Vaasal Magazine
The word "vaasal" (entrance) comes from the word "vaai" (mouth). The entrance is the most important part of any Tamil village, a place which needs protecting from alien forces which might cause chaos if not properly watched over. Notice the location of prominent temples and shrines at the outer perimeter of villages around Auroville - placed at strategic points like crossroads and waterways where they can make sure no harm comes to the residents.
We would like this magazine to be an entrance into the world of Tamil ideas, art and culture for anyone in Auroville who is from a non-Tamil background.
The entrance of the home is equally important. It is where the protective kolam is placed each morning. When you go to someone’s house to give them something, they will always step outside to receive your gift, or invite you in: nothing must be passed across the threshold of the vaasal that separates one world from another.
Our Vaasal magazine intends to do the following things:
1. Provide enjoyment by showcasing Tamil literature, music and art in a way that is accessible to everyone.
2. Introduce senior Tamil Aurovilians to the community at large.
3. Introduce important ideas and rituals along with an open offer to participate.
4. Act as a friendly first step into the Tamil language for those who are frustrated by their language inability and wish to learn to enjoy themselves in this beautiful language.
5. Integrate: In light of Mother’s words that Tamil culture is an essential part of the integral yoga of Auroville, to bring the Tamil and non-Tamil parts of Auroville closer together.
We send out each issue of Vaasal free to subscribers by email list, so joining the list is the best way to read it first. To join, please send a subscribe request to
tamil@auroville.org.in
Help us make Vaasal better!
What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? Is there any particular subject you would like to read about in Vaasal? Would you or anyone you know like to contribute an article, a drawing, a suggestion? Please send us your thoughts, ideas and feedback – we would love to hear from you.
See Also
-
Sustainable Livelihood InstituteSustainable Livelihood InstituteSLIThe Sustainable Livelihood Institute (SLI) was created in 2015 with the goal to provide the knowledge concentrated in Auroville of how to create a reasonable standard of living without harming the environment to the rural communities of Tamil Nadu. In order to achieve this goal many programmes, usually lasting for about three days, are designed, organised and delivered. Community members from all over Tamil Nadu as well as officials of the Rural Development Department gain knowledge and hands-on experience in the fields of perspective building, skill building and management.Sustainable Livelihood Institute is an initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu in partnership with the intentional community of Auroville.Updated newsletters can be found here : http://tnavsli.in/Institute/newsletters/
