Growing Together: Our Saturday Garden Activities

Every Saturday from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, we had garden activities in our office. It was a special time when we all came together to take care of our place and enjoy working in the garden.

We started this activity to involve everyone on our team. It helped us work together and build good relationships. We wanted everyone to feel equal and connected. We also wanted to take care of our space by growing plants and keeping it clean and green.

What We Did:

Each Saturday, our team organized and carried out different garden activities. We planned the tasks together and supported each other in doing them. We watered the plants, sowed spinach seeds based on the weather, collected flower seeds, and planted saplings in different places. We also arranged for small fixing work to improve the garden, like setting up the space and taking care of the tools.

We harvested spinach and tomatoes from our garden. We cooked them in our office kitchen and shared the meals. It felt like “grow food” – and that made us happy, proud, and excited to do more.

A Special Time:

Every Saturday gave us a new experience. We learned, shared, and enjoyed nature together. It made us feel peaceful and connected. I’m thankful for these moments and excited to continue.

This activity didn’t just help grow plants—it helped us grow as individuals and as a team. It made our office feel more alive and like a second home.

We thank every team member for being part of this journey. Your support, energy, and care made it all possible. Together, we made something beautiful happen.

Auroville Joins the International Day of Yoga – My Two-Day Journey of Energy and Awareness

-SandhiyaBala, Sivaguru and Ajay I

This year, Auroville joined people around the world in celebrating the International Day of Yoga on June 21st, a special day declared by the United Nations in 2014. Two events were held on June 20th and 21st, and I had the opportunity to participate in both. It was a joyful and meaningful experience for me.

Day 1: Surya Namaskar Challenge

20 June, 6:30 AM | Dehashakti Sports Ground

Many people came together early in the morning at the sports ground for the Surya Namaskar Challenge. There were three levels to choose from:

  • Beginner (Ārambhakaḥ): 21 Surya Namaskars
  • Intermediate (Madhyamaḥ): 54 Surya Namaskars
  • Advanced (Pravīṇaḥ): 108 Surya Namaskars

I was happy to see children from schools around Auroville taking part. Their energy and interest were inspiring. I felt tired after doing the Surya Namaskars, but I also felt strong, fresh, and peaceful inside.

This event made me realize how important it is to take care of our body and mind. I now want to practice yoga every day, even if just for a short time.

Day 2: International Day of Yoga Celebration

21 June, 5:30–7:00 AM | Amphitheatre, Matrimandir

The next morning, we gathered at the beautiful Amphitheatre near the Matrimandir. The place was silent and peaceful. As the sun came up, we practiced yoga together. It was a special feeling to do yoga in this sacred place with people of all ages.

It was not just about exercise—it was also about connecting with ourselves, being still, and breathing mindfully. I felt very calm and full of positive energy afterward.

Reflection:

Sandhiya Balaanand- What I Take Away

My name is Sandhiya Balaanand, and I stand for Courage, care, and Happiness for myself and others. I notice that participating in both events was not only rejuvenating but also a personal awakening. Watching the younger generation participate and interact with such sincerity gave me hope.

These two days reminded me that yoga is not just for one day. It can be a daily habit to help us stay healthy and happy.

I want to thank Nilima and Muthukumari from AVPEB and the Marathon Yoga Team for organizing these events. It was wonderful to be part of them.

I also saw how much children enjoyed and learned from the sessions. It gave me hope for the future—when young people understand the value of yoga, they grow stronger and wiser.

Sivaguru Prasath:

My name is Sivaguru Prasath and i stand for courage, full potential and Equanimity for myself and others. Being part of the Yoga Day events in Auroville made me feel fresh, calm, and more connected with myself. Seeing so many children and people join inspired me to practice yoga every day, even if just for a few minutes. Yoga is not just for one day—it’s a way to live better every day

Ajay:

My name is Ajay and I stand for self awareness for myself and others. Attending the Surya Namaskar Challenge and the International Yoga Day in Auroville was amazing. On Day 1, doing Surya Namaskars with kids around was energizing—it reminded me how movement connects us. Day 2 at the Matrimandir was peaceful and spiritual. Practicing yoga in that space made me feel calm and centered. These two days showed me how yoga strengthens both body and mind. Now, I feel inspired to continue yoga daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Installation of Cameras on Campus

-Durai and Ajay I

Students from AIAT College have been interning with C3streamland for about two months. During this period, they were assigned various tasks, including the installation of security cameras around the campus. 

