Author: Sandhiya

-Sivaguru, SandhiyaBala, Saranya, Sanjay, Sribhavani, Arunkumar,Kugan, Rajesh, Pratap

Due to the “Fengal” storm in our region, we have faced many issues, such as electricity, transportation and mobile signal. Also, many trees and plants were broken, damaging roads and vehicles. We collectively involved to clean up the debris by supporting each other during this difficult time.

Sanjay’s reflection:

Because of the rains, the soil underneath the entrance path had whittled away making it impossible for bikes within campus to go out. I experienced this difficulty on Sunday as I ventured out to grab some food. As I was returning from breakfast on Monday, I saw Sudhir Pradhan at work filling up the pathway with broken bricks. I immediately joined him and the crew in bringing in the bricks, breaking them into little pieces with the hammer, and filling up the entrance with those. After that, I also assisted Mr. Rajan in hauling all the broken/sawed-off timber into one pile.

            None of us was used to manual labor, so we were all panting and pausing for frequent breaks. I keep physically active, somewhat, but this is different from going for a run or lifting weights, outdoor calisthenics playing badminton/tennis or even doing Yogasanas. My body was not used to it and my legs were also shaking from the effort. In addition, I also got blisters on my palms. However, after a bath, I felt invigorated and I could feel better blood circulation as well as a feeling of physical well-being that I had not felt in a while.  I also had a very stilling Vipassana sit after. It brought back memories of very stilling sits in Vipassana centers that I used to experience after cleaning toilets, cleaning the pathways, washing fabrics, and helping out in the kitchen. I remember that after this experience, I always used to look for manual labor whenever possible.

       From my perspective, Manual labor as a volunteer helping others has an advantage over going to the Gym or playing a sport because apart from the undoubted benefits for physical health, it also feels more meaningful (psychic health) and my Vipassana sits are always very stilling (Mental health) after that effort. There is also the connection one feels towards the community when involved in that effort. I get to know the person volunteering along with me a little better. It’s like being brothers in labor. The last three are something I do not experience after calisthenics, gym routines, sports are even Yogasanas.

               I resolved that once my responsibilities with Aura are discharged around the end of January, I will look for more ways to volunteer that involve manual labor, perhaps such as matrimandir cleaning twice a week and also involvement in Campus clean-up at C3SLD/Isai/Udavi. The rains reminded me of this, which I had forgotten. An opportunity beckons, and it is up to me to take it and make full use of it, benefit myself, and benefit others.

Sivaguruprasath’s reflection:

My name is Sivaguruprasath and I stand for courage, full-potential and equanimity for myself and for others. On cleaning the campus, I learned that I have to supporting others to build resilience in tough situations. I noticed that I feel responsible and care towards others and as well as the environment. I appreciate everyone for this team effort and being grateful for achieving a common goal.

SandhiyaBala’s Reflection:

My name is Sandhiya Bala and I stand for courage, care, and happiness for myself and others. I have learned many things while cleaning our campus as teamwork, everyone involved in cleaning our campus saw the responsibility of each one who was participating. I notice the quality of care and responsibility and I use it in my life.

Pratap’s reflection:

After the Fengal cyclone, our office campus was left in disarray. Despite limited participation, a small group took the initiative to clean up, collecting fallen stems and dry leaves. It was disheartening that not everyone joined, but the efforts of the few made a visible difference. This experience highlighted the value of taking action, even when support is minimal. It reinforced the power of teamwork and the satisfaction of contributing to our shared space. I hope this inspires others to join such efforts in the future, showing that every small contribution matters.

SriBhavani’s reflection:

My name is Sri Bhavani, and I stand for love and equality for myself and others. I felt accomplished in supporting our team in cleaning the campus. I learned that no work is easier or less significant than another, every task holds its own value. On that day, the Ammas who usually clean our campus took the initiative to prepare food for us, and some of our team members supported them as well. I am able to see the alignment of care and cooperation among everyone. I acknowledge everyone involved in the cleaning activity (Shram Daan) for their commitment and responsibility toward the well-being of our surroundings.

Ajay’s reflection:

My name is Ajay, and I stand for happiness and self-awareness for myself and others. My reflection from cleaning our campus after the Fengal cyclone shows the teamwork by everyone and the care shown toward the organization and its surroundings by me and others. It was difficult and hard for me to clean the entire place in one day, but somehow, with the help of our team as a whole, we managed to do it.

