Date: 12-Jun-2026 Location: Society House Connecting with India that is Bharat - for Youth At the Tamil Nadu State Committee meeting held on 12 June 2026 in Puducherry, SAFIER — the educational initiative of Sri Aurobindo Society — shared its vision for youth engagement. Shivakumar emphasized the theme of India That is Bharat, urging young people to discover the deeper truth behind the nation’s identity and to live by the inner spark of the Psychic Being. He highlighted Yoga as the many‑sided path through which India rises today. Education of the Soul Priti spoke on the transformative role of Poetry, Art and Music in nurturing the soul. Drawing from Sri Aurobindo’s insights, she explained how poetry refines emotions, art brings stillness to the emotions, and music deepens and unifies the inner movements. Centres were encouraged to begin with indigenous poetry, folk arts, and local music traditions, making them the foundation for programmes that awaken aesthetic sensitivity and inner growth. Pathways for Youth & Children Centres Together, Shivakumar and Priti outlined practical activities for Tamil Nadu centres and branches: 1-day and 2-day youth camps leading to national-level participation, children’s centres - Aurokids promoting art-based learning, and exposure visits to Puducherry for adults. Self-development practices such as Kolam and Savitri painting, along with study of foundational texts like Brain of India and the Uttarpara Speech, were identified as pathways to nurture both individual and collective transformation.

Date: 19-Jun-2026 Location: IIT Palakkad, Kerala On 19th June 2026, Shri Shivakumar, Director of SAFIER and AuroYouth, Sri Aurobindo Society, delivered an inspiring session for the students of IIT Palakkad on the theme of holistic growth and the deeper purpose of education. This was part of 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations organised by the Yogshala, IIT Palakkad. A group of about 30 students, with a few staff, participated. Drawing from his own educational journey in Palakkad, he encouraged students to look beyond academic excellence and recognise that success in life depends not only on professional competence but also on developing a healthy body, emotional balance, clarity of mind, and a strong inner foundation. He highlighted that education should prepare students for life by nurturing these essential dimensions alongside intellectual achievement. Introducing the audience to the Indian understanding of Yoga as a process of connecting with the deeper source of one's inner potential, Shri Shivakumar explained that every field of human endeavour can become a path of excellence when guided by this inner consciousness. Through examples from the lives of accomplished individuals, he illustrated how creativity, leadership, and true fulfilment emerge by aligning one's work with this inner power. The session concluded with an invitation to students to embrace a more integral approach to education and life, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society while realising their highest potential.

Date: 27 Mar - 30 Mar, 2026 Location: Neevam The School, Amravati, Maharashtra The Sri Aurobindo Foundation for Integral Education and Research (SAFIER) conducted a three‑day Integral Education workshop at Neevam – The School, Amravati, Maharashtra, from March 28–30, 2026. Facilitated by Shivakumar (Director, SAFIER) and Priti (Co‑Project Facilitator, SAFIER), the program brought together 25 teachers, including senior staff and board members, to deepen their understanding of Integral Education (IE). This annual training is part of SAFIER’s ongoing work to help the school management and its educators integrate the approach of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s vision of education into their lives and also classroom practice. On 27th of March, the school management hosted a two-hour interactive workshop led by the SAFIER facilitators for the parents titled "One Child, Two Worlds: Weaving a Collaborative Path between Home and School". The session emphasized that home and school must harmonize to build a resilient inner foundation—intelligent mind, balanced emotions, and robust health—so that children can thrive. Practical parenting practices were highlighted, with a strong insight: parents’ own inner work and high ideals are the most powerful influence on a child. Neevam’s approach was presented as a slow but sure, collaborative partnership with families, to nurture soul‑qualities alongside academics. This event was designed to educate and motivate parents on the significance of both the school’s and the parents’ influence on the child's development. Workshop Highlights . Foundations of Integral Education: The workshop began with the emphasis that a better human being makes a better teacher, and that Integral Education starts with self‑education and inner growth. Facilitators guided participants to re‑examine the current system shaped by industrial and utilitarian models, which often reduce children to raw material for exams and careers. In contrast, IE . places the child’s soul at the centre, nurturing the whole being—body, emotions, mind, and psychic self. As the Mother wrote, “To learn for the sake of knowledge, to grow in consciousness, to discipline oneself to become master of oneself….”—this is the true purpose of education. Shivakumar and Priti also shared the inspiring life sketches of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, showing how their discovery of the inner genius laid the foundation of Integral Education, guiding humanity toward greater perfection. . The Science of Living: A key insight by the Mother was shared was that “the first thing to do, in order to be able to educate a child, is to educate oneself, to become conscious and master of oneself.” Teachers reflected on what kind of education is truly needed to master oneself—not another degree, but the practice of ‘knowing and controlling oneself’. This begins with the Science of Living, a two‑step process: to know oneself and to control oneself. The session emphasized that self‑education is the first step, laying the foundation for teachers to become conscious role models and inspired guides for their students. . Psychic Education: Recognized as the heart of IE, participants explored the “Inner Friend” as the guiding centre for self‑growth and teaching through experiential activities. The session on “Aim of Life” encouraged participants to look beyond career success and focus on spiritual growth and service to a higher purpose. In this way, by discovering one’s highest ideal, one get closer to one’s psychic/soul. Once teachers started the aspiration for this, they will be inspired to create a psychic atmosphere within and without, and thus help children to go closer to their psychic and live from there. . Physical Education: Session based on Physical Education emphasized that the body is the primary means of fulfilment for a beautiful life. It focused on developing physical discipline, coordination, and agility not just for sports teachers, but for everybody! The 4-Point programme which consisted of the main energy sources of Physical development: food