For this activity, they selected specifications that meet the campus’s security needs, covering areas such as the outdoors, kitchen exterior, and dormitory areas. As part of the project, they listed the necessary components and identified vendors to request quotations. This process allowed them to engage in external partner communication and selection as part of their internship experience. They chose the vendor offering the best quotation, purchased the required items, and handled the configuration themselves before installation. 

To install the security cameras, they planned cable routing across all three buildings and dug small trenches between the buildings to lay the cables. They completed the digging within a day and installed PVC pipes both underground and along the building walls—inside and outside—with guidance from mentors. This was done without disturbing the existing infrastructure. 

They successfully completed the camera wiring. The entire project took about three days. Throughout the process, the students learned about material selection, vendor evaluation, project planning, installation, and setting up a security system. 

Laptop Hinge Fixed by the Interns

-Durai and Ajay I

Students from AIAT College have been interning at C3STREAM Land Designs for about two months. During this time, they have been learning not only software development but also gaining hands-on experience with hardware—understanding how systems work and how to troubleshoot them. 

A problem occurred with one of the laptops in STEM Land: it couldn’t be opened because the top panel hinge had become tight and eventually broke. 

Previously, we would either call a service technician or take the laptop to a service centre. Replacing the top panel typically costs around ₹4000 or more, depending on the laptop model. 

However, one of the interns, Ranjith, came up with an idea to fix it using Araldite super glue, which costs around ₹70. With this, we were able to successfully repair the laptop, and it has been working well since. 

Two weeks later, another laptop in STEM Land faced the same issue. We used the remaining glue from the previous repair and fixed it successfully as well. 

This experience highlighted how mentorship, combined with learning from both, can help an organization see the bigger picture and solve problems at minimal cost.

Electronics Workshop-2025

-SandhiyaBala, Pratap, Sivaguru, Ajay I, Tamil, Preethi P, Kethsiyaal and Kugan

Hands-on Learning with C3STREAM Land Design at AIAT Campus

C3STREAM Land Design organized an exciting Electronics Workshop at the AIAT Campus this summer. It was one of three hands-on workshops offered during the summer of 2025. Each workshop had 30 participants, and sessions were conducted in English, with Tamil language support where needed.

The workshop ran for five days, from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM. It was completely free and open to participants aged 13 years and above. Upon completion, every learner received a Certificate. The only requirement was a basic understanding of mathematics, like simple calculations.

Before we began each daily session of the Electronics Workshop – 2025, we practiced Radical Transformational Leadership (RTL) tools. These tools helped us become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and supported us in living our core values like courage, care, responsibility, and curiosity.

This practice helped us come to the sessions with a clear mind, an open heart, and a strong intention to learn. It was a powerful way to start the day—not just for learning electronics, but also for growing as individuals.

RTL tools reminded us that learning is not just about knowledge, but also about becoming the best version of ourselves.

Day 1: Understanding the Basics

We started by discussing why electronics might feel difficult and how to learning them. We learned key concepts such as:

  • Charge (Ah)
  • Voltage (V)
  • Current (I)
  • Power (VA)
  • Energy (VAh)

To make it easier to understand, we used a water analogy. For example, we compared the charge to the amount of water, and the voltage to water pressure. We also explored how to check the current of a mobile battery using its capacity.

Day 2: Tools and Measurement

We recall previous session topics, electronics, and chose to learn with interest. We were introduced to the multimeter, a tool that helps measure:

  • Resistance
  • Voltage
  • Connectivity

We even measured our body resistance, first without and then with conducting gel. We used a fun device called Makey Makey to explore conductivity and also began learning about LEDs.

Day 3: Building Simple Circuits

We continued learning about LEDs and how to connect them with resistors. We built circuits using LEDs in series and parallel. Then, we practiced soldering and desoldering—skills needed to work with real electronic components.

Day 4: Components and Circuits

 We learned about:

  • Voltage sources
  • NPN Transistors
  • Diodes

Then, we built a circuit using a transistor and LED. We also built a charger circuit on a breadboard using a 9V transformer, diodes, a capacitor, and a LM7805 voltage regulator IC. We were introduced to Every Circuit, a website where we can design and simulate circuits.

