‘Award Univ of Peace status to Auroville’

The journey of Pitchandikulam, Nadukuppam, Adyar Poonga and Siruseri were shared through evocative pictures to a rapt audience. However, Joss Brooks cautioned that it was the community that was key and which needs to monitor all activities closely.

In his address, MSSRF Founder Prof Swaminathan lauded unique approach of Auroville “This is the concept of human unity, with plants and unity with nature.’’ ‘’Just as there was a UN University of Peace established in Costa Rica, Auroville should be declared University of Peace with Nature. Especially in a situation where we are seeing increasing discord and disharmony, this is a need of the hour,” he added. Brooks, who describes himself as ‘an old gardener from Auroville’, elaborated on the various initiatives, that helped restore what was already there, without introducing anything new. “A great example is how, in 2015 when Chennai was flooded, no water left Auroville plateau. It was a sponge”, he noted. He emphasized the importance of biodiversity restoration, besides environment education and awareness.