and Exercise, Breathing, Sleep and Conscious movements were discussed shortly. . Experiential Activities: Creative Self‑Introductions, Mantra chanting, Journaling, Rangoli‑making, Body‑awareness games, Obstacle races and Yogic-Exercises helped teachers connect with themselves and their students at a deeper level. Conclusion The workshop concluded with an aspirational candle meditation session. Participants reflected on their learnings from the three-day workshop by closing their eyes and revisiting their experiences mentally. The session created a deep sense of gratitude and fulfilment among all participants. Thus, this workshop at Neevam reaffirmed that Integral Education is not a set of techniques, but a way of life. It calls upon teachers to first transform themselves—becoming conscious, balanced, and inspired—so they can guide children toward discovering their own inner genius. Teachers shared that the sessions left them feeling refreshed, centred, and motivated. Activities such as the obstacle race and creating Rangoli (kolam) designs on the floor helped them experience how the body, emotions, mind, and psychic being can collaborate seamlessly in a single act. This gave them a sense of joy, completeness, and harmony, reinforcing the essence of Integral Education. They also expressed that practices like mantra chanting, journaling, and conscious body work gave them tools to bring greater awareness into their classrooms. They felt more connected to the idea that education must be about integral growth of the whole being, not just academics, and that their role as teachers is to be living examples of inspiration. The workshop was a meaningful journey of self-awareness, learning, and integral development. These learnings will help the facilitators to work on themselves, be inspired and thus create inspirational classrooms. The core team of facilitators led by Hardik and Bharti will throughout the year introduce other practices through training sessions, such as introduction to Cooperative and Sensorial games, that were introduced during the earlier workshops, inculcating the habit within the teachers to always look at the main approach and ideal.

Date: Mar 11 —Mar 15 2026 Location: Jantral, Gujarat Sourcing Our Oneness series of programmes aspire to nurture a living spirit of unity and harmony among the organisations and individuals, inspired by the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, creating spaces for collective aspiration, collaboration, and inner growth. The Annual Sourcing Our Oneness (SOO) Camp was held at the quiet and healing campus of Sri Aurobindo Yoga Kendra, in Jantral, Gujarat, from 11th March to 15th March 2026, the place of Champaklal-ji's Samadhi. The camp brought together 20 individuals and representatives mainly from Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, Auroville and Gujarat, in a shared journey of discovery, learning, and inner exploration. When Champaklal-ji visited Jantral in 1982, he has said about this Centre which now enshrines the Relics of Sri Aurobindo, "Jantral will hold a unique, leading place on the map of India." The theme for the Oneness camp this year was Collaboration in helping the work of realising Sri Aurobindo’s Five Dreams for India, humanity, and the world, through Jantral. For several years, the land functioned as a naturopathy centre and has been used for organic farming. The continuity of this sacred work with renewed spirit and form has been the aspiration. It has been observed through Sourcing Our Oneness that when people come together in sincerity and work towards one aspiration, something shifts quietly and naturally. There is an emergence of Progress. Through the days, we deepened our understanding of these Five Dreams, with the Mother’s Symbol serving as our centre and anchor. This was explored through experiential activities, collective reflections, and readings from Savitri. The atmosphere of the Dhyan Khand, imbued with silence and concentration, supported an opening and a deeper connection with both oneself and the surrounding presence of the Divine. In alignment with the theme, the camp invited participants to collectively tune in through Sri Aurobindo’s Vision and the Mother’s symbol—the future work and possibilities for Jantral Centre. Through sharing spaces and insights, the camp served as a reminder of the potential of collective collaboration to bring out the inner possibility of oneself and the communities we nurture. Participants also spent time in quiet contact with nature, and in moments of offering at Sri Aurobindo’s Relics, Champaklal-ji’s Samadhi, and the Spiritual Map of India. One morning was dedicated to a visit to the Shakti Peeth of Kalika Mata at Pavagadh hills in the collective spirit of aspiration. The daily schedule included early morning sessions Yoga Asanas taken up by Shweta and with activities like Awareness Through the Body (ATB) by Shaily of Auroville which helped the participants awaken to their body consciousness, a much needed help to go into deeper psychic and spiritual explorations. Every day, before breakfast and after the evening tea, Shramdaan was embraced as an expression of Karma Yoga, taken up wholeheartedly by the participants in a spirit of collaboration and as a joyful offering to the Mother. Each morning began with Mantra chanting and a musical offering led by Priti, Shweta and Shaily, setting a positive and uplifting tone for the rest of the day. DAY 1 Welcome and Introduction We began with a warm welcome to the beautiful space of Jantral, as Jaya, Shivakumar and Priti familiarised participants with the origin and larger aspiration of the Oneness camp. This was followed by an introduction to Smita-ben, the steward of Jantral, who shared about Jantral’s role in India and the life of Champaklal, lovingly known as the Mother’s lion, whose life of service continues to fuel the aspiration of this place. After this, with Jaya’s help, the participants did an activity for coming up with the “impact” that they want Jantral to have in the coming years. Self-Introduction through Deeper Aspiration – by Priti From Aspiration to being, participants identified their personal aspirations and chose one of the Mother’s qualities corresponding to it. Through group reflection and sharing facilitated by Priti, we shared about our deeper aspiration and what receiving The Mother’s quality and message opened for each one of us. The session emphasised that transformation is not linear but guided and nurtured inwardly. The collective atmosphere supported a movement from understanding to lived experience. Daily Rhythm The first day concluded with settling into the rhythm of morning and evening shramdaan connecting with and working on the land. We closed the day by a collective reading from Savitri, Book 3 (The Book of the Divine Mother), Canto 2: Adoration of the Divine Mother, helping to anchor into the collective aspiration of the camp. DAY 2 Five Dreams of Sri Aurobindo – by Shivakumar After the early morning Yogasanas led by Shweta and the Awareness through the Body activities by Shaily, the day began with an introduction to Sri Aurobindo’s Five Dreams by Shivakumar through the A New