Day 5: Big Picture Thinking

We explored the difference between AC and DC, and learned about AC RMS voltages like 230V and 440V. Then, we built the charger circuit again to better understand how each component works together.

By the end of the workshop, many of us who once feared electronics gained confidence and a clearer understanding of how electronic systems work. We built real circuits, used real tools, and had real fun!

This hands-on workshop helped us realize that learning electronics is not only possible, but also exciting and empowering.

Here are the reflections from our organizing team members,

Sivaguruprasath:

My name is Sivaguruprasath, and I stand for Courage, full potential, and equanimity for myself and others. While guiding the children on the team, I noticed that I am responsible for their growth and learned to be consistent and perseverance.

SandhiyaBala:

My name is SandhiyaBala, and I stand for courage, care, and happiness for myself and others. I learnt many things from the participants. I have learnt real-life theory and experimented with those things in the workshop. Making circuits for a mobile charger, soldering, and desoldering the PCB board.

Kethsiyaal:

My name is Kethsiyaal, I stand for kindness and courage for myself and others. During the electronics workshop, I had the valuable opportunity to support children in learning the fundamentals of electronics. This experience was both enriching and refreshing, as it allowed me to engage with electronics. As a team, we built a cell phone charger. I guided the children in identifying components like resistors, capacitors, diodes, and voltage regulators, while also encouraging them to ask questions and experiment safely. This experience was how it helped me recall and apply my foundational knowledge in basic electronics.

Tamil:

My name is Tamil. I stand for courage and compassion for myself and others.

In the electronics workshop, I learned how to make a mobile charger. It made me feel curious and excited to learn more. First, I learned about the different parts used in a charger, like diodes, capacitors, transformers, and the IC. I understood how each part works and how they all connect together to make the charger function.

I also learned how to solder and desolder, which are important skills in electronics. Using tools like the analyzer and oscilloscope helped me see how the circuit works in real time. These hands-on activities helped me understand the subject better than just reading from a book. The best part was when we finished building the charger and tested it by charging a mobile phone — and it worked! That moment made me feel very proud, confident, and excited to learn even more in the future. This workshop showed me that I can build useful things with my own hands, and it made me more interested in electronics.

Ajay:

My name is Ajay, and I am passionate about fostering self-awareness in myself and others. While preparing for a workshop, I learned new skills, including soldering and desoldering components, as well as the basics of electronics, such as using a multimeter, function generator, and oscilloscope. I applied these skills to build my mobile charger using a bridge rectifier. During the workshop, I shared my knowledge with others, helping them understand circuits.

Preethi P:

My name is Preethi P. I stand for courage and happiness for myself and others. In the electronic workshop, I learnt about basic electronic concepts like voltage, current, power, energy, LED, resistor/resistance, capacitor, and how to find the amount of current the app is being used. How to use a multimeter, soldering, and desoldering. while doing soldering, the children were engaged and enthusiastic. We build chargers at the end of the workshop. This work gave me a lot of basics about electronics and how to handle children.

Kugan:

My name is Kugan I stand equality for my self and others. the sessions were engaging and provided valuable insights. The students displayed a keen interest and actively participated in discussions, which enriched the learning experience for everyone involved.

Saturday, Sanfort School Activity

-Ilakiya, Sivasankar, Ajai, NithyaSandhosh

Every week, around 25 students from Sanfort International School will visit STEMLand to explore STEM activities. The school is a part of Sanvi Educational and Charitable Trust, which focuses on improving the well-being of marginalized groups, particularly differently abled children, the elderly and women. They offer educational support, care, and vocational training to empower these individuals and promote social inclusion.

On April 12, students got to explore some fun interesting activities based on Electronics lead by SivaSankar.

To understand how a DC motor works, we did a fun activity using simple and easily available materials like batteries, enamel wires, and magnets. In a group of five, students enjoyed experimenting with the batteries and magnets. With help from their team members, they got the motor to work. They felt proud and accomplished because they made something that runs using just a few basic items.

As a reflection on what they did, the students wrote down the steps of the process and explained how it worked. They were also curious to learn more—asking questions like how it works, where they could find these materials, and what the names of the different parts were.

In the next activity, they made an electromagnet using electric current. They also connected this new learning to the previous DC motor activity.

