres.
Thakor, who had been instrumental in doing the work of re-drafting along with Mia and Wolfgang, will re-work the statutes, taking up all suggestions made during the Kleebach meeting, after which they will be sent again to WC for perusal of legal terminology. (Statutes will be available at AVI-desk and sent out to all Centres.)
Appreciation and gratitude were expressed towards Ilse of AVI Holland, who has been precise and trustworthy treasurer of AVI Holland since 1986 onwards and who now will move to Auroville. Also Thakor who was Vice-Chairperson during the previous year, and Robert Aarsse (absent) who briefly functioned as Chairman were thanked for their efforts. Until transfer of treasury function from Ilse in Holland to Alain G in France has been achieved, Aurovilian Ineke v.d.Molen who presently lives in Holland, will take care of the same.
AUROVILLE (DOMAIN) NAME
Since there are presently several cases of misuse of the Auroville name, the following statement had been drafted by a small group and was read out in the meeting. It was
unanimously agreed upon and speaks for itself:
STATEMENT OF AVI RE USE OF AV NAME
The Auroville International General Assembly meeting in Kleebach, France, from June 24th through 29th 1997, wishes to affirm that the name ‘Auroville’ refers only to the International Township of Auroville in south India, created by the Mother in 1968 and presently functioning through the Auroville Foundation set up by an act of the Indian parliament in 1988.
We issue this statement because the public around the world can become easily confused by the use of the name ‘Auroville’ by persons or organisations not directly connected to Auroville. Matters of fundraising, information and public relations require a clarity and accountability that can only be maintained if the name ‘Auroville’ is used by agreement and authorisation of Auroville itself.
This is presently done by the Working Committee of the AV Foundation which protects the use of the name and symbol of Auroville.
Presently it occurs that there is the unauthorised use of the name ‘Auroville’ as a domain name on the Internet and also proposals exist to create other communities and organisations using the name ‘Auroville’. At present there can be only one Auroville. Other communities or endeavours, based on the same or similar ideals, are by all means encouraged but obviously with another name for the purpose of clarity and truth.
Signed AVI Board -
--- questions were raised about the newly formed group dealing with le Pavillon de France. ---
EXPO 2000
AVI Germany reported on positive outlooks for AV’s participation at EXPO 2000 in Hannover, Germany in the year 2000. Certainly in the concluding time period of the five months lasting world exhibition Auroville can be instrumental since during that time specific ideas for the next century are expressed, and the organisers suggest that AV be definitely geared towards that. The organisers are comprised of some 200 people solely working on preparations for the EXPO, which is financed by international organisations in all countries of the world. A worldwide jury convenes twice a year; it is expected that during the next jury selection, in July or August of this year, further clarity will be given regarding funding for Auroville’s participation. The AV EXPO team has been providing AVI Germany with all needed documents, and proposals from Holger and Suhasini, Anu, Pierre Legrand, Jill and Rolf were handed over for perusal and submission.
The AVI General Assembly in the year 2000 will be held in Germany.
AUROVILLE 2000
AV youngster AuroAngiras was present in the meeting and she announced the AUROVILLE 2000 idea, which would mean the home coming of all AV kids presently being, for whatever reason, ‘out there’ in the world. The idea was heartily welcomed..
NEXT YEAR’S GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Next year’s AVI general assembly will most probably be held in Italy (definite confirmation has to reach the Board before end of August this year) - with the possibility of U.K. as standby. As possible date was suggested the first week of July. AVI Spain has expressed interest in hosting the meeting at a later stage.
EVALUATION
On Sunday morning a synthesis session brought forward the deep and joyous appreciation of most participants and gratitude towards the teams of AVI France.. It had been an excellent meeting where - even though criticism had been voiced on AV, Centres, the meeting schedule and so on, the general atmosphere had remained high and charged. ++ we managed to come really together here at a time that Europe tries to get united ++ in a place, Alsace, which changed nationality some 5 times during the last 200 years.., how symbolic ++ this is about the 5th or 6th meeting which I attend and it is striking to see in each of them so much joy, love and contentment.. the natural outcome is some kind of gratefulness ++ in some sessions we were close to touching on AV’s inner workings, could we try in next year’s assembly to probe further into that which AV really goes through, what the AVians experience..? ++ as an AVI culture we have definitely become more mature, meetings are getting better all the time ++ I didn’t know that music can evoke so much in me ++ perhaps next time we should allow for some smaller group sessions as well so as to enable all participants to voice their opinions ++ so good to be with people that know what’s it all about, not having to explain all the time.. ++ perhaps the real meaning of these meetings has nothing to do with the words exchanged, but lies in the energy, the force that is manifested here.. ++ we are learning to really communicate about AV, also on its challenges ++ discussions were on completely different level than in daily life, different perspective ++ these days were one harmonious dream ++ AV needs a mirror, more than ever right now, can it accept us as its mirror? ++ please, know that AV does appreciate its Centres, it does..
++
As new AVI Chairman Mia thanked about everyone present and a full and charged silence ended a very good and fruitful meeting. As Satyakam said ‘Back to work..’ since the last Kleebach afternoon was used for an Open Day in which information and exchanges were offered to visitors from the surrounding villages. They were already coming in.., ready to see Devasmita dance her beautiful dance.
*** These minutes were drafted from notes taken during the General Assembly by Larry and Mauna.
Mauna July 17th, 1997