This is our ardent appeal to 58,900+ supporters who signed the petition to support Auroville through its ongoing challenges since 2021.

On the 20th of March 2026, a small group consisting of Antim, Joel, Sindhuja, Muriel, Giacomo, Josephine (Kaliananda), a newly hired ex-police officer S. Bascarane and the Auroville road service team suddenly appeared at the Youth Center and took movable assets and destroyed many of the remaining structures with a JCB, despite the peaceful appeal and protest by Auroville residents and supporters of the Youth Center.

Antim Singhi (Indian) and Joël van Lierde (Belgian), who have been very actively following the command of the Secretary Dr. Jayanti Ravi (IAS) of the Auroville Foundation Office (AVFO) since the beginning of the Auroville organization takeover, were present throughout the event and many people witnessed their violent behavior and provocation — not only verbal but also physical, with some members assaulting a few Auroville residents and guests.

They claim that the Youth Center was illegally built in the wrong location in order to block the road construction, which is totally false, as verified documents and reports have already been shared over the past few years.

Since the beginning of the takeover, long-time residents, green workers, youth, foreigners and ethnic minorities have been targeted by the present administration officers and their supporters.

Please take your time to watch this video which is still relevant to the recent events at the Youth Center of Auroville:https://youtu.be/5arDeN9_Bl4

Today, more than ever, we need dedicated support for Auroville to protect its core value: Human Unity in Diversity. We cannot allow their violence and constant lies to become the new normal in Auroville.

Youth from all over India and the world are the hope for our future. They need a free and protected space to explore and find their own path of self-discovery. The Youth Center was indeed such a place, loved by many over decades.

Since the selection of the new Governing Board has not been announced and the situation is escalating critically, we are also going to address this issue and send the petition results to Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, the respected Minister of Education of the Government of India.

How to help?

Please sign and circulate the petition link ("Support the Auroville Youth Center" https://c.org/MSySZCQsRd) widely along with the related video and social media links. Share with a personal message — a human voice carries more weight than a simple repost. Tag relevant journalists, human rights organizations and environmental activists in your posts and leave a comment on the YouTube video to increase its visibility.

Write a personal email to Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education (dpradhan@gov.in / secy.dhe@nic.in), and if you are an international supporter, consider contacting your local Indian embassy or consulate. Reaching out to UNESCO is also meaningful, as Auroville holds a unique relationship with the organization prior to its founding in 1968.

If you know journalists, activists in the field of ecology, human rights and democratic governance, local and international politicians and lawyers, diplomats — please inform them of our situation. If you are a lawyer, journalist, diplomat, ecologist, human rights professional or represent an NGO, please contact us directly at the.city.the.earth.needs@gmail.com — we welcome and need your expertise.

It is heartbreaking when our youth are targeted by an authoritarian mode of governance that is slowly killing the free and vibrant ambience of Auroville. Please help us and stand with us.

"The City the Earth Needs" needs you NOW!!

Concerned Residents of Auroville and Well-wishers of Auroville

 
Follow & Stay Informed:

Instagram: Stand for Auroville Unity: https://www.instagram.com/stand_for_auroville_unity Youth Center, Auroville: https://www.instagram.com/youthcenterauroville

Voices of Auroville (a residents-led newsletter, as most official media channels were silenced):https://auroville.media/voa

YouTube Channels: Auroville Media — https://www.youtube.com/@aurovillenews Auroville Uncensored — https://www.youtube.com/@AurovilleUncensored