Day 11, Printouts, Pitter-Patter, and Puducherry Platters

Last night, the team continued to chat about our travel plans after we wrap up here in Auroville, and Ajay gave us an exciting sneak peek at next year’s project course!

Today’s workday started with our usual morning work meeting after breakfast. Ajay joined and we were able to print off what we have written so far for his and our client’s careful revision and feedback. We broke off once again to work away as our final presentation is tomorrow! Maeve and Chloe went off to make the printout for today’s focus group on human unity. Spencer started on some thank you cards for the wonderful people that gave their time and energy to help us succeed in our project objectives. Caley and Dan started making the slide deck (joined by Spencer later), and Tara began the first edits of our report’s consolidated research finding section. 

For lunch the team got to visit the Solar Kitchen at last. This is Auroville’s collective kitchen which derives its name from the big Solar Bowl on its roof, which provides part of the steam for cooking on all the sunny days of the year. They provide a vegetarian menu which is a mix of Indian and Western foods. At lunch a team member had an announcement for the team… she unfortunately has come down with a case of The Rumblies. Her roommate was already aware of this fact as no amount of Lofi can drown out The Rumblies. 

After lunch the rain significantly picked up, but we were still able to make a very quick stop at the Visitors Centre for a coffee before heading back to the guest house for some more work. 

After lunch, Caley, Spencer, and Dan hustled hard on the presentation, Tara kept on editing, and Maeve and Chloe further prepared for the afternoon. 

At 3:30, at last was our final focus group. Here we were lucky enough to sit down with our client Lalit, and 3 other key community members Jaya, Raman, Shankar to chat about our findings and recommendations. We discussed the feasibility of our recommendations within the cultural context of Auroville and India as a whole. We then spoke about everyone’s individual’s concept of human unity. 

After a team debrief, the team and Ajay dashed to the awaiting taxis in the pouring rain to head off to Puducherry for another delicious dinner at Villa Shanti. The meal included a Caeser salad, beef tenderloin, Indian food, fish and a delicious crème Brule. The team discussed who played what instrument in high school and whether or not citronella has a scent. Hopeful for a good night’s rest as tomorrow is the big day! Talk to you on the flip side.