Sri Aurobindo Ashram - The Early Years

Narad Trust
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What was it like to live in the physical presence of the Mother? In this series, we sit with the elders of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram—those who walked its halls during its most formative years. They share their treasure trove of memories: the discipline, the joy, the labor of love, and the profound atmosphere of the early Ashram life. These interviews serve as a bridge to a golden era, offering listeners a glimpse into the Divine Grace that guided the early inmates. #SriAurobindoAshram #AshramEarlyYears #Early Years #spiritual interviews #Spiritual Growth #SriAurobindoAshramEarlyYears

  1. 1d ago

    Interview with Datta | Hosted by Narad

    In this heartwarming 39th episode of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years, host Narad welcomes Datta to share her vivid memories of growing up in the Ashram under The Mother's direct care and spiritual guidance. From her father’s dramatic arrival in 1943 to her own education in the Free Progress system, Datta offers an intimate glimpse into a childhood immersed in divine affection, inner discipline, and the joy of learning. 🌸 Key Highlights: 📜 "Thy Call is My Living Permission": How Datta’s father Suresh arrived from Bengal in 1943 without a written permit, sending only a three-sentence note to The Mother before being immediately accepted into the Ashram dairy and sadhana. 🌺 A Childhood Offering of Transformation: Returning to Pondicherry at age eight, Datta recalls holding white Transformation flowers and spontaneously telling The Mother in Bengali that she would never leave. 🏫 The Spirit of Free Progress: Experiencing Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE) during its experimental, pioneering phase—starting 5:00 AM modern math classes on the terrace with Gopi, working directly on projects like Leonardo da Vinci, and discovering true "joy of learning" with teachers who were lifelong friends. 📖 The Silent Prayer at the Samadhi: A poignant story from her boarding days where, needing an English poetry textbook and having no money, a quiet prayer at the Samadhi brought the exact book into her hands that very afternoon. 🎁 Birthdays with The Mother: Humorous and tender moments in The Mother’s room—from playful ring fittings alongside Vasudha-di (Akka) to presenting handcrafted bags and embroidered gifts stitched with loving dedication throughout the night. If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode! #SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #TheEarlyYears #IntegralYoga #Pondicherry #SAICE #FreeProgressEducation #SpiritualMemories

    Interview with Datta | Hosted by Narad

  2. Oct 30

    Interview with Anjana | Hosted by Narad

    Welcome with joyful hearts! Join us in this episode of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years as Anjana shares her heartfelt memories of arriving in Pondicherry in December 1950, experiencing the immediate warmth and grace of The Mother, and growing up as part of the unique, close-knit family of the Ashram. Key Highlights: Arrival in 1950: Recalling her family's move to Pondicherry right after Sri Aurobindo's passing and her first unforgettable meeting with The Mother in the Playground. Spontaneous Learning & Arts: Growing up in an integrated environment where learning music, dance, and art was a joyful offering prepared directly for The Mother. Guidance and Care: Cherished recollections of the deep warmth and support provided by elder sadhaks and guardians like Dumanbhai, Dr. Nirodbaran, and prada. The Pioneer Free Progress System: Being part of the very first batch of students on whom the innovative Free Progress system of education was introduced under The Mother's guidance. A Lifetime in The Mother's Presence: Reflections on a lifelong journey of being held by The Mother's hand, teaching in the Centre of Education, and keeping her living presence alive. If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode! #SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #Pondicherry #AshramHistory #TheEarlyYears #Anjana #FreeProgress #IntegralYoga #SpiritualJourney #AshramMemories #PodcastEpisode