Dawn film, inviting participants not just to understand, but to inwardly receive and later reflect on the message in silence. Through Sri Aurobindo’s words, the significance of 15th August emerged as more than India’s independence—it marked the possibility of a new age for humanity and the need for India to enter into a “national yoga”. We reflected on how this deeper transformation has already begun, unfolding through spaces like the Ashram, Auroville, and individual inner work. Echoing this, The Mother emphasized India’s role in rediscovering and manifesting its soul. The session concluded with a spark of lived experience for the participants that although the outer manifestation of oneness is to be realised, it would be much more accelerated as we become conscious of its within us and then express it. In this light, the Five Dreams are not distant ideals, but invitations to participate in a collective movement toward unity and transformation. Deepening with the 12 Qualities – by Jaya First we visualized the possibility of a New Birth of Jantral by opening to the higher inspiration to connect with the soul of the place. Then, we were facilitated into a structured collective design process through the 12 qualities of the Mother to bring alive its vision and role in India and the world. We were divided into small groups with the Mother’s Flower cards and significances. In mini-groups we collectively reflected on the vision emerging and what practical conditions would be needed to make it real, each contributing short insights that were then shared and organized together to reveal patterns and a common understanding anchored in the Mother’s qualities to connect our inner consciousness with outer design. DAY 3 Four Aspects of the Mother – by Priti Early morning, again, was spent in energising ourselves through Shaily’s Awareness activities and yogasanas led by Shweta. The later morning unfolded as a shared exploration of the Mother’s symbol, with Priti gently opening the inner door to the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. Participants were invited to relate to the symbol as something alive and powerful, gradually sensing its depth beyond form. Through collective reflection, questions like “Who is the Mother?” and “Why are we here?” opened an inner inquiry, bringing attention to one’s own scattered parts and the possibility of moving toward a deeper inner oneness. The symbol became a mirror revealing both our aspiration and our fragmentation. As the exploration deepened, participants began to recognize different movements within themselves—clarity (wisdom), strength, harmony, and attention to detail (perfection) as expressions of the Mother’s four aspects. This shifted the space from intellectual understanding to self-observation and inner contact. The session gently guided everyone to move from thinking to feeling, to sense the presence of these forces within, and to become more conscious of what they are aligning with in their daily movements. It became less about decoding the symbol, and more about beginning to live it. Led by Shweta, Jaya, Shivakumar and Priti, participants were then divided into four groups to go deeper into each aspect of the Powers of the Mother. Each group created an offering for the collective, expressing the embodied experience of that particular aspect. The day concluded with shramadan and concentrated Savitri reading, followed by packing lovingly made theplas for the next morning’s climb! Day 4 Ascending in Consciousness, at Pavagadh Hills! The day began with the group ready to leave by 5:30 am to embark on a collective climb up 2400 steps up to the sacred Shakti Peeth of Kalika Ma Temple in the Pavagadh hills, holding the inner aspiration to connect with the Mother’s Force within. The experience fostered a harmonious sense of joy, togetherness, devotion, and perseverance. Further Exploring the Mother’s Symbol – by Shivakumar & Priti Upon returning, the exploration of the Mother’s symbol deepened as participants were guided to experience it as a living Presence and Force. Revisiting the twelve qualities and the four powers, the focus shifted toward the Divine Conscious Force at the center of the symbol as the “sweet little Mother” within, known as the psychic being. Participants were introduced to this inner presence as the deepest truth of their being and the foundation of the path, with emphasis on three movements: discovering it, learning to live from it, and allowing it to guide one’s life. A key insight emerged in distinguishing the psychic from emotions and mental activity, pointing instead towards quiet aspiration and inner detachment as the way to it. The session opened the possibility that, through this discovery, hidden capacities and a deeper truth of being can unfold. It concluded by inviting a simple, experiential approach of connecting with the psychic through sincere opening, including the subtle and direct path of relating to flowers as expressions of the soul. The session continued with a collective aspiration through the reading of Savitri, deepening the connection with the land and the inner journey. The day concluded with a joyful traditional Garba dance offering to the Mother, bringing a celebratory and dynamic collective spirit into the camp. Day 5 Invitation to Collective Participation – by Jaya The final day unfolded with Shaily taking all to a deeper awareness and Shweta exploring the yogic exercises. After breakfast, participants were guided into an activity with the flower cards carrying the Mother’s significance, as carriers of meaning and guidance allowing participants to connect inwardly through a subtle and quiet opening. Listening to music generated from trees at the Auroville Banyan Tree created a shared field of concentration and receptivity, preparing the ground for a silent process of receiving and sharing flower and quality cards. This revealed a collective inner map reflecting strong foundations already present in Jantral, while gently bringing attention to areas of progress. As the exploration unfolded, the experience shifted from individual insight to collective responsibility. It emphasized that true transformation lies in lived practice of creating conditions of belonging, usefulness, and conscious action in everyday life to turn to inner guidance. Flowers, which began as a supporting element in earlier sessions, had now taken their rightful place at the heart of the process, mirroring the quiet, receptive atmosphere of Jantral. The day concluded with a collective gathering at Champaklalji’s samadhi, holding a shared aspiration for Jantral and its unfolding, and offering our aspirations in the form of lighted lamps, at the Relics of Sri Aurobindo. In a space of reflection and offering, participants expressed heartfelt experiences, many sharing a tangible sense of the Presence of Sri Aurobindo and the mother, and the inner movements awakened through the days spent together. The camp closed in a spirit of gratitude, inner quietude, and a renewed aspiration to carry this consciousness forward. On this concluding day, a few other devotees from Vadodara and Vallabh Vidya Nagar joined us in the collective aspiration.

