By: Faith Toran

One week into working with the organization New Colors and I was both excited and frustrated at the same time. Was it possible to be navigating in the wrong direction? If one was headed in such a direction, where was the point of return? I became frustrated in my working relationship with my colleague and that created tension that seemed to escalate. It was not so much about the tension we were both experiencing but I had to realize where the fault in behavior or perspective was. I wrecked my brain to try and finally understand and there it was, my cultural baggage staring at me. How could one work from a participatory framework with the organization, when there was the lack of dialogue with my colleague.

I tend to be aware of this baggage in my daily morning meditation and try to recycle it in a way that is conducive to cultural exchange. So, when one becomes aware of this baggage, one goes directly to successful tools that have been used in similar situations. I was listening but was I understanding?

My colleague and I arrived at New Colors for the Christmas and New Year’s celebration and were greeted with lots of smiles and joy. This environment of honesty, curiosity, freedom and innocence was contagious. I realized that there was something beyond self-reflection. 

 What might have worked before, may not be useless, but in need of expansion. So, I added a very important tool to my development field work toolbox. I added a simple yet profound tool, one  Dr. Tanya Elder said to me “you must do more than just reflect you must learn”.

So, I decided to reflect and learn!

I realized that acknowledging your wrongs is one thing but it is equally important to learn your rights.

The economy of Auroville is ran on a system pertaining to a “gift economy.” Despite having such an ideal, there is still a significant circulation of cash and monetary exchange amongst “Aurovillians.” The budget that the FAMC receives is already below what would be required for “maintenance” (or salary) and most have to have some background capital and money in order to be able to subsist (along with their family members) if they wish to live comfortably. Maintenance refers to the monthly sum which is typically enough to meet the basic needs of living in Auroville which Aurovillians receive from the commercial unit or community service they work for.  

It is considered a “risk” to invest in joining the township, for there is no private ownership of land, housing or businesses in Auroville. Aurovillians invest in land that is collectively owned. 81% of their Unity Fund budget is specified whereas the other 19% is unspecified. That is to say, less than 20% of Auroville’s budget goes to what its members believe needs funding. (more information available at http://www.auroville.org/contents/2836). There are several umbrella branches (or departments) that must report to the FAMC, such as SHIIER which deals with education and related services. Is it sustainable? Not quite at the moment. There currently exists around a 50/50 ratio of Indians and foreigners who are recognized Aurovillians. Thus, there is an application process required for someone to start a unit or project. There is a long way to go before Auroville’s economy becomes self-sufficient and sustainable, yet they are headed in the right direction toward their ideal vision of exchange.

Serene Obagi