These two hands-on activities inspired the children to build things and wonder about how everyday objects (like their toys) work. Since the activities were done by the students themselves, we saw that both boys and girls enjoyed them equally.

Reflections:

SivaSankar:
Helping students build a simple DC motor was a really fun and eye-opening experience. We used everyday things like enamel wire, magnets, and batteries, and it was amazing to see how they worked together to make the motor spin. This showed us how electricity and magnets can create movement, which is the basic idea behind electromagnets. Seeing the students so excited when their motors actually worked reminded me how fun and powerful hands-on learning can be. It made science feel real and easy to understand. This activity showed that even simple materials can teach big ideas and help students enjoy learning.

Ilakya Arasi:
I realised that I need to have a curious mind to enjoy anything, without that I won’t really care to know why or how something is happening and that will stop me from growing. I realised that all of us have it with us, it just need to be induced for a child to grow and learn efficiently.

Ajai:
My name is Ajai.D. I stand for equality for myself and others. When I work with children I feel connected with them. When I work with them I notice While we were working on our hands-on project, they weren’t able to do perfectly at the beginning. However, they kept working on it persistently, making adjustments and trying different approaches until the project was successful. By doing the project themselves they gain deeper understanding. Watching children work like this reminds me that learning is a process, not a one-time event. They taught me to be more open-minded, curious, and determined in my own work too.

NithyaSandhosh:
My name is Nithyasandhosh. I deeply care about kindness and equality for myself and for others. Recently, I supported a Saturday activity with Sanfort international school children. I taught them how to build a DC motor and explained its working principle. While teaching, I learned when children are introduced to new concepts in a way that allows them to explore and play, they stay engaged and focused. They don’t get distracted easily.  Playful learning not only helps children understand complex ideas but also fosters curiosity and deep concentration.

Students Reflection:
They shared that it was fun making these activities and they would like to do it more and learn on the upcoming weeks.

Other activities:
After the two activities, students explored some games, rubix cubes and cast puzzles.

Plaksha School Visit

-Ilakiya, Tamil, Rajesh, Sivaguru and Aarthi

STEMland was invited by Plaksha School in Andhra Pradesh for a three-day session to work with students. The school is growing and focuses on children’s holistic development and creativity, similar to Auroville. This marks the fourth school we have visited in the last six months.

During the three-day session, we engaged students in electronics, visual mathematics, robotics, and leadership activities. We also explored how technology is value-neutral and how it can be used effectively.

We began our session by helping students discover their inner values, followed by an activity on calculating electricity bills. As expected, many students were familiar with electronics, but we realized that their existing knowledge could sometimes lead to confusion. To address this, we used visual analogies to explain various electrical concepts, which helped them understand and calculate their domestic power consumption.

Since we remember more from seeing than just hearing, we focused on visualizing mathematical concepts to enhance understanding and retention. Hands-on learning with materials made the process more engaging and playful. With younger children, we worked on multiplying two numbers using Diene’s blocks and Polypad. With slightly older students, we explored fractions using a fraction kit and practiced multiplication with Diene’s blocks.

Students enjoyed learning with these materials and applying their knowledge on Polypad. As the materials and laptops were limited, they shared resources with others and handled them with care. When we introduced electronic activities, it sparked excitement among the students.

On the final day, after a few more electronic activities, we concluded with robotics. With our guidance, students coded using different sensors and programmed robots to follow a mapped path. We wrapped up the session with reflections from the children, who shared their experiences and learnings.

Reflection:

My name is Ilakya Arasi. I stand for kindness and courage for myself and others. I learnt that one of the best ways to make someone feel welcomed when the students are full of excitement to learn new things and love for others. Their curiosity made us learn from them.

My name is Tamil. I stand for currage and compassion for my self and others. This session was a great experience for me. It also helped the children become smarter and kinder.
We did RTL and electronics sessions. The children really enjoyed the electronics session. They were excited and curious in every session, and they learned a lot by giving their best effort. Seeing their curiosity and energy inspired me.
I realized that I also want to learn new things with the same curiosity and effort. This session taught me the importance of staying curious and giving my best in everything I learn. It was a valuable experience for both me and the children.