Date: 30-Jan-2026 Location: Society House On 30 th Jan. 2026, Shivakumar and Priti of SAFIER interacted with a group of 25 students from all over Tamil Nadu, brought by Global Network for Equality (GNE-India) – founded by Advocate K R Raja, this organisation mainly aims to reconstruct the lives of children of crime victims in India and to eliminate their social stigma by providing them with support in all possible ways. The event was organised through Purnam Community of seekers from Auroville. The interaction started with a discussion on the true meaning of “Equality” – it is not providing everything equally to everybody indiscriminately! Like this, there are a few keywords which our education should have helped us to understand their true meaning, but has failed to do so. We took up a most interesting discussion on God – where is he and is it helpful to us know this! It led to the insight that the very word for God in Tamil “ Kadavul ” gives the clue to where God is, and then to what Sri Aurobindo and the Mother said about the discovery of the God Within helping us to make our life complete. We also saw how all that we want to be in life begins with this discovery that will help us discover our own hidden capacities, talents and the strength that we need to face life with courage! In fact, our life can never become complete and full without this discovery! After this the participant were shown the animation film “Sri Aurobindo: A New Dawn” in Tamil, on the life and vision of Sri Aurobindo, and how, along with the Mother, a complete approach to life was developed and named by him as “Integral Yoga”. A heartfelt sharing of what the participants felt about the film followed. At the end of the session, all the participants felt very happy that their exposure trip to the Ashram, Sri Aurobindo Society and Auroville has well begun!

Date: 06-Dec-2025 Location: Sharanam Community Centre On 6th December 2025, a two‑hour session titled Awakening the Inner Flame was jointly facilitated by Shivakumar and Priti of SAFIER, the Integral Education initiative of Sri Aurobindo Society. The session was part of AntarJyoti , organised by Sri Aurobindo Society State Committee, Karnataka, a retreat hosted at the Sharanam Community Centre near Ousteri lake, a model of eco‑friendly design and culturally sensitive architecture created by the Society. The retreat, held on 6th and 7th December, had 25 seekers from all walks of life to embark on an inward journey of rejuvenation and connection with the Divine. Shivakumar opened the session with an exploration of the “Gift” that Sri Aurobindo describes as inherent in every human being—the psychic presence within. Through selected passages of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, he guided participants to understand the nature of this inner flame, its wisdom, and the new capabilities it awakens when discovered. He clarified common misconceptions by distinguishing the psychic from vital feelings and mental conscience, and emphasized the importance of aspiration and self‑detachment in the sadhana of discovering the psychic being. The interaction concluded with the mention of practical methods for awakening this inner guide, including mantra chanting, connecting with nature, and direct concentration in the heart. Priti then led participants into a deeper experiential journey through the theme Be Like a Flower . Drawing on the Mother’s guidance, she invited the group to cultivate soul qualities of love, harmony, and beauty by connecting with flowers as living symbols of psychic presence. Participants engaged in meditative exercises with flowers from the Sharanam garden, observing their form, fragrance, and subtle vibration, and then writing or drawing the qualities they perceived. The spiritual significance of the flowers given by the Mother, was further pointed out in order to deepen the experience. Through stories of the Mother’s own discoveries and references to J.C. Bose’s pioneering work on plant consciousness, Priti highlighted the profound role of nature in awakening one’s inner being. Together, the sessions offered a rich blend of insight and practice, combining philosophical clarity with experiential depth. Participants were left with a renewed awareness of the psychic flame within and a simple yet profound way to nurture it—by being like a flower, open, equal, generous, and kind. The session stood as a beautiful step on the Sunlit Path, aligning with the retreat’s purpose of guiding seekers towards inner light and harmony.

Date:06-Feb-2026 Location:Aura Experience Store The book launch of Hymns of Chaos (The Poetry Collection dedicated to Sri Aurobindo) by Maithili Pradhan (Volunteer, SAFIER, Sri Aurobindo Society) was held at the Aura Experience Store, Pondicherry, in the gracious presence of members of the Sri Aurobindo Society and invited guests. The event was thoughtfully arranged and beautifully curated by Shivakumar, Priti Mandi, and Gayatri Majumdar. The event brought together literature enthusiasts, seekers, and members of the community for an evening of poetry, reflection, and dialogue. Programme Flow The event commenced with an introduction to the author, setting the context for her poetic journey and the inspiration behind the book. The book was penned during her brief stay in Pondicherry as an on-site volunteer with SAFIER, emerging from a deeply transformative experience. This was followed by an engaging interview conducted by Gayatri Majumdar, offering deeper insight into the author’s creative process and spiritual influences. A reading of select poems from Hymns of Chaos formed a special part of the session, allowing attendees to experience the cadence, emotion, and contemplative depth of the work firsthand. The formal inauguration of the book was carried out by Shri Pradeep bhai Narang, Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Society, marking the official release in the presence of Society members and attendees. Key Discussion Highlights During the interview, several themes emerged: Sri Aurobindo’s legacy as a poet and his distinctive poetic technique. His profound influence on the author’s poetry and inner life. The author’s deep sense of gratitude and connection to the Sri Aurobindo Society. Her association with the SAFIER team, with whom she volunteers and shares a sense of belonging and purpose. Closing & Informal Interaction The formal programme concluded with refreshments, followed by informal conversations among attendees. Guests engaged in discussions on poetry, spiritual literature, and the themes explored in Hymns of Chaos, fostering a warm and reflective atmosphere. Summary The launch of Hymns of Chaos was a meaningful literary and spiritual gathering that celebrated poetry as a medium of inner exploration and collective reflection. The inclusion of live poetry readings enriched the experience, enabling the audience to connect deeply with the spirit of the work. The event strengthened community bonds and highlighted the continuing influence of Sri Aurobindo’s vision on contemporary creative expression.