    Interview with Anjana | Hosted by Narad

  3. Oct 23

    Interview with Bababhai | Hosted by Narad

    Welcome with joyful hearts! Join us for the 37th episode of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years, as Bababhai shares his cherished childhood memories of moving to the Ashram in 1946, at just two and a half years old. He recalls growing up under the direct care and grace of the Mother and shares the remarkable legacy of his family in Pondicherry. Key Highlights: Arrival in 1946: Remembering his family's move from East Africa to Pondicherry and being granted special permission by The Mother to enter the Ashram as a young child. Darshan of Sri Aurobindo: Precious childhood recollections of seeing Sri Aurobindo four times a year during Darshan and his silent, smiling presence. The Pioneer of Color Photography in India: How his eldest brother, Champakbhai, pioneered color photography in India with The Mother’s encouragement and blessings. Intimate Moments with The Mother: Touching stories of how The Mother guided, protected, and nurtured their large family like a true mother. A Lifetime of Grace: Reflections on the unique atmosphere of the Ashram and how Sri Aurobindo and The Mother's presence continues to guide generations. If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode! #SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #Pondicherry #AshramHistory #TheEarlyYears #BabaBhai #ColorPhotography #IntegralYoga #SpiritualJourney #AshramMemories #PodcastEpisode

    Interview with Bababhai | Hosted by Narad

  4. Oct 17

    Interview with Ranganath | Hosted by Narad

    Welcome with joyful hearts! Join us in this episode of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years as Ranganath shares his cherished memories of moving to the Ashram in 1945 at six years old, experiencing the pure and fragrant atmosphere of early Pondicherry, and growing up under the direct guidance of The Mother. Key Highlights: Arrival in 1945: Remembering his family's move from Hyderabad to the Ashram and the powerful initial impressions of the dining hall, pure white Champa flowers, and fresh bread. Darshan of Sri Aurobindo: Precious childhood recollections of seeing Sri Aurobindo during Darshans, filled with a profound sense of awe, magnificence, and purity. French Classes with The Mother: Participating in classes led by The Mother in the 1950s, where dictation, recitation, and immersive French learning left a lasting mark. Dignity of Labor & Ashram Life: Engaging in community service, clearing grounds, and learning the true value of physical work through activities encouraged by The Mother. Decades of Service: Reflecting on his 40 years of work in the Ashram Press, teaching Indian philosophy, and contributing to the Ashram Archives. If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode! #SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #Pondicherry #AshramHistory #TheEarlyYears #Ranganath #IntegralYoga #SpiritualJourney #AshramMemories #PodcastEpisode

    Interview with Ranganath | Hosted by Narad

  5. Oct 9

    Interview with Arvind Sule | Hosted by Narad

    Welcome with joyful hearts! Join us in this episode of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years as Arvind Sule shares his heartfelt story of arriving in Pondicherry as a seventeen-year-old in 1947, being accepted as an inmate by The Mother, and his memories of early Ashram life. Key Highlights: Arrival & Acceptance: Arriving in Pondicherry in February 1947 and the multi-day process of waiting for Balcony Darshan until The Mother officially accepted him as an Ashram inmate. Memories of Kirod-da & Karma Yoga: Working under Kirod-da in the Building Service and learning the true meaning of Sri Aurobindo’s remark that Kirod-da was the ultimate Karma Yogi. Life in Domestic Service & Padmasini: Shifting to Domestic Service and working with Padmasini—a dedicated relative of Amrita-da—managing early logistics like delivering hot water to ashramites. Understanding Sadhana & Work: Discovering the unique nature of Integral Yoga, where daily work in service of The Mother is itself the spiritual practice. Darshan of Sri Aurobindo: Precious recollections of seeing Sri Aurobindo during the four annual Darshans and a special 1949 group march-past in uniform. If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode! #SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #Pondicherry #AshramHistory #TheEarlyYears #ArvindSule #KarmaYoga #IntegralYoga #SpiritualJourney #AshramMemories #PodcastEpisode