My name Rajesh and I stand for care and integrity for myself and others i learnt that teaching children basic electronics and mathematics in a practical way makes learning engaging and fun while building a strong foundation for problem-solving and creativity. By using hands-on activities like simple circuits, LED experiments,  children can grasp fundamental concepts such as voltage, current, and resistance. Practical math applications, like measuring voltage, understanding ratios, and using basic algebra in real-world scenarios, help them see the relevance of mathematics in everyday life. Encouraging experiments fosters curiosity and innovation. By blending play with learning, children develop a deeper understanding of concepts which makes them more confident and eager to explore further.

Sivaguru Prasath
During the 3-day electronics sessions, we introduced RTL tools such as Stand and Fear, helping students understand their universal values.

We guided the children in understanding concepts such as voltage, current, power, energy, LED, resistor/resistance, potentiometer, and the 7-segment LED. We also gave them a few activities to complete on their own using the components. The children were highly enthusiastic, interacted well, and gained clarity on the concepts. I also noticed that their curiosity and interest motivated us to teach them beyond the planned concepts. Additionally, we explained mathematical concepts such as fractions (using the fraction kit) and multiplication (using Diene’s blocks)

My name is Aarthi, I stand for equality, integrity and perseverance for  myself and others.  It’s my first time attending the Andra workshop. Students are good in communication, we taught electronics, RTL, Polypad, Snap programming in Finch. Also  we taught Tamil words and they taught hindi words it was very nice.  I got a new ideas and good experience from the workshop.Thank you Sanjeev anna and my team for giving this  opportunity. Thankyou.

Auroville Cyclothon: More Than Just a Ride

-Preethi R and Nithya Santhosh

At STEM Land we each explore our learning and growth and Auroville presents us many opportunities. A couple of us participated in the second annual Cyclothon at Auroville, where people of all ages joined together to enjoy cycling. The event was full of energy, enthusiasm, and a spirit of togetherness. The Auroville Cyclothon was not just an event. It was a journey one that connected people, nature, and a shared purpose.

The Cyclothon offered three route options where the participants could choose from different routes based on their comfort level. Short Ride (25 km), Medium Ride (50 km), Long Ride (100 km).

No one rode alone. Even if you came as a single cyclist, you became part of something bigger. Strangers cheered for each other. Volunteers handed out water with a smile. At every stop, there was warmth, support, and encouragement. This is what real progress looks like, not just moving forward, but moving forward together. The Cyclothon ended with deep meaning for us.

Reflections:

Preethi. R

My name is preethi, I stand for kindness and courage for myself and others. What I learnt from the Auroville Cyclothon was not just about cycling. It was about learning, growing, and feeling connected—to myself, to others, and to nature. And most importantly, it reminded me that every journey is special when I keep moving forward. Reaching the end felt great, but the best moments were during the ride, I learned that life is not just about goals. It is about enjoying every moment along the way.

Nithyasandhosh

My name is Nithyasandhosh. I deeply care about kindness and equality for myself and others. I participated in the Auroville Cyclothon 2025, a 25-kilometer event. Many people took part in this event. I was inspired by the organizing team, as they put in their full potential to make this happen. I thoroughly enjoyed cycling. They also arranged good food for all participants. After the event, I started cycling on alternate days. Next year, I plan to inspire my office mates to join the Cyclothon and share the joy of cycling.

Physical and Mental Health Awareness Session

-SandhiyaBala, Sivaguru , Tamil, Durai, Ajay, Rajesh , Gunavathi, Poovizhi , SandhiyaSaravanan and Sri Bhavani

Every Tuesday morning, we have a learning session at our office. Recently, Sanjeev, our steward, invited two speakers, Aathi and Gomathi, to talk about Physical and Mental Health. Gomathi shared tips on physical health, and Aathi spoke about mental well-being. Here’s what I learned from their sessions:

From Gomathi’s Session on Physical Health

1: Early Morning Routine

Gomathi emphasized the importance of an early morning routine. She suggested waking up between 3:30 am and 4:30 am to align with the body’s natural rhythm. This practice, known as Brahma Muhurta in Ayurveda, is believed to enhance energy levels, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

2: Fasting and Detoxification

Fasting during specific lunar phases, such as the full moon and half-moon, can help detoxify the body. Gomathi explained how fasting strengthens intermittent fasting practices and improves digestion. She also recommended fasting on new moon days to reset the body and mind.