Date: Apr  7- Apr 10, 2024 Location: Society House   Ek Nayi Usha  (7–10 April 2024) was a four-day exposure programme organised by SAFIER, the Integral Education Initiative of Sri Aurobindo Society, for 40 people, aged 18–50 years, from Paigamberpur, Rudrapur and Haridwar. The primary goal of the camp was to deepen participants’ experience of Sri Aurobindo’s and The Mother’s vision and strengthen local centre work through experiential learning and Integral Yoga practices. The main facilitators were Shivakumar and Priti from SAFIER and the workshop was coordinated by Kirti Adhikari of Sri Aurobindo Society, Paigamberpur centre. Main Activities ●      Welcome and Knowing Each Other More Deeply:  kit distribution, Welcome address by Chairman - Pradeep Narang, group chanting, name-with-quality enactment and icebreaker activities to set the tone of inner and outer yatra. ●      Visit to Ashram and Ashram departments:  visits to Bureau Central, Sri Smriti and Samadhi with guided reflection and evening meditations. ●      Knowing Sri Aurobindo and the Mother:  screening of the film ‘Sri Aravind: Ek Nayi Usha ’, an animation film on the life of Sri Aurobindo with interaction; a reflective session on the poem “Invitation” by Sri Aurobindo; introduction to the story of The Mother via a presentation. ●      Auroville Immersion:  orientation at Unity Pavilion; presentation and guided visit to Matrimandir and its gardens and a session focused on the twelve qualities, a visit to Savitri bhavan. ●      Connecting to one’s Psychic being: session on flowers and their spiritual significance, a session on the 4 powers of the Mother and its connection to our every-day life, a guided meditation to travel inwards to become aware of one’s inner-weather and express it through art and a session to light the Flame of Aspiration. ●      Creating a Dream Centre:  facilitated a discussion and reflection on the role and functioning of a “Dream Centre”. This was a group activity to produce practical ideas and commitments. Outcomes ●     Stronger Cohesion:  enhanced trust and bonding across participants and coordinators. ●  Spiritual Deepening:  clearer experiential understanding of Sri Aurobindo’s teachings and practice tools for meditation and reflection. ●     Actionable Ideas:  concrete proposals and renewed commitment for local centre activities from the “Dream Centre” exercise. ●      Motivation to Continue:  participants left motivated to implement learnings in their home centres. Conclusion Ek Nayi Usha  successfully combined spiritual exposure to the Vision of Integral Yoga as propounded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and experiential learning through various activities. The participants left Puducherry more united, inspired and equipped to carry forward centre-level transformation work.

Date: Sep 02 - Sep 06, 2025 Location: Society House SAFIER, the Integral Education Initiative of Sri Aurobindo Society, together with SAS Hindi Zone, hosted AntarYatra 2025 — a five-day exposure trip to Puducherry for 24 participants from North India. The trip in the form of a workshop ran from 2–6 September 2025 at Society House and was conducted mainly in Hindi. The SAFIER facilitators were Shivakumar and Priti; SAS Hindi Zone facilitators were Aneeta Bansal and Kirti Adhikari. Purpose and Spirit The journey aimed to introduce the living spirit of Integral Yoga as presented by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, not as abstract theory but as something simple, real, and usable in daily life. From the very first moment we invited participants to travel on two yatras at once — an outer journey and an inner search to “know oneself” — and that gentle invitation became our thread throughout the five days. What We Did We blended short talks, experiential activities, quiet inner work, and visits around the Ashram and Auroville so the experience felt organic and connected. Sessions moved from playful awareness games and painting to chanting, singing bhajans , and visits to the Samadhi, Matrimandir, and Savitri Bhavan. Conversations and practices were mostly in Hindi, creating an intimate, easygoing atmosphere. Key Sessions and Activities . Welcome by Pradeep Narang, Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society . Opening reflection on the twin yatras — outer and inner — by Shivakumar and Priti . Connecting to oneself and each other through deeper qualities — Priti . Introduction to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother through films and a presentation — Shivakumar and Priti . Q&A on Sri Aurobindo, the Mother and the Ashram — Dr. Alok Pandey . Invoking peace and devotion through a bhajan — Aneeta Bansal . Chanting Sri Aurobindo’s Gayatri Mantra to invoke the higher light — Priti . Connecting with flowers and their significance — Sushanto and Rathirekha . Awakening to the physical through awareness games — Shivakumar . Connecting to Nature — watching a Sunrise in Silence — Priti . Jeevan Ek Prarthana — living life as an offering — Kirti Adhikari . Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Society and its activities — Shivakumar . Bheetar ka Mausam — inner discovery through painting — Priti . Introduction to Auroville — Lakshay . The Mother’s symbol and Yoga Nidra — Jaya . Introduction to Savitri — Neel Conclusion The closing practice — invoking the Fire of Aspiration — tied the experience together and gave everyone a simple personal resolve to carry forward. Participants left with soft, bright changes rather than dramatic conversions. Many felt touched, grateful, and quietly joyful. Several discovered inner layers they hadn’t noticed before and found small treasures — new ways of being that feel helpful in everyday life. AntarYatra 2025 was a gentle, heartfelt journey that wove inner discovery with shared moments. It offered approachable tools from Integral Yoga so that the participants could bring spirituality closer to their daily lives, carrying back small sparks of change and renewed belo nging .

