Vladimir Ivanov 

Vladimir was a tireless and very dedicated and inventive worker at Matrimandir. Soon after joining the Matrimandir team in the mid1990’s Vladimir began to take a keen interest in our electrical infrastructure development. He took up the care of the heliostat operation, providing the detailed input needed to enable the heliostat to direct the all-important Sun’s Ray onto the globe in the Inner Chamber.

At the time of the modification of the Inner Chamber and the overall completion of Matrimandir in 2005-07, Vladimir developed an entirely new system to provide air conditioning to the Inner Chamber. This system functioned very well for most of the last 20 years. 

An avid sportsman, Vladimir was always ready to jump in a jeep and go off with a team of youth to set up and maintain the yearly summer camp in Kodaikanal. Himalayan treks were also one of his joys, sometimes journeying there with teams of Aurovilians or with his two sons who would come from Russia.

Filled with enthusiasm for the work and for life, Vladimir was a strong and valuable team member.

The attack of Covid in 2020 dealt a strong physical blow to Vladimir, and since then he was not able to carry on his intense work at Matrimandir. Even so, he continued to give detailed input on the work and was often able to go up to the Kodai hills to help out with the Camp work.

His passing was announced on 30th August 2025, and his burial took place at the Auroville burial ground the next day.

Thank you Vladimir for your tremendous contribution to the growth of Matrimandir! 

John for Matrimandir Team