3: The Connection Between Lunar Cycles and Women’s Health

Gomathi highlighted the fascinating connection between lunar cycles and women’s menstrual cycles. She explained that both cycles are closely aligned, and paying attention to this connection can help women better understand their bodies. She also recommended taking cold water baths in the early morning to boost circulation, improve immunity, and energize the body.

Aathi’s Sessions on Mental Health

1. Self-Awareness

Aathi began her session by stressing the importance of self-awareness. He encouraged everyone to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and actions. Understanding oneself is the first step toward achieving mental clarity and emotional balance.

2. Overcoming fear of sharing, speaking and asking questions In many of his sessions Aathi worked on letting us overcome our fear or asking questions and sharing. He asked us to let go of the self-doubt and hesitations and share freely. Most of us were too self-conscious rather than self-aware and were not able to get ourselves to do so.

3. Distinguishing Between “I Don’t Know” and “I Can’t Do”

Aathi shared a powerful insight: “I don’t know” and “I can’t do” are two very different statements. While “I don’t know” reflects a lack of knowledge, “I can’t do” often stems from self-doubt. By recognizing this difference, we can take steps to learn and grow, rather than limiting ourselves.

4: Focus and Effectiveness

Aathi concluded his session by discussing the importance of focus. He explained that our effectiveness in any task depends on our ability to immerse ourselves fully in what we do. When we lose ourselves in the process, we not only perform better but also find greater satisfaction in our work.

The sessions by Gomathi and Aathi were incredibly insightful and reminded us of the importance of good physical and mental health. By adopting these practices, we can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. I took these lessons to heart and make small, consistent changes to improve our overall well-being.

Reflection:

My name is Sandhiya Bala Anand, and I stand for courage, care, and happiness for myself and others.

My Experience After the Session:

After the session, I decided to try some of the tips:

  1. I started waking up early and eating light food in the evening before 7 pm to help with digestion.
  2. I began fasting in the morning for a short time. It felt refreshing and gave me more energy.
  3. I tried cold water baths but had a runny nose, so I mixed hot and cold water. After waiting for 10 minutes for the waters to mix, I took the bath, and it felt much better.

These small changes are helping me feel healthier and more focused. I am excited to continue these practices and see more improvements in my life

Among the insights from my colleagues, people noted:

  1. Three people started fasting on new moon days.
  2. Three people started intermittent fasting every day
  3. 1 person has switched to cold water baths early morning.
  4. Two people noted that they see that my effectiveness is dependent on my ability to focus and have improved focus
  5. Two people noted catching themselves not distinguishing between I can’t do and I don’t know.
  6. People also noted that their impact is proportional to my ability to care.

My name is Ajay, and I stand for self-awareness for myself and others. From the sessions with Aadi and Gomathi, I have learned to differentiate between what I can’t do and what I don’t know. I have been practicing waking up early without an alarm. Initially, taking a bath in cold water made me catch a cold, but as days passed, I became more comfortable with it. I noticed that it felt quite refreshing compared to bathing in hot water.

My name is Duraisamy Pandurangan, and I stand for dignity, wisdom, and freedom for myself and others. From the sessions with Aadi and Gomathi, practicing intermittent fasting has helped me improve my health. Their motivational speech about each person striving to earn 10,000 crores—not just in money but in generosity and heart to support others—has deeply inspired me.

My name is Tamil, I sand for Courage and compassion for myself and others. Spending time with Aadi and Gomathi taught me something important—I now understand the difference between things I cannot do and things I have not learned yet. This helps me see challenges differently. I have been trying to wake up early without using an alarm. At first, it was hard, but now it is getting easier. I also started taking cold showers. In the beginning, I caught a cold, but after a few days, my body got used to it. Now, I feel fresh and energetic after a cold shower, even more than after a hot water.

These small changes have helped me grow. The more I try new things, the more I learn.

My name is Rajesh, and I stand for care and integrity for myself and others. During this session, I realized that while I have always been aware of the benefits of bathing in cold water, my comfort zone has kept me from practicing it regularly. This pattern extends to other areas of my life, where comfort sometimes makes me casual, affecting my actions and habits.

The discussion on eating habits also resonated with me. It emphasized the importance of mindful eating, including the significance of fasting to allow the body to heal and reset, and consuming fruits, as they provide essential nutrients and natural energy. This session made me reflect on how small yet powerful lifestyle changes can positively impact health and discipline.

