The mention of the month of February would raise a sweet note in the heart of any child of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo. This is the blessed month that celebrates the advent of The Mother onto the earth scene in a physical body. Being born in Paris in the year 1878, The Mother enters the 134th year of her birth anniversary this year. The February issue of this Newsletter pays homage to The Mother on this occasion. This February also sees the 44th anniversary of the birth of Auroville, The City of Dawn. An added darshan special awaits us. This year, the Golden Day, also known as the Supramental Manifestation, will be observed on 29th February marking the 56th year of the descent of the Supramental Light on 29th February 1956.
Auroville, and Puducherry, for that matter, deserve some special mention in this editorial for another reason as well. The information in this section of the editorial is based on personal observation and interviews with some people from Auroville and Puducherry as well as the media.
On 30th December 2011, Auroville saw, together with Puducherry, the advent of a calamitous force in the guise of the Cyclone Thane, which struck at the wee hours of the morning and lasted for at least 6 hours unabated. There were casualties in terms of lives lost and damage to property and infrastructure. Even now, almost a month into the event, evidence of the carnage left behind by Thane remains stark and self-explanatory. Fallen trees, damaged trees, fallen wires, telephone poles…. These were common sights all along the coast of that part of South India.
However, above the damage to life and property, above the fear that was attempting to cast its spell on all, above the despondency of families still reeling from the shock of the loss and damage left behind, what is becoming more and more evident is the indomitable spirit of this place.
Inhabitants of Puducherry appear to recall the horrors of the cyclone with a smile now. Affected people speak of all the work before them in reconstructing damaged property with a new energy and enthusiasm. The work of clearing affected areas is moving on steadily. Many trees were uprooted during the cyclone which came upon the affected areas at a speed of 140 kmph. Some of the fallen trees were very old trees which had stood the test of time for a long, long time but which now had succumbed to cyclone Thane. Many trees which are standing now have lost many of their branches and leaves. But there is hope today, as tiny, tender, pinkish shoots make their way gently to the surface of these trees, at the nodes, breaking out into the vast space around them. There is a subtle but powerful message of hope in this. This is what we need to cheer and salute, for this spirit is what shall remake the places and cities washed clean of structures of an old era, perhaps. These tender shoots are to be celebrated. And visitors from all over the world need to recognize that it is a spirit that grows stronger each passing day. Pity and sorrow expressed cannot and will not be of any help here. The collective spirit of goodwill will stand hand in hand with the spirit of progress that is already firmly planted in Puducherry and Auroville. Speculations are rife. Why did this happen; what is the significance, what the message. Many are the explanations, interpretations and predictions. But the good news is, today, Puducherry and Auroville are marching forward, slowly but steadily, in their effort to restore and reconstruct anew.
February 21st, 28th and 29th will be especially significant days in both Puducherry and Auroville this year.
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