Peacefully nestled in the Viluppuram district near Puduchery, Tamil Nadu, is a township like none other. Transcending money, politics and religion, welcome to Auroville, the City of Dawn. "Auroville is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creed, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity." It was founded on 28th February, 1968, by Mirra Alfassa (known as "The Mother") as a project of the Sri Aurobindo Society. Mirra Alfassa was the spiritual collaborator of Sri Aurobindo, who held the notion that "man is a transitional being". It was designed by Roger Anger.

There is no concept of religion in Auroville!

Auroville believes in the service of truth, beyond religious conviction. There is a temple at the centre of the township called "The Mantrimandir". It is of spiritual significance for those who practice Integral yoga and doesn't belong to any particular religion or sect.

Or politics

Auroville runs without a hierarchical order. It is controlled by an assembly that comprises of every adult resident. Imagine a township being ran by an assembly of 900-odd members, hailing from different cultures, who at times do not even understand one another! Despite the community's internal struggles, it flourishes almost as an independent nation!