Latest news with #Auroville
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Auroville and IIT-M working to fast-track sustainability campus project
Auroville and IIT-Madras are looking to fast-track the project to establish a state-of-the-art sustainability campus on a 106-acre expanse of land in Sedarapet area that will be dedicated to incubating green technology solutions. The initial focus of the proposed Research and Development facility will be to harness cutting-edge green tech towards developing green energy solutions and electric vehicles, particularly for commercial applications and high-load carriers with long-range capabilities. A high-level delegation from IIT-Madras (IIT-M) led by its Director V. Kamakoti was in Auroville this week to take the project forward. The 69th meeting of the Governing Board (GB) of the Auroville Foundation that convened earlier this month had approved the draft MoU for the partnership, also involving the Ministry of Education, in this regard. The Ministry of Education, which has oversight over Auroville, also cleared the proposal to set up the entity on a piece of leased land inside the township. The IIT-M, with its primary campus at Guindy in Chennai, envisions the proposed facility in the international township as its fourth campus. The premier institution has established two satellite entities — the NTCPWC-Discovery campus in Thaiyur and the international campus at Zanzibar, Tanzania. In March, Mr. Kamakoti had stated that it was proposed to earmark 20 acres of the sustainability campus to set up a world class zero-emission test track for electric trucks under the roof of a Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET). While this is in alignment with the broader national policy of guiding the logistics sector (where freight vehicles account for about 45% of transport emission) in transitioning to Zero Emission Technologies, the mandate of the sustainability campus is also to work on projects focused on achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The IIT-M has found a convergence of these missions with Auroville's ideals. Auroville has also signed a separate MoU to establish an IIT-M research park and a Centrally-supported Innovation Hub in Auroville as a tripartite partnership that involves the Ministry of Education. 'We expect the campus to deliver sustainable solutions that are relevant not just to India but to the world at large,' said Jayanti S. Ravi, Auroville Foundation Secretary, who serves as Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue, Gujarat. The partnerships harmonise well with one of Auroville's founding purposes at the time it was conceived by The Mother — that of steering the world on to a path of conscious living, she said. Meanwhile, the IIT-M delegation undertook a site visit to Sedarapet to assess the land earmarked for the campus as part of preparing a Detailed Project Proposal. During feasibility study, the officials outlined the ambitious scope and objectives of the initiative, Auroville said in a press note. Addressing global supply challenges pertaining to rare-earth shortage through R&D innovations is among the plans. 'The sustainability campus will provide a significant boost to emerging startups from Auroville, Puducherry, and the broader bio-region,' said G. Seetharaman, OSD, Auroville Foundation. The IIT-M Director noted that the collaboration represented a significant step toward integrating sustainable technology education with community development in the Auroville region. The proposed campus is designed to serve as a hub for research and development in sustainable technologies while providing educational pathways for local students and supporting the growth of eco-friendly startups in the region. The partnership is also expected to create new opportunities for innovation in sustainability and green technology, Auroville said. The IIT-M Director, who was accompanied by associates Rajnish Kumar and R.G. Robinson, visited the Matrimandir and the Matrimandir Lake project, and assured Auroville of extending IIT's technical support for the endeavour, the press note said. Earlier, the IIT-M team was welcomed by an Auroville team that comprised the OSD, Venugopal (Senior Consultant), Sindhuja Jagadeesh, from the Auroville Town Development Council (ATDC), and Antim S from The Admissions and Terminations Scrutinising Committee (ATSC). The visit also featured community interaction, including a presentation of Mr. Kamakoti on 'IIT for Everyone Programme', the note added.
