Director-General of UNESCO visits Auroville

Written by Radio Team

Tuesday, 12 January 2010

Madame Irina Bokova graced Auroville today with her visit. This gracious lady of Bulgaria has just been recently appointed as Director-General of UNESCO. The Conference Room at Town Hall overflowed with Auroville's residents as they listened to Dr. Aster Patel's welcoming words followed by Kripa: Aurovilian by birth and by choice as she elaborated the ideals of Auroville. Madam Bokova spoke in the same vein, stressing the need worldwide for tolerance and respect for one another, to work harmoniously with science, with technology and nature for the benefit of humanity. And for this, she promises to work tirelessly. Her recognition of Auroville's role toward this goal was appreciated by all.

New Humanism for the 21st Century

Written by Miriam - courtesy of Auroville Radio

Wednesday, 13 January 2010

Beautiful, sunny afternoon in January... Town Hall... people started to gather for the official visit of Director-General of UNESCO Mrs. Irina Bokova... "When is she coming, what will she tell us..." were the questions, and temperature seemed all of the sudden to start to raise... 

"She's here!", and first greetings from Tatiana in Bulgarian brought tears on the edge of Mrs. Bokova eyes. 

Her visions about most important things are so close to what Auroville stands for, and the fact that she came for a visit, which was the first of the kind from the side of UNESCO, clearly express the recognition of Auroville in the world. 

And when she finally addressed us all... feelings were so intense, it was one of the moments when you can clearly feel connectedness between all of us, and the world...then you know, that even if it is hard sometimes, Auroville is the place where you have to and want to be....