Kugan’s reflection:

My name is Kugan I stand for equality for myself and other. When everyone is responsible for their own work, it makes the team stronger. Teamwork then becomes about working together to do even better, not just covering for someone else’s part.

ArunKumar’s reflection:

Cleaning the office with my colleagues and inspired college students, I felt happy and motivated seeing the younger generation care for our environment. It was a great teamwork experience, and it also reminded me to take care of my physical health, as I felt tired easily.

Rajesh’s reflection:

After the devastating Fengal cyclone, our area experienced heavy rainfall, fallen trees, and a complete lack of electricity and internet. In response, a plan was initiated to clean and restore our workplace and school. Participating in this effort provided me with a unique opportunity to clean and organize the place where I work and teach, instilling in me a profound sense of ownership.

This experience made me realize that the environment around me is an extension of my home, and when the need arises, it is my responsibility to care for it. It highlighted the care and gratitude I feel for my office and its surroundings—a place I cherish daily.

Moreover, it broadened my perspective on the importance of nurturing the world, not just during times of disaster but as a consistent practice. It reminded me that taking care of people and the planet is an ongoing responsibility, fostering habits of care and compassion in every aspect of life. This experience was a powerful lesson in stewardship and the interconnectedness of my actions with the well-being of our environment and community.

Saranya’s Reflection:

Observation: After the Fungal Cyclone, my colleagues and I worked together to clean the campus. We all helped make the area safe and clean again. Some of us picked up fallen branches and trash. It was a team effort, and everyone worked hard. We were able to talk to each other, which helped improve our relationships. By the end of the day, the campus looked much better, and we felt proud of what we had done together.

Reflection: I have learned to stay calm and focused in any situation. I realize that I can make a positive impact by staying dedicated and offering my support. This experience helped me appreciate my role and the value of working together for a common goal. I feel proud of how I contributed and the difference it made.

-SandhiyaBala

C3SLD provides many opportunities to engage with events at Auroville and when I received a message from Poovizhi that for the Siddhi Day, Arulvazhi School organized a speech on The Mother and Sri Aurobindo at Savitri Bhavan, delivered by Varatharajan Sir, and Shyamala Amma I decided to participate in it and learn from it. I had heard them share some of their experiences with the Mother as pioneers of Auroville and I was eager to learn more.

Conversations on THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SIDDHI DAY (24 November 1926)

DISCIPLE: I do not know the significance of the 24th of November 1926; some say it is the immortality day while others say it was the descent of Krishna’s personality.

SRI AUROBINDO: It has nothing to do with immortality. It is the descent of Krishna.

DISCIPLE: Some say November 24th is a day of victory. By that, some mean that the Supermind (supramental consciousness) descended into the physical consciousness of Sri Aurobindo. Others say it was the coming down of Krishna into the physical consciousness. If it was the descent of Krishna, does that mean the descent of the supramental light?

SRI AUROBINDO: Krishna is not the supramental light. The descent of Krishna would mean the descent of the Overmind Godhead preparing, though not itself actually bringing, the descent of Supermind and Ananda. Krishna is the Anandamaya, he supports the evolution through the Overmind leading it towards his Ananda.

— Sri Aurobindo, CWSA 35: 272-273 In the talk Varatharajan Sir and Shyamala Amma shared their profound experiences of how they connect and interact with The Mother and Sri Aurobindo, offering deep insights and inspiration.

I attended sessions by Varatharajan Sir and Shyamala Amma, where I experienced something profound—goosebumps ran through my body, and it felt as if the whole world was embracing my heart. One significant lesson I learned from them is, “You work with the people who come to you.” This insight will guide and support me in my future growth.

They also emphasized that those with goodwill are always welcome in Auroville, as they can contribute to essential areas like education, water management, healthcare, and creating work opportunities.

Additionally, I had the privilege of decorating flowers at the Matri Mandir. This act felt like a meaningful offering for Siddhi Day.

The divine beauty of the flower arrangements reminds me of Krishna’s consciousness. It feels as though I can hear Krishna playing His flute under the Banyan tree! His consciousness, descending into the physical realm, impacts life on Earth in the most profound and transformative ways. It helped me connect with the universal values of happiness that manifest through me.