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Auroville researchers aim to ignite global interest in traditional mathematics education at Seoul meet
An Auroville research team will present a paper on the time-honoured mathematics pedagogy at the 9th East Asia Regional Conference on Mathematics Education (EARCOME 9) that is under way in Seoul, South Korea. A press note from Auroville said this marked the first time India was participating in this regional conference (July 18-22) and also represented 'a milestone in the global recognition of Indian mathematical pedagogy'. Sanjeev Ranganathan, Head of SAIIER (Sri Aurobindo International Institute of Educational Research) and IIT-Madras alumnus and Poovizhi, a mathematics teacher at Auroville School, will present a research paper on 'Indian Knowledge Systems and the Impact on Teachers When They Learn Indian Knowledge Systems and How They Interact with Children.' According to Mr. Ranganathan, the research revealed that most mathematical concepts taught in schools today originated in India but became distorted through centuries of cultural transmission. 'Functions on mathematics education: that is a mix of normal and formal mathematics. And the primary purpose of formal mathematics was that during colonial times, the work that was done by earlier mathematics was sort of discredited.' Among key discoveries that suffered from translation flaws were the mathematical concepts like 'sine theta' that originally described tangible concepts (the bending of a bow) but became abstract through Arabic-Latin translations, he said. Formal mathematics was also elevated over practical, observable mathematics during colonial periods. As a cumulative result, students today learn mathematics disconnected from real-world applications, leading to widespread math anxiety, Mr. Ranganathan added. The authors say there is compelling evidence from Auroville classrooms that support their findings on the effectiveness of traditional models, most demonstrably so, when mathematical concepts are taught through native languages. Imparting mathematical knowledge in the Indian knowledge tradition went beyond the pedagogical to represent a method, an approach, said Jayanti S. Ravi, Additional Chief Secretary of Gujarat and Secretary of Auroville Foundation, who, the press note said, held a sustaining interest in supporting the research project. Referring to the 'worldwide crisis in mathematics education' and widely prevalent math phobia, Ms. Ravi noted that a number of students wound up completely alienated from the branch mid-way into schooling. 'So, we lose out on the STEM constituency'. The Auroville Secretary mooted exploring alternative ways to popularise traditional educational models at a scale across India, potentially to the level of a mass movement, and also evoke global curiosity. The implementation plan includes conducting a series of teacher training workshops across India, curriculum integration with existing educational standards and certification programmes in collaboration with international universities.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Auroville's push for transformative engagement with schoolchildren
Auroville recently hosted a conference of educators to push for transformative ways of engagement that would wean children away from digital dependency and nurture their physical excellence and creative potential. A press note said the 5th Integral Education Practitioners Gathering (IEPG5), organised by Sri Aurobindo International Institute of Educational Research (SAIIER), brought together over 150 educators, researchers, and facilitators to address the most pressing challenges facing children in today's technology-dominated world. The three-day event on the theme — 'Research in Auroville' — positioned educators at the forefront of combating what many consider the silent crisis of childhood — excessive screen time and the erosion of physical development. The IEPG programme was originally conceived and launched in 2021 by Jayanti S. Ravi, Secretary of Auroville Foundation, with a clear mission to nurture children to become the leaders, India needs for its future, the press note said. 'We are witnessing a generation of children whose potential is being diminished by screens while parents unknowingly enable this damage,' said a lead workshop facilitator. 'Our mission is to awaken both educators and parents to reclaim childhood through conscious engagement and physical excellence.' Pointing to the alarming trend of working parents using mobile devices as 'digital babysitters', educators cautioned that this seemingly convenient solution created profound developmental risks. While children can develop addiction-like behaviours to gaming and video consumption, parents tend to buy into the illusion that their children are 'safe and occupied' while in reality, they are missing out on critical developmental windows. The long-term consequences of digital obsession can lead to loss of physical coordination, reduced attention spans, and weakened social skills, experts said. The IEPG5 has also introduced revolutionary approaches to physical education that go beyond traditional sports programmes. During the sessions, experts called for adopting advanced methods to identify each child's unique athletic and creative talents early in development, comprehensive frameworks to nurture identified skills into excellence, whether in sports, arts and interventions designed to make physical activity more compelling than screen-based entertainment. In addition to comprehensive strategies to help children break free from screen addiction through engaging alternatives, experts also laid emphasis on educational campaigns to help working parents recognise and address the hidden costs of digital convenience. Deepti and Matriprasad from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Jean-Yves (Auroville) and Smrithi (Anaadi Foundation) led the sessions. Pointing to the participation of educators from Auroville's surrounding villages, the press note said rural teachers were now implementing digital wellness programmes and physical excellence initiatives. In fact, teachers in schools in the bioregion reported improvements when screen time was reduced and physical activities increased, with children showing enhanced focus, better sleep patterns, and renewed enthusiasm for learning, Auroville said.
