Heidi Watts

Heidi was an outstanding inspiration for teachers, working with educators up and down the East Coast of the U.S..  And for two decades, since 1992, she helped to transform the education system both for Outreach and Auroville schools, her adopted community. Above all, she fostered and shared education that was interactive and engaging.

There are many students and teachers in Auroville who are practicing her innovative and creative way of teaching and carrying the spirit in which she used to guide us.

Heidi called her journey from this world her “last great adventure,” and that spirit most captured her enthusiasm for the unknown, and her acceptance and curiosity about the world.

We are all missing her. But we are sure that she will guide us in spirit.

OM SHANTHI

(Excerpted from an obituary by Julian Lines, Matagiri, USA))

Recollections

“She was a known, a familiar name in the context of educational experiments in Auroville. Perhaps it was during the 1990s and 2000s. Then, unexpectedly, one day, while visiting PIMS, she was sitting by my side outside a physician's consultation room.  We got into a brief conversation. That is how I came to know that she was Heidi Watts. She had come there for some health related consultation. She was a humble, cultured, noble person. To come to Auroville regularly all the way from the USA with no personal interest or intention but solely with a view to contribute to education in Auroville is possible only for a noble soul. I am reminded of  Maria Montessori. Heidi Watts represented a worthy lineage of that great educationist who developed a child-centric approach to education and who sent her book to Sri Aurobindo with words of gratitude.” 

Aryadeep

“There are people who, though never joining here, when the way seems lost, point it out by silent example. Heidi is one of the great dames of the past who got it so well: life is within.

Somehow, she reminded me of pioneer Bhavana-Dee. Not just because of a minimalist lifestyle unconcerned with comfort and safety, typical of years since long gone – but also because of her frank simplicity and unassuming greatness. Extolling ethical values proper of the golden age of the American nation-soul Sri Aurobindo evokes as its early democracy, Heidi and Bhavana-Dee were fine flowers.”

Paulette