My name is Sivaguruprasath, and I stand for courage, full-potential and equanimity for myself and for others. The session on Physical and Mental Health was insightful, highlighting the importance of balancing both aspects for overall well-being. Gomathi’s emphasis on an early morning routine and fasting for detoxification made me reflect on healthier daily habits. Aathi’s distinction between “I don’t know” and “I can’t do” was eye-opening, encouraging a growth mindset. The discussion on focus and effectiveness reinforced the need for mindfulness in work and life. These lessons remind me that small, consistent changes can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

My name is SandhiyaSaravanan. I stand for progress, happiness, and love for myself and others. It has been a good opportunity and a beneficial session. I have started taking cold showers, eating fruits and nuts in the morning, and trying intermittent fasting. I can feel the difference.

My name is Gunavathi i stand for happiness for myself and others . Through this session, I have learned to stabilize my mental and physical health. When I followed their fasting method and spent time in moonlight during the full moon, I could feel the changes in my body. Even though I was aware that bathing in cold water is good for health, I didn’t do it because I was stuck in my comfort zone. Nowadays, I am getting out of my comfort zone for my health.

My name is Poovizhi ,I stand for equality and equity for myself and others during the sessions with Aadhi I learnt to belive in myself and the potential of mine is more than what I think or I have limited to myself. During the session I have learnt to say things that I don’t know as I don’t know without hesitation. I have also learnt that moon is connected with women and also the benefits of fasting, cold water bath and waking up early morning. I am an own I can stay awake late night but I can not wake up early. I attempted to wake up one day at 4 and did my work I actually felt that the day was longer and energetic. But I am not able to continue it. I need to work on that. I have started fasting in the mornings and now it is about a month and I am able to continue that. I feel good and I have also learnt that our ancestors have done things for a reason but now we have forgotten the purpose and just following the rituals without knowing the purpose.

My name is Sri Bhavani, and I stand for love and equality for myself and others. From Aadhi and Gomathi’s session, I learned about the connection between nature, the human body, and healing. I also learned the benefits of fasting and have started practicing it a couple of days each month. This session helped me become more self-aware of what I know and what I still need to learn. I was inspired by their session and have incorporated a few habits into my routine. I acknowledge Sanjeev for his care and commitment to the team’s health and well-being. I will use it in my life.

15TH -AUROVILLE MARATHON 2025

-Sivaguru, Sandhiya Bala, Sribhavani, Preethi R, Preethi P, Andreas, Aarthi, Patchaiyappan, Nithya Sandhosh, Ilakiya and Durai

One of our core values is responsibility. This includes taking responsibility for our life and health. Many of us decided to participate in the Auroville Marathon event. While most of us participated in a 10k run, Prem did a half marathon (21 km). Some of us prepared leading to the event a few others did a bit of a warm-up for a week leading up to the challenge. Here are our reflections.

The Auroville Marathon was held on Sunday, 18th February 2024. In addition to the marathon and half marathon, a 10k run is available. It is one of the largest and most popular running events in India, with participants from all parts of India which is publicized by past runners through word of mouth or blogs like this.

The event is non-commercial and organized purely for the joy of running. It considers all the finishers as winners.

This year our team participated in the marathon. For that, our steward Sanjeev Ranganathan encouraged us to be physically fit to do the push-ups and sit-ups during the morning meeting every day for a week before the run. This helped us to stretch ourselves as physically fit. It helped us to complete the marathon without any physical injuries.

Here are the few reflections from our team members,

Sivaguruprasath:

My name is Sivaguruprasath, and I stand for courage, full potential, and equanimity for myself and others. I noticed that I could challenge my thought of “I can’t do it,” and I ran with perseverance. I completed the run, and it was an unforgettable moment that filled me with happiness.

Preethi R:

My name is Preethi. I stand for courage and kindness for myself and others. It was a nice experience for me to be part of this year marathon. It was not just about reaching the finish line but also about learning more about myself. When the race started, I felt excited and full of energy. But as the kilometres passed, I realized that running a long distance is not just about speed, it’s about patience and endurance. At some points, I felt tired and wanted to stop. My mind kept telling me to keep going, step by step. This made me realize that I can push through challenges if I stay determined. Another thing I learned is the power of motivation. Seeing other runners and hearing cheers from people along the way gave me energy. It reminded me that support from others makes a big difference. When I crossed the finish line, I felt proud and it was a great experience for me.