Date: May 16 - May 24, 2025 Location: Sharanam Community Centre & Society House Glimpse of the Photo-Album of the Workshop on Facebook . Intensive workshops on Integral Education have been an integral part of SAFIER, the integral education wing of Sri Aurobindo Society, for the last three decades. This year, the Antah-Kamalam workshop, held from 16th to 24th May 2025, was more than just a training—it was a personal and collective awakening. Rooted in the philosophy of Integral Education as envisioned by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, the nine-day journey brought together 33 sincere seekers of IE from across the country including pre-primary, primary and high school teachers, co-ordinators, consultants, psychologists, directors and principals, ranging from the age of 25 to 55, from across geographies into a space of shared learning, reflection, and deep connection. Set in the serene and spiritually charged environments of Sharanam community centre and the Society House of Sri Aurobindo Society,   the workshop offered a rare pause—a chance to step away from the demands of daily life and explore what it truly means to be an educator, a learner, a facilitator and a conscious human being. Each day unfolded like a chapter, guiding participants through practices that awakened the body, stirred the heart, engaged the mind, and invited the soul. From physical yoga and nature walks to soulful storytelling and art, the experiences were simple yet powerful—reminding the participants that education begins with self-awareness and grows through connection, creativity, and care. Whether it was roaming in nature barefoot, sketching a tree, or reflecting on a teacher who shaped their lives, every moment held the potential to transform. What stood out was the ease with which strangers became companions and how silence often spoke louder than words. The facilitators—Shivakumar and Priti —held the space with grace, allowing each participant to unfold at their own pace, ably assisted by the volunteers Harsh and Nagajyothi. By the end of the nine days, participants carried back not just tools and insights, but a renewed sense of purpose and a deep knowing: that to teach well, we must first be willing to learn from within. Course Facilitators: SAFIER, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry. Introductory address - by Shivakumar The workshop began on the 16 th of May at Sharanam Community centre of Sri Aurobindo Society, which aspires to provide a conducive spiritual atmosphere to the guests and participants. Shivakumar addressed all the participants by telling them that this workshop- ‘ANTAH-KAMALAM ’ - is an opportunity to go within and look for the lotus that blooms within each one. Shivakumar read a quote by the Mother: “We are not here to do (only a little better) what others do. We are here to do what others cannot do because they do not have the idea that it can be done.” The sessions on laying the foundation of Integral Education and giving the participants an experience so that they could assimilate the essence of Integral Education were: Jointly facilitated by Shivakumar and Priti: Knowing the Founders of IE: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Developing Conscious Hands with the help of Kolam patterns (with Pre-Primary & Primary level teachers), Exploring & Refining the Vital, Shikshak to Adhyapak. Facilitated by Shivakumar: Story of Sharanam, A Re-look at Current Education – Part I and Embarking on the Journey of Integral Education, Where does Inspiration Come from?, The Journey begins — the Magic Mirror, An Awareness Game, Exploring the Physical, Opening Up of Our Senses, and How do We Proceed? Facilitated by Priti: Knowing oneself and Knowing others, Exploring the Space and A Re-look at Current Education – Part II, Source of Inspired Education, Introduction to Science of Living,  Journey continues: Decoding oneself,  Inner Weather, Connecting with One's Soul, through Art in Nature, Chanting, Dialogue with Oneself, Exploring the Powers Within, Sunrise Walk, How to celebrate Birthdays!, How to build an Integral Classroom, Introduction to Project Based Learning [PBL] in the Integral Way and Project Work Facilitated by Shekhar and Aditi: Yogic Exercises and introduction to Yogic Living Facilitated by Kavita: Connecting with Nature (visit to Aurovanam) Facilitated by Sushanto and Rathi: Connecting with Oneself with the help of Flowers Facilitated by Rathi and Surendhar Developing Conscious Hands with the help of Origami (with Pre-Primary & Primary level teachers) Facilitated by Beloo Introduction to Indian Culture, through Art & Architecture Facilitated by Shilpa Implementing IE at Pre-Primary [KG] Level Facilitated by Uttama Nature, Colour & Me (with Pre-Primary & Primary level teachers) and Storytelling - A Sharing Facilitated by Vikas Fun with Maths Facilitated by Anurekha Enjoying Dance movements (with Pre-Primary & Primary level teachers) Facilitated by Arjita Singing Sanskrit songs Mehfil - A Celebration at Sharanam Mehfil was the cultural offering made by all the participants, which was conducted in the indoor hall. The hall was nicely decorated with flower and candle arrangements and a beautiful environment was created. The participants got to know about their hidden potential and opened up like a flower opening petal by petal. In the end everyone held their hands standing in a circle and expressed the harmony and unity felt deep within the hearts of all, in the form of a song sung together. Flower Mandalas and preparing Fruit-Salads Every morning in Sharanam, a group of interested participants got-together before the sessions started and everyday made beautiful Flower-mandala and Fruit-Salads. This became an engaging, quiet, concentrated and a healthy way to begin the day. Project Presentations All the four groups beautifully and creatively presented their Journey of Growth during the 9-day workshop, ‘Antah-kamalam’ , at an Individual and Collective level by the way of songs, dances, PowerPoint-presentations and musical dramas. The presentations gave a nostalgic review of the workshop and gave an opportunity for sharing and listening to each other's progress and challenges. Conclusion: Flame of Aspiration  The Antah-Kamalam workshop was not just a programme—it was a lived experience of Integral Education. Across nine days, hearts opened, habits softened, and a deeper way of seeing took root. Participants returned to their schools and lives