-SandhiyaBala , Soundhariya, Saranya, Ilkaiya, Dinesh, Arun, Rajesh and Nithya Santhosh

STEM Land was invited to Salem to conduct a three-day capacity-building and Electronics workshop with the Students of 7^th and 9^th grade along with all the teachers at Vidhya Peetham School. The workshop aimed to engage with the Students and Teachers and help them understand basic Electronics and on building leadership skills in the teachers and students using Radical Transformational Leadership Tools (RTL) (Monica Sharma, 2017).

Day-1(On 23rd August 2024)

Morning Session:

We introduced ourselves using our universal values which made the students and teachers curious about the same. The introduction was followed by a session Stand & Fear Tool where the students and teachers identified and enquired about their universal values and how they can harness them to face their fears. After this we gave a brief introduction on Mathegramming and our core values, we proceeded the workshop with the foundational concepts of electricity, creating a truly dynamic learning experience!

Purpose: Empowering Minds and Energizing Learning

The primary goal of this workshop was twofold:

•  To help participants tap into their inner strengths and develop leadership skills.
• To provide a solid understanding of Electric current and its principles. This included learning about charge, voltage, current, power, and energy.

Later, Dinesh introduced the exciting world of electric currents, explaining fundamental concepts and giving exercises to solidify understanding. Participants learned about household electricity, types of batteries, and even calculated energy consumption!

Afternoon Session:

Post-lunch, the mood was lightened with a fun video and a dance session (Thought break), and we introduced Deep Listening and Background Conversations with both Students and Teachers. The session incorporated time for reflection they can reflect on the past and apply what they learned to think about what they could have done differently.

Using materials like LEDs, multimeters, and connecting wires, students explored real-life applications of electrical concepts. They tested conductivity, and body resistance, and learned the differences between poor and good conductors. The hands-on activities not only deepened their understanding but also made learning incredibly fun!

Outcomes:

Day 1 of the basics of electronics workshop was a remarkable success. Participants discovered their inner values, learned to face their fears, and Deep Listening and Background Conversations, and gained a thorough understanding of electric currents. They didn’t just learn the theory—they lived it!

Electronics and Circuits Workshop – Day 2(On 24rd August 2024)

The second day started with a two-minute stillness and focused attention on breathing, then we introduced to the four profiles i.e., an RTL Tool to understand different parts of our identities.

The purpose of Day 2 was threefold:

• To guide participants in connecting with 4 profiles and types of Complaints tools.
• To deepen their understanding of electric circuits, resistors, and the practical application of these concepts.
• To start to give the exposure of kirigami to children.

Morning Session:

Saranya kicked off the session with exercises that encouraged students to connect with their inner values and introduced 4 profiles. This was followed by a discussion where each group shared their insights on stage. Dinesh kickstarted the electronics and circuits workshop taking the stage to explain the essential concepts of electric circuits and the function of resistors. Students learned to calculate voltage and current using resistors and LEDs, exploring these concepts hands-on with multimeters, and breadboards. The activity was not just about theory; it was about seeing, touching, and feeling the flow of electricity!

Afternoon Session:

The afternoon kicked off with an energizing video and dance(thought break), recharging everyone for more learning. we reconnected with RTL tools and explained the three types of complaints. This made them see complaints from a different perspective rather than usual.

Participants learned to work with seven-segment displays, understanding how to use switches to control the flow of electricity. The fun didn’t stop there! A creative craft session led by Sowndharya introduced the art of kirigami. Students crafted intricate paper balls, enhancing their concentration and creativity. This unique blend of electronics and art not only made the learning experience holistic but also incredibly enjoyable!

Outcomes:

By the end of Day 2 of the electronics and circuit workshop, students gained invaluable insights into their inner strengths and the practical application of electronic concepts like resistors and seven-segment displays. The creativity and teamwork on display were truly electrifying! 

Day-3

On the last day(Sunday), At First, we planned to take the advanced electronics session only for teachers but the effectiveness of the last two days’ workshop triggered students to participate even on Sunday to take part in the session along with teachers.

We hadn’t expected students to show so much interest and join the optional session on Sunday.

They learned types of switches, connecting 2 letters/ numbers (7-segment display) in the breadboard, and potentiometer to vary the resistance.

In the afternoon we introduced scratch and polypod to explore mathematics visually. In Polypod children were also to project on their own with the guidance of the mentors.

