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Auroville Archives

The Archives act as the repository for all important letters, documents, publications and other papers, photos, slides and audio/visual material pertaining to the concept, planning, inauguration and progressive development of Auroville over the years, with emphasis on the experimental nature of work done. All the collected material has to be protected against the heat, humidity, dust and insects by air-conditioning and humidity control in the present temporary habitat. Available data is also being converted into digital format.

Rich documentation
The Auroville Archives house not only the written records of the conception, planning and developmental growth of the township but also material relating to:
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different solutions tried out to surmount the difficulties which have arisen over the years
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records of meetings among Aurovilians on different aspects of their attempts to find solutions
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papers on all the multifarious activities that have occurred over the years
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printed photographs, video records and thousands of photo slides
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records of original research done in different fields such as alternative energy, building design, low-cost housing, organic farming, development of organic pesticides and financial management, the latter with special emphasis on Mother's directives regarding 'no money exchange in Auroville'
The list is 'endless' and it was felt that all the records must be preserved to provide a base of research into the activities that have been undertaken - and will be undertaken - in this 'living laboratory', for posterity. Written, audio and photographic records are electronically stored in a database for permanent preservation.
Beneficiaries
Presently more and more Aurovilians are using the Archives for study and publication purposes and an increasing number of visitors come to the place to study various aspects of their own research.
Visitors to this site are warmly invited to send any Auroville-related material they come across in publications or elsewhere, for inclusion in the Archives. Material may be addressed to:
Auroville Archives
Auroville Administrative Zone (next to Town Hall)
605101 Auroville
Tamil Nadu INDIA
E-mail: avarchives@auroville.org.in
Ph. 0413-2622054