Andreas:

When participating at the 15th Auroville Marathon I ran a 21km Half Marathon for the first time. The starting time, route markings and nutrition stations were well placed. I am happy with my time of 1h 55min. It was nice to see many parts of Auroville while running on different roads and paths with everything was lit by the sunrise. Even though I was sweating a lot and keeping up the pace was really exhausting, I really enjoyed the run. The finish was also nice with included snacks and breakfast, and the professional stretching was helpful. Coming together with all others to dance and have fun after the run was also nice. Overall, a great event, in my opinion.

Bhavani:

My name is Sri Bhavani. I stand for Love and Equality for myself. In this Auroville marathon, I was able to notice my level of perseverance and courage while finishing the marathon of 10km. This event created an opportunity for the people who are dedicated to sports, youths, elderly people, and children. I was inspired by one of the participants who is a senior citizen and a woman. I see courage in her to finish the run. I learned 2 important things. One is there is no age to do sports and another one is, when I cannot take a big action for the change, at least I can do minimal action for the change I wish to see.

SandhiyaBala:

My name is Sandhiya Bala, and I stand for courage, care, and happiness for myself and others. Participating in this year’s marathon has been a challenging yet enriching experience. It has helped me recognize my capabilities, pushing me beyond my limits while teaching me the importance of self-discipline and perseverance. Through this journey, I have gained a deeper understanding of how to take care of my health, maintain a proper diet, and build endurance. This experience has strengthened my physical fitness and reinforced the power of determination and mindful self-care in achieving my goals.

Nithya Santhosh:

My name is Nithyasandhosh. I deeply care about kindness and equality for myself and others. Recently, I participated in a 25K marathon, which was an incredible and inspiring experience. I was truly impressed by the organizing team and their ability to manage such a large-scale event with efficiency and dedication. I see the quality and full potential and responsibility.

It was amazing to see so many people from different states in India come together to participate. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, unity, and a spirit of equality, as everyone encouraged and motivated each other. Every 3 kilometres, there were well-organized stalls providing electrolytes, water, fruits, and other essentials to keep the runners energized.

This marathon was a celebration of determination, teamwork, and perseverance. It reminded me of the power of community and the importance of pushing our limits while supporting one another. I look forward to participating again and inspiring more people to take part in such enriching experiences.

Ilakiya:

My name is Ilakya Arasi. I stand for kindness and courage for myself and others. From the Marathon, I learnt that I could be my own companion that could encourage me to reach my destination. I noticed that I can inspire myself, I can always drive myself to the end point.

Aarthi:

My name is Aarthi, I stand for equality, integrity and perseverance for myself and others. It is my first time to participate in the Auroville marathon.  when I was running l like the environment around me, the nature, encouraging people, that boost my energy to run fast. Once I completed the marathon, I do not have energy but the environment motivated to dance and enjoy. It was a memorable day for me. Really it was a joyful running. Everyone cared and supported others. Thank you for all.

Preethi P:

My name is Preethi P I stand for courage and happiness for myself and others. It was my first marathon and it was a very super experience for me to run 10 km.it was not about who has to finish first it’s about the joy of running and I learned about my capacity and about myself. When I started to run I felt more energetic and I think that it is very easy to pass 10 km , as I passed half kilometres, I felt I had no energy to complete and I think that I have to quit but when I saw the elder ones running behind me it  motivated me to run and I learnt more patience and self confidence. At the finishing line other people cheering the runners and it gives me energy and I feel proud and it is a new experience for me to be a part of the marathon.

Patchaiyappan:
My name is Patchaiyappan. I stand for peace for myself and others. this marathon I participated in 21 km running. it was the second time for 21km running, and I was more excited at the starting time, running among the jungle it was make so happy for my mind and also it helped me notice what is my strength and how much capacity i am having without doing prior practice. The volunteers supported as well for me. finishing point they wear for us medal it felt me satisfied.

Duraisamy Pandurangan :

My name is Duraisamy Pandurangan. I deeply care about dignity, wisdom, and freedom. I participated in a 10km marathon without shoes. It was really hard to complete, but the perseverance and determination within me drove me to finish. Many participants encouraged me during the difficult parts of the run, which showed the humanity and support of others. Finishing the marathon gave me a sense of energy and fulfillment.