with new questions, deeper faith, and a quiet Flame of Aspiration to bring something sacred into the everyday. It wasn’t the end of a workshop. It was the beginning of a new way of being. Feedback by some of the Participants: “What I liked the most was the visit to the Ashram garden, ‘Matri Udyanam’ because the art of nature has awakened my inner calmness and deepened my realisation of the profound connection between o ur soul and the universe. It’s an eye opener that there is more to nature than meets the eye.” A poem written in the form of a feedback: Seeds of wisdom sown, Hearts now bloom. May this transformative journey’s essence forever stay, And its light illuminate future generations. Usha Chaitanya.K, Coordinator, Sri Prakash Synergy School, Peddapuram, Andhra Pradesh “The balanced integration of theory and practical sessions allowed deep understanding through hands-on activities and made the concepts more relatable. I learnt about the profound vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Their ideas on education are rooted in Self-realisation, Consciousness and Evolution. The food throughout the workshop was simple, sattvic, nutritious and filled with care and love. It reflected the spirit of Integral Education by supporting not only the body but also contributing to a calm and receptive state of mind.”  Divyajeetsinh Zala, Principal and Educator, Rungta Vidya Bhavan Bharuch, Gujarat “Antah-Kamalam was not just a retreat—it was a homecoming to my inner self. Bathed in the grace of The Mother and guided by the light of Sri Aurobindo, I experienced stillness, awakening, and a deep soul connection. Grateful beyond words for this sacred journey of self-discovery and inner blossoming.” Priti Rajput, Pre-primary and Primary head, Silver Bells English Medium School, Nashik, Maharashtra “What I liked the most was the aim of the workshop. I liked it the most because it helped me to know myself and motivated me to bring out my best.” Monica Taneja, Pre-Primary teacher, Seth M.R.Jaipuria School ,Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh “What I liked the most was the 3 principles of Education. By having a good understanding of 3 principles of IE, I can work on the inclusion of special needs students more practically.” Nidhi Sharma, Seth M.R.Jaipuria School, Bhiwadi, Rajasthan “What I liked the most  was our mentors' concern, care and love. I learnt that as a facilitator, I need to adapt this approach to have a strong bonding and connection with my children. ” Shashikala Patil, The Chief Directress and Pre-Primary teacher, SUPM Montessori school, Manvi, Karnataka “I am going back with the aspiration of making yogic exercises an inevitable part of my life. I will share my experiences with my family and friends. All the activities that we did here were interesting, engaging and helped a lot to know about oneself.” Debalina Banerjee, Pre-primary teacher, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Education, Kolkata “After attending the Chanting session I felt that we are forgetting our Ancient language ‘Sanskrit’ which was the most scientific one, how well it is designed. I need to work on that.” Sudesh Thakur, TGT Science teacher, Sri Aurobindo School of Integral Education, Chandigarh “Every activity was followed by discussion that gave enough scope for reflections of one’s and others that helped in affirmation of learning.” Sonika Tyagi, GM-Curriculum and Training, Sri Aurobindo Society-Rupantar, New Delhi “All the activities and sessions were interactive and always made us be on our toes, completely engrossed.” Indumathi. S., Academic coordinator and Senior school teacher, Auro Mirra International School, Bangalore, Karnataka

Date: Oct 21—Oct 26, 2024 Location: Kolkata From 21–26 October 2024, the Sri Aurobindo Foundation for Integral Education and Research (SAFIER) team, Shivakumar and Priti, conducted visits and workshops that brought alive Integral Education (IE) as “The Education of the Soul,” inspiring teachers, school leaders, and parents to begin an inner and classroom transformation. Visits and workshops — brief chronology 21 October — Future Foundation School, Kolkata: The SAFIER team met five senior staff members, including the Principal, to celebrate the joy of implementing Integral Education practices and to stress that IE — The Education of the Soul — is the need of the hour. 22 October — The Mother’s International Institute of Education (TMIIE), West Midnapore:  A half-day introductory workshop for 14 participants (TMIIE teachers, Sri Aurobindo Vidyabhawan teachers, and director Indrani Basu) introduced the Founders and the IE framework through talks, activities, and an awareness game. The concluding activity, Flame of Aspiration , moved participants and inspired them to strengthen themselves first to bring out every child’s strength in the classroom. 23–26 October — Sri Aurobindo Institute of Education (SAIE), Kolkata:  A three-and-a-half-day workshop for 35 Primary and Pre-Primary teachers facilitated the Framework, Practices, and Principles of IE with interactive talks, films, skits, experiential activities, and games. Principal Anthony Das inaugurated the workshop; Governing Body members Nandita Chandra and Anindita Sil participated fully. A two-hour parent interaction on A New Education for New Humanity  drew about 70–80 parents. Key sessions covered ·        A New way of Knowing Oneself ·        A relook at the Current Education System ·        Inspired teachers lead to Inspired students ·        Decoding the Source of the Inspiration ·        Knowing the Founders of Integral Education: Sri Aurobindo and the Mother ·        Getting introduced to IE and experiencing IE ·        Learning Vedic Mantra chanting as an aid to develop Peace andConcentration ·        Becoming aware of one’s Inner weather: A guided Meditation ·        Methods to Connect with one’s Inner Friend — The Psychic Being ·        Connecting with Nature through Flowers and Expressing through Art ·        Exploring one’s Physical (Body) through a four-point programme ·        Exploring one’s Vital (Centre of Emotions and Feelings) ·        Refining one’s Vital with the help of Poetry, Art and Music ·        Looking at Developing the Mind ·        An Introduction to Integral Project Based Learning: the 3 Principles of Education ·        An assignment: A Project on ‘Awakening to the Physical’ The workshop closed with a flame of meditation to the Mother’s music and teachers writing aspirations on cards to kickstart inner exploration and live an integral life. Follow-up Two online interactive sessions on 23 November 2024  and 15 February 2025  continued the work on the project assignment ‘Awakening to the Physical’ , sustaining practice and reflection. Participant feedback from SAIE Oct 23–26 workshop 1.    “I discovered my inner being that was in slumber within, though not absolutely but to some extent which provided a kind of hand-holding in odd situations. The workshop touched that tune of the inner Harp that was not played earlier. … I am overwhelmed and enriched.” -        Sanhita Banerjee, English teacher at SAIE school, Kolkata 2.    “The concept of Psychic being was not so clear when I had read about Integral Education earlier. Now I have started to know the meaning of these words and am looking forward to knowing more about it. The most interesting thing I found from this workshop is the power of mantra and that there is a possibility of a different outlook towards life.” -        Ananya Tarafdar, Biology teacher at SAIE school, Kolkata 3.    “From this 3-day workshop, the main thing I realised is that all the powers, all energies are sleeping within us only. It is our duty to feel that power, the source, through knowing our Body (Physical), Emotions (Vital), Mind and Soul and then only we can consider ourselves as ‘Manush’.” -        Jayoti Chatterjee, Chemistry teacher at SAIE school, Kolkata 4.    “One insight that I gained from the workshop that has touched me is that I have started feeling myself in 4 planes: Physical, Emotional, Mental and Psychic. I feel I am on a journey, travelling with my body, mind and heart, in search of my soul. … For me the workshop is just the first step towards an eternal journey.” -        Ajita Mitra, Vice-Principal at SAIE school, Kolkata 5.    “From this 3-day workshop on IE, I became aware of my Inner being. I now know it was there before but it was not known to me. I have started to realise what I’m going through — in my Physical, Vital, Mental — which part is active. Sometimes there is an overlap too. … I have got a ‘marg’ — a way now to look forward to and live life this way. I want to learn more about Integral Education.” -        Anindita Sil, Core-Committee member, SAIE school, Kolkata 6.    “‘First experiencing, then believing’. Before this workshop, I was only hearing quotes by Sri Aurobindo and Maa, and saw others worshipping them without entirely understanding the ‘importance’ of their philosophy. Now after experiencing the ‘Anterer Bandhu’ or the ‘Divine within’ through various activities that we did, I realise how great Sri Aurobindo and Maa were. My whole education in Psychology was based on a very western approach of looking at things which did not give me as much insight as I got from these sessions.” -        Maitree Bhattacharya, Psychology teacher at SAIE school, Kolkata 7.    “The mind opened up to the fact that the Divine within is always there, waiting to surface. Only we have to constantly strive to be in touch with that ‘Psychic Being’. My suggestion is to have more mantra chanting and IE workshops should be a continuous process.” -        Nandita, Core-Committee member, SAIE school, Kolkata Conclusion The Kolkata visit gave teachers and parents a clear, lived experience of Integral Education as an education for the soul. The programme combined inner practices, pedagogy, and creative expression to awaken teachers first so they can inspire each child to grow from within.

Date: 05-Jun-2025 Location: Society House On 5th June 2025, twelve faculty members from Auro University, Surat, participated in an immersive one-day workshop on Integral Living — an approach based on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother's vision of Integral Yoga. The workshop was facilitated by Shivakumar and Priti of SAFIER, the Integral Education initiative of Sri Aurobindo Society. The sessions included interactive presentations, experiential activities, awareness exercises, and an insightful interaction with Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman of the Society. It was a transformative day blending learning, reflection, and soul-touching inspiration.  Key Highlights: Introduction to Integral Living & Integral Education – The approach, relevance & modern context Experiential Activity – Flower meditation & reflections on inner self Awareness Games – Focus, awareness, and play-filled introspection Closing Reflection – Group sharing & meditation Special Interaction – Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society Flow of the Program: Welcome & ContextShivakumar and Priti set the tone with a warm welcome and an inspiring overview of the Ashram, Auroville, and the context of Integral Education in our life. The teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother came alive through real-world relevance and soulful reflections. Glimpsing the Soul A unique activity invited participants to intuitively choose a flower and contemplate on the message it communicated through a value. The Mother’s quotes on flowers deepened the experience, blending the Soul-presence in Nature and the Inner-Soul presence beautifully. Awareness Through a Game Post-lunch brought playful yet powerful awareness-building activities — exchanging beanbags and tennis balls in a unique way, beanbags balanced on heads, conscious walking paths, and laughter in between! These activities enabled the participants to heighten their awareness and feel the power of concentration, presence, and inner discipline. Reflection & DialogueAt the conclusion, there were many honest sharings, heartfelt realizations, and thoughtful insights. A closing meditation anchored the learnings of the day. The TakeawayShivakumar and Priti across the day helped participants connect with the invisible yet powerful force of the inner Truth, known as ‘the Psychic Being’ in Integral Education.  From an immersive flower meditation to help connect to one’s Inner being, to a heightened awareness with the beanbag and tennis ball, the day was a journey inward. The participants left with a renewed sense of awareness, clarity of purpose, a deep curiosity and some insights to weave an Integral, more Conscious and Soul-based Living into their personal and professional lives. They also realized that as educators, embracing Integral living in their own lives would eventually reflect positively in the education of their students at the university.