Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: Auroville Exposure Tour Imparts Essence of Sustainable Practices to Participating Students
On the third day of the Auroville Exposure tour under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat (EBSB) programme, the participating students at Auroville delved into the intricacies of sustainable living by understanding the essence of Auroville and its sustainable practices.
The day commenced with an educational tour of the Botanical Gardens. Witnessing the dedicated efforts in conservation and cultivating diverse species, the students appreciated the meticulously crafted gardens and their thoughtful designs.
In Architectural sessions they learnt about principles of design, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, natural integration, and eco-friendliness within a communal framework. They also learnt about Auroville’s distinctive approach with a focus on setting an exemplary standard for others to follow and adopt as they exchange best practices.
The day continued with meditative movement, yoga, sound baths, and an exploration of “Theatre Powerful Me,” allowing students to experience the diverse creative forces aligned with Auroville’s integral education philosophy.
The students were eager to learn more, share best practices, and actively contemplate implementing these insights in their own communities. Their questions reflected genuine curiosity and evolving concerns in understanding how Auroville addresses the challenges that they face in their respective communities.
Music and dance performances in the evening celebrated the diversity and uniqueness of each participant’s cultural heritage. The collective spirit of the day reflected not only the educational exchange but also in developing friendships and a shared commitment to sustainable and harmonious living.
The Ministry of Education has initiated this programme to emphasise the relevance of the educational-cum-cultural tour to themes under NEP, G-20 Leaders’ Declaration, Shri Aurobindo’s 150th Birth Anniversary and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The programme has been envisioned following the suggestion of Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan to introduce the Aurobindo circuit under EBSB. The emphasis of the initiative will be on exposing the youth to spirituality and Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy and practical implementation of integral education, Auroville being a unique experiment towards that end. Auroville Foundation, an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of Education, is organising the programme.