India.com
29-05-2025
- India.com
6 Motorcycle Road Trips From Chennai City For An Adventurous Weekend
As the capital and cultural center of Tamil Nadu Chennai provides ideal conditions to begin exciting motorcycle excursions. Motorcycle enthusiasts find the routes surrounding Chennai to be exhilarating paths for adventure so they can spend exciting time exploring them. Multiple exciting destinations exist near Chennai which you can enjoy by driving your motorcycle to spend unforgettable weekends at any of them. Generate a collection of the premier motorcycle open-road options departing from Chennai below. 1. Mahabalipuram The UNESCO World Heritage Site district of Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram) exists approximately 60 kilometers south of Chennai because of its rock-cut temples and elaborate stone carvings. A journey that lasts 1.5 hours along East Coast Road (ECR) exposes visitors to picturesque views of the Bay of Bengal. The most significant attractions in Mahabalipuram consist of Shore Temple alongside Pancha Rathas and Arjuna's Penance. The destination provides an ideal experience of cultural ruins and coastal relaxation and natural landscapes through its short-distance accessibility. 2. Pondicherry Travelers can easily reach Pondicherry which has now become Puducherry by taking ECR for approximately 160 kilometers. As a former French colony this city showcases colonial buildings with European cultural traditions mixed with local Indian customs and it features both cosmopolitan promenades and sites for spiritual development including Auroville. Traveling along smooth roads along scenic views proves to be an enjoyable four-hour drive. You should try traditional French pastries during your stay and find them at the bakeries in town. 3. Yelagiri Hills Yelagiri Hills stands as an excellent getaway that lies 220 kilometers west of Chennai offering visitors forested landscapes and refreshing temperatures. Tourists visiting Yelagiri can enjoy mountain panoramas and forest hiking paths while admiring Swamimalai Lake and its peaceful waters which rest at 1,400 meters elevation. You can experience thrilling motorcycle activities on the serpent ghat roads which maneuver through forested areas and decorative towns on the way to Yelagiri. Your weekend will combine camping beneath night stars with thrilling paragliding experiences. 4. Kanchipuram Kanchipuram serves as one of the seven sacred Indian cities while becoming a haven for tourists who love history and religious encounters because it stands 75 kilometers southwest from Chennai. The town is cherished for having two important temples namely Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple while preserving magnificent Dravidian architectural masterpieces. The well-kept highways provide travelers with two hours of pleasant driving conditions. Bike parking in the temple town allows you to experience leisurely cycling through its grounds. 5. Vellore Fort Located west of Chennai at a 140 kilometer distance from Chennai stands Vellore Fort as one of the prominent sites of Vellore which was built in the 16th century. Within its surrounding moat-like barrier this fort includes both religious buildings such as church and mosque and Hindu temple structures which demonstrate harmonious interfaith relations. The journey brings you past charming agricultural areas with multiple villages along the way. Visiting Vellore Fort has ample time remaining besides seeing Jalakandeswarar Temple since this travel requires approximately three hours maximum. 6. Kotagiri & Ooty Travellers who want to spend more time during their weekend should visit Ooty together with Kotagiri at the Nilgiri Hills range. Visitors need to spend at least one night in these mountain destinations which lie 500 kilometers southwest of Chennai city because they deliver unforgettable experiences. Your motorcycle will face several difficulties before rewarding you with breathtaking mountain views from within the challenging hairpin road course. The attraction possibilities at your destination include toy train journeys together with tea estate journeys paired with boat exploration at Ooty Lake. Conclusion The city of Chennai presents various attractions including historic sites along with natural parks and mountain destinations which make it ideal for road excursion by motorbike. Riding to different destinations gives travelers three distinct types of experiences that involve spending time in natural regions or experiencing local cultures or experiencing the excitement of different road types. Proper planning and adherence to safety guidelines make motorcycle trips into everlasting pleasant memories. Start your weekend by readying your vehicle and igniting your engine before hitting the adventurous road where fantastic sights remain untold in the distance.
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- The Hindu
Auroville's summer workshops train youth in new technologies
The Auroville Institute of Applied Technology (AIAT), which offers Bachelor of Vocation ( in future technologies, has concluded a round of free short-term summer internships for young students in cutting-edge domains. A press note from Auroville said the workshops that attracted over 50 students from in and around Puducherry and the Auroville bioregion are an initiative supported by the Auroville Foundation under the Ministry of Education, seeking to level up technological knowledge and contribute to a smarter nation. The courses were aimed at students aged 13 years and above and provided hands-on exposure in fields, such as 3D printing, robotics and drones. Each workshop was of one-week duration and imparted practical learning with the aim to equip the participants with future-ready skills. The sessions also focused on grooming them as ethical leaders with tools and templates of transformational leadership, so that technology is turned into a force of good. The short course on 3D Printing and Modelling led participants to explore additive manufacturing, design and create their own 3D models using software like TinkerCAD, and learn how 3D printers function. Apart from initiation into slicing software (Cura) and various printing materials and techniques, the workshop covered the fascinating process of converting real-world objects into digital models and back again. The electronics workshop equipped students with the fundamental principles of electronics and their practical applications. They learned to calculate and design simple circuits and gained valuable hands-on experience in practical electronics and soldering, culminating in building a custom board to charge their own phones. The Robotics and Drones course explored the core components and logic behind robotics. Participants were taught basic programming for robots that enabled them to control robots for various tasks, such as driving, path following, obstacle detection, maze escaping, and even colour sorting, using Mindstorm robots and robotic arms. The workshop also introduced students to the world of drones, including the principles of autonomous flight, and provided an introduction to using Computer Vision to analyse and understand the surrounding environment. According to Sanjeev Ranganathan, an alumnus of IIT Madras who heads AIAT and SAIIER, these workshops, which align with the National Education Policy, reflect AIAT's philosophy of providing quality education and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The courses offered by AIAT combine 40% theoretical education with 60% practical training across four specialised streams — Software Development and Machine Learning, Applied Electronics and Chip Design, Green Energy and Electrical Systems, and Production Technology. Students who have been part of previous workshops and training at AIAT and its partner, Auroville-based C3STREAM Land Designs had found that the workshop filled gaps in the regular engineering courses, the press note said.
