A high-powered delegation from India's Parliament conducted a significant visit to the emerging international township of Auroville in Puducherry on Monday. The group, comprising 20 Members of Parliament from the parliamentary standing committee on consumer affairs, food and public distribution for the term 2025-26, undertook a detailed review of the ongoing development initiatives shaping this unique community.
Spiritual Core and Stakeholder Engagement
The visit commenced with a profound experience at the Matrimandir, acknowledged as the spiritual heart of Auroville. The delegation participated in a session of silent meditation within the structure's inner chamber, connecting with the town's foundational ethos. Following this, the MPs were formally received at the Unity Pavilion by a diverse cross-section of stakeholders.
This receiving group included senior officials from the Puducherry government and Indian Bank, alongside members of the Auroville Working Committee (WCom) and the Auroville Town Development Council (ATDC). The gathering facilitated direct dialogue between the national legislators and the local governing bodies driving Auroville's growth.
Visionary Planning and Accelerated Infrastructure
Key insights into Auroville's trajectory were provided by Jayanti S Ravi, who serves dual roles as the Secretary of the Auroville Foundation and Additional Chief Secretary of Gujarat. Joining via video conference, Ravi elaborated on the Auroville ecosystem and its current development path. She detailed the original visionary town layout conceived by the late French architect Roger Anger, which envisions a sustainable, international community capable of housing up to 50,000 residents from across the globe.
A major focus of the briefing was the recent acceleration in infrastructure development. Ravi and ATDC members highlighted the progress made over the past four years, particularly the construction of crucial road networks. They emphasized the development of the 'Crown Road' and the essential 'ground roads', which together form the fundamental skeleton or master plan for the township's expansion and connectivity.
Leadership and Parliamentary Oversight
The delegation was led by Rajya Sabha MP Ramben Mockariya and MLA Haribhai Patel. Their on-ground assessment underscores the Indian Parliament's active interest in monitoring the progress of special projects like Auroville, which aligns with national goals of sustainable urban planning and international cooperation. The visit represents a critical link between the community's aspirational projects and the legislative oversight that can influence policy and resource allocation.
The extensive study tour by the parliamentary committee marks a pivotal moment for Auroville, bringing its model of sustainable living and international unity into sharper focus within India's policy discourse. The insights gathered are likely to inform future discussions on urban development, ecological sustainability, and community-led governance models in the country.
