Sydo

While the AVC/WC followed up on the more technical matters, police investigations started, the body was taken to PIMS for autopsy, press releases were sent, and, sadly, the parents were informed, as well as the Dutch Embassy and Consulate and other relevant authorities.

A three-day period of mourning was called for in Auroville in order to explore ways to cope with the situation. It was asked that during those days all activities such as schools, restaurants, performances, workshops, units, and non-essential services would be closed, and most of them were. It also meant that the Matrimandir and the Visitors Centre were closed for all visitors on those days, and house workers were given paid leave unless they were doing indispensable work.

Auroville had to come to terms with this thunderbolt shock hitting the community. We did this, collectively, by coming together under the Banyan on Sunday afternoon, hundreds of us, where we sat, prayed and mourned, holding his being up to Mother’s Grace; and the next day by a moving Community meeting during which a multi-national sharing took place of people’s feelings, pain, appreciation and love for this good brother and friend that Sydo had been for us all. Messages had been emailed from various places in Europe, USA, South Africa and Thailand, carrying love and strength for Sydo, and us all.

Sydo (whose original Dutch name was Sytze Douwe van Loo) joined Auroville in August 1996 at the age of 33. He was one of those ‘regular greenbelt guys’, easy going, turban towel around his head, always on the bicycle, working hard for the environment, helping young Tamilians to grow into the environmental work and awareness, having an easy way with Auroville’s kids, being an appreciated presence in green groups, and from time to time happily frolicking along with the Academic Genius Brothers. At the same time he searched, groped for the truth in life, and dearly loved Mother, and dearly loved Auroville.

After the Udumbu incident in 2003, when he and Steve were severely attacked, Sydo had been pushing for an Auroville security system, drafting many proposals, participating in many meetings, urging to have this materialize soon. Thanks to his efforts, an Auroville security team came into existence in later years.

While, during the week, meetings among residents and with village elders were going on, exploring what lesson Auroville had to learn from what had happened, and debriefing sessions were organised and young and old were drafting letters and drawings for his family, Sydo’s embalmed body came back from PIMS and was laid in state in the Auroville Health Centre. People flocked in for a last farewell, but it wasn’t Sydo anymore. Sydo was already on the way…

On Wednesday afternoon, in Adventure, the body was cremated, covered with flowers and incense, surrounded by hundreds of us. There was a good wind; the fire did its work. OM was in the air.

Sydo was free.

Jay MA –