We had a good experience in cultivating Palm sprout in Isai Ambalam last year along with school children. Understanding the benefits of Palm sprouts for health, this year we decided to cultivate them on our office campus. On Aug 3, 2024, we collected more than 150 seeds from different areas in Auroville and around the office. We created a bed for planting the seeds which was around 8×3 feet in area and then we sowed seeds on the bed. It may take more than 3 months for these to sprout and then we will harvest it to have a feast.

Here are the few reflections from our team members on their experience in planting Palm seeds:

Ajay:

My name is Ajay. I stand for happiness and self-awareness for myself and others. Last year, we planted palm sprouts at Isaiambalam School with the children, and we cultivated them in large numbers. This time, we planned to plant them in our office garden area. So, we went along with the children from Isaiambalam School and collected palm fruit/seeds for our garden. We planted those seeds in our garden with the help of our colleagues. While doing this activity, I noticed the interest and involvement towards our traditional practices. We will see the results of those seeds in a span of three months.

Sivaguru prasath:

My name is Sivaguruprasath and I stand for courage, full potential, and equanimity for myself and for others. Last year I felt that I hadn’t contributed to collecting and planting seeds for Palm sprout harvesting, but I delighted in and enjoyed eating the sprouts. This year I decided I should participate fully and along with my team collected and planted Palm seeds. Without team effort and planning, it wouldn’t happen at all. From this, I noticed that we are connecting with healthy things in our tradition, and I feel complete and whole being a part of this activity.

The team was really interested and involved planting the seeds; it felt more like a physical activity for us.

Saranya:

Teamwork and Bonding – Working together on planting helped us bond and improve teamwork. It was fun to share tasks and support each other in a different setting from our usual office work.

Environmental Awareness – The activity reminded us of the importance of taking care of the environment. It felt good to do something positive for nature, and it made us more aware of sustainability.

Stress Relief and Well-being – Being outside and doing physical work was a refreshing break from our daily routine. It reduced stress and made us feel more relaxed and happy.

Reflecting Organization Values – This activity showed that our company cares about teamwork, the environment, and employee well-being. It demonstrated our commitment to creating a supportive and engaged workplace.

Arunkumar:

My name is Arunkumar, and I stand for peace and equity for myself and others. I supported the Isai Ambalam children in collecting and sowing palm seeds for the second consecutive year. As part of C3SLD, where we have been growing some vegetables and flowers around the campus, we decided to plant the palm seeds. We started with only four members, and as we continued, it inspired others to commit to action, which led to the entire process of bed making and placing the palm seeds above it within a time span of 2 hours. The learning from this is that any complex issue can be solved if there is group commitment.

Rajesh:

My name is Rajesh, and I stand for care and integrity for myself and others. While seeding palm seeds for palm sprouts, I noticed that what we have been doing at school with children has become normative for us. That is why we took the initiative to do it at our office. I could see the bigger picture: of taking the importance of palm trees our homes, and community.

What we think are small actions may seem small, but each new initiative we undertake at Isai Ambalam School is something big and good for society.

Pratap:

The palm seed planting activity with the team member was successful done in the last week. I saw the team work while making the bed and collecting palm seeds. It served as a reminder of the importance of taking time for nature and each other, even in a busy office environment. I look forward to watch the palms grow and engaging in more such meaningful activities in the future.

Vasanth:

I am able to connect with what we learned in school by working with children to collect palm fruit and make palm sprouts. I helped with digging, which provided some physical exercise for me. I also noticed the group coordination and teamwork involved. We split into two groups to collect the palm fruits, dug the soil, and sowed the seeds. From this, I learned how to strive for a self-sustainable life by understanding the interdependence within a system and the value of working together to achieve sustainability.

Poonguzhali:

My name is Poonguzhali. I stand for courage for myself and others. When I contributed to planting palm seeds at STEM Land, I could see my value. This was a new experience for me where I could push myself to do more. By participating in the planting of palm seeds, I came to know more about the benefits of our tradition. By setting this up, I noticed the collaboration of our team and their full potential towards it. I also noticed full involvement, courage, perseverance, and teamwork.

NithyaSandhosh:

My name is Nithyasandhosh. I stand for kindness and equality for myself and others. When I was palm seeding, I noticed I was excited and happy to be working with my team mates again after a long time doing this type of hard physical activity. As I waited for the first green sprout to emerge, it was satisfying. It was a powerful reminder that with consistent care, kindness and patience, even the slowest progress can bring great reward.