Category Archives: Educational Centers
Yoga Day at Ilaignarkal Centre
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, I went to the Ilaignarkal Education Centre to witness the all day yoga celebration. In this segment, I interview Meenakshi and Anand, the principal organizers of the event as well as two participants. Tune in for the inspiring account of the Centre's efforts to disseminate Indian history and culture to the youth as well as Anand's haunting and beautiful Vedic hymns.
Marco speaking on Tai-Chi-Chuan
Marco and Krishna offered a valuable workshop for beginners in Tai-Chi-Chuan. The workshop was held at the famous Tai-Chi hall in Sharanga community, in Auroville. The workshop attracted guest and residents of Auroville. The workshop was conducted for 18 days for 3 hours session each morning. One half of the session were dedicated for mediation and Chi techniques and the other half for learning and practicing the 24-forms of Tai-Chi. In an incredible module of teaching, Marco shared his knowledge and guided the students with a masters touch and was very gentle yet vigilant for people's slightest of errors. The workshop was an insight not only to learning of the method but an understanding of Chi which exist in and outside our body, which the Chinese referred to as vital force behind each movement. The Tai-Chi school offers its space every morning throughout the week for people to come and practice Tai-Chi with the masters. Such workshops are unique and life changing for some, as the students attending the workshop give their sharing of experience about the workshop at the end of the interview with Marco. Auroville is truly at the receiving end of a gift the Tai-Chi school and masters like Marco represent.
Festival of Evolution
oct 1 muthal oct 12 varai ilaignarkal kalvi niruvanthil, kolu pommaikal vaithu oru anmiga ,kadavul thanmai konda pandikai sirappudan nadakkirathu.ithu miga unnathamana ondru.ithil janaki ammalum,sumithra ammalum sirappu poojai nadathinar.athan anupavangali janki ammalidam irunthu iyyanar petti eduthu, anaivarum ithan payanai kettu makizhungal.matrum ithan pukai padam moolam melum ithanai therinthu kollalam.athu matum indri ithai neril sendru kandu kaliungal.ithu pathu natkal nadakirathu.vanthu kandu kaliungal.
One year of SLI
Tranquil sunny ambient of the courtyard of Sustainable Livleihood Institute facilitated the graceful occasion of celebration for one year of existence. And indeed in one year SLI came to life with full force, fresh energy which truly empowered over 1000 participants through numerous programs. Further a strong bridge between rural Tamil Nadu and Auroville is being built with all of that.
Young team of 14 young members energeticaly managing all the programs while they grow as well.
The Manifestation of the Art Dome
A conversational interview between Sankalpa: Art Journeys intern Marichelle Gurski (US) and architect Peter A. (German Aurovilian) on his philosophy behind creating the double-dome structure of the Sankalpa Art Center. Sankalpa is sub-unit of Thamarai, including the center located behind Tibetan Pavilion in the International Zone and the Art Cart parked at Visitor's Center. Sankalpa provides the community with creative spaces for transformation of both inner and outer worlds, by breaking down the barriers that inhibit self-expression, making art accessible to all, and facilitating human unity through art.
This is an open dialogue about Peter's journey to Auroville where he found a fascination with geodesic domes and their application in the community. We are given a rare glimpse into the wisdom of the stories he has to tell and how the structure of these domes bring people together.
Exploring Democratic Classrooms
Heidi Watts and Chris Sperry explored the concept of democratic classrooms over decades in different types of schools in the United States. Democratic schools encourage students to make their own decisions as a student community. This practice cultivates student ownership and student responsibility. In Auroville's Teacher Center both, teachers and parents discussed the chances and challenges as well as opportunities and limits to student decisions. The final conclusion: Let's meet again on that topic!
Mohanam Kindergaten Open House
Mohanam Kindergarten Open House celebrated its 13th annual day on 30th April at Sanjeevinagar. Educationist Meenakshi Akka addressed the gathering and shared her beautiful thoughts about education and culture. The celebration got more interesting with dance performance by the kindergarten students for various different Tamil songs, they also showcase the art works which were done by the students during the whole year. The celebration was a great success by the teachers and the parents.
Auro and Auroville
Yesterday's interactive session on exploration of full scholarship opportunities for further study at Auro University in Surat, Gujarat, and possible exchange between Auro and Auroville schools, and projects alike, brought another possibility for our children who might wish to continue with their academic education. The vision and mission of Auro University is based on the principles of Integral Education, and the ideals of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo. The session was facilitated by Chali, Lalit, Gijs and Mike, with Anoop from Auro University also present. As part of the information sharing we were assured that all students from Auroville Schools, even those who are not graded or given a 'recognized' high school diploma, will have an equal opportunity to enroll in a chosen program https://www.aurouniversity.edu.in/
Proskills Launch Event
Out of the desire to foster our education and build up our skills Youth Link came up with apprenticeship program .... and out of it we will witness tomorrow from 7pm onward at Visitors Centre PROSKILL LAUNCH EVENT.
Jesse came to our studio this morning and share an extensive information on the event, and amongst other mentioned that Proskills aims to connect possibilities within as well as from outside to be part of "undedning education"...
Education at Auroville
An idea on how education works at Auroville. A talk with Shankar the principal of Akiyam new creation school, he shared his views about how education develops the minds of the children. how tradition and culture emerges together. and what all developments could be made further in the processes of education at Auroville. Shankar also shared his thought about bringing up college into Auroville. In one word he explained education as exploration at Auroville.