Mani Jayraman

Our long-term friend and brother Mani Jayraman left his body at his home in the late evening of 15.12.2023 at the age of 54. His remains were kept at home for family and friends to bid farewell. His cremation in the afternoon of 16.12.2023 at the Auroville Cremation and Burial ground was attended by family, many friends from over the years, and well wishers.

Mani, as he was known in Auroville, was born 20.11.1969, the year after Auroville was founded. He grew up in Auroville, as one of Auroville's early generations. His mother Poongavanam, was one of the first Tamil Aurovilians. His uncle was one of the village Chiefs of Kuilapalayam. Mani was educated partly in Auroville schools, such as attending Auroville's first kindergarten in Aspiration and partly in the French Lycée of Pondicherry. Having an affinity for languages Mani could fluently speak French as well as English and Tamil. He was a good student and spent a year studying abroad in the US in LA. He was a remarkable sports person, excelling in basketball, cricket, tennis, kabadi. An all-around sportsman.

In 1996 he married Saroja and they had three children ; Surya, Malvi and Deeksha. He went on to service in various setups in Auroville Pour Tous, opening and managing for many years AV Transport Service (Later New Creation Transport), also serving in Auroville’s organisational structure. In 2004 when the tsunami hit he had a dedicated role in the relief organisation that followed.

Foremost he is remembered as a man with a radiating charming positivity in his youth, a good heart, being a generous and caring friend. An overall brilliant character combination that made him be fondly remembered.

In the last years Mani lived a more withdrawn life.

Our sincere condolences and prayers to his wife Saroja, daughter Deeksha, and siblings Gnasekar, Sivakami, Rajaveni, and Shivaprakasam.

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This page has been published in order to create a space of remembrance for all of those who lived, struggled and enjoyed in Auroville, making a conscious effort to manifest the Dream of Human Unity that is in the process of emerging.