    Interview with Arvind Sule | Hosted by Narad

  6. Oct 1

    Interview with Tara Johar – Part 2 | Hosted by Narad

    Welcome with joyful hearts! Join us for Episode 34 of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years, as Tara Johar shares her vivid childhood memories and personal experiences of growing up in the Ashram. Key Highlights: The Story of the Flower Book: How the compilation of flower significances began, including how Tara personally brought fresh flowers to The Mother every day to receive her written spiritual meanings and comments. Education & Playground Life: Life as a class monitor in the green group classes, taking down dictations given by The Mother, early physical education training, and performing plays and recitations. Moments with The Mother & Sri Aurobindo: Precious childhood interactions, learning French, reciting A God's Labor and Hymn to Durga, and receiving guidance on reading Savitri directly without outside interpretations. Early Ashram Life & Simplicity: Memories of Pondicherry in the 1940s—a quiet town with only three shops and very few cars—along with stories of early Ashram departments, the bakery, laundry, and dining room meals. Growing Up with Family: Heartwarming stories of her younger brother "Kaki" interacting as a small child with The Mother during daily visits. If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode! #SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #Pondicherry #AshramHistory #TheEarlyYears #TaraJohar #FlowersAndTheirSignificance #SpiritualJourney #Savitri #AshramMemories #PodcastEpisode

    Interview with Tara Johar – Part 2 | Hosted by Narad

  7. Sep 24

    Interview with Tara Johar – Part 1 | Hosted by Narad

    We are joyful to welcome you to Episode 33 of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years. In this episode, Tara Johar shares her vivid childhood memories and personal experiences of growing up in the Ashram. Key Highlights: Arrival & Settlement: Her family's journey to Pondicherry in the early 1940s and their permanent move. Early Education & Daily Life: The founding of the Ashram school in 1943–1944, daily discipline, and childhood games. Physical Education & Leadership: How the Physical Education Department took shape under Birinda, Pranab-da, and Udar, and her appointment as a group captain at age ten. Moments with The Mother & Sri Aurobindo: Sitting near Sri Aurobindo’s room, learning French directly from The Mother, and playing educational flower and card games. Photography & Archives: Learning darkroom processing under Pranab-da and capturing historic photographs of The Mother. If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode! #SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #Pondicherry #TaraJohar #AshramHistory #TheEarlyYears #SpiritualJourney #AshramMemories #Savitri #PodcastEpisode #IndianHistory

    Interview with Tara Johar – Part 1 | Hosted by Narad

  8. Sep 18

    Interview with Robi – Part 2 | Hosted by Narad

    We are joyful to welcome you to Episode 32 of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years, as Robi returns for a rich, nostalgic conversation exploring his personal memories of early Ashramites, trustees, artists, and sadhaks. In this second part of our interview, Robi continues his narrative with vivid anecdotes of key figures like Amal Kiran, Nishikanta, and Pavitra, while reflecting on the Mother’s profound artistic guidance and the transition from traditional darkroom photography to the digital era. Episode Highlights: Remembrances of Early Ashramites: Personal recollections of key figures such as Anek's organizing power in the atelier, Amal Kiran's sharp humor, Ambu's garden, and Kuma's pragmatic management during challenging times. Medical Care & Compassion: Stories of Dr. Ramendra's midnight bicycle visits to treat sick children and his foundational work setting up the Ashram Nursing Home. Poets & Devotees: Insights into Bengali poet Nishikanta’s extraordinary poetic genius, his miraculous recovery through faith after receiving Mother's blessings, and memories of Moni (Suresh Chakravarty). Education & Trust in Sadhaks: The Mother's deep confidence in Pavitra, Tanmaya (the free progress system of education), and the dedicated work of Ashram department heads. Art & Photography Insights: Robi discusses his journey in photography, working with various early photographers, capturing "accidental" photos of The Mother, and her profound commentary on spiritual art and composition. Darkroom vs. Digital: Robi’s perspective on the shift from manual darkroom processing and film cameras to modern digital photography and computer manipulation. If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode! #SriAurobindoAshram #TheEarlyYears #RobbieGanguly #SriAurobindo #TheMother #IntegralYoga #PondicherryAshram #SpiritualHistory #Ashramites #ArtAndSpirituality #DarkroomToDigital #PodcastEpisode

    Interview with Robi – Part 2 | Hosted by Narad
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What was it like to live in the physical presence of the Mother? In this series, we sit with the elders of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram—those who walked its halls during its most formative years. They share their treasure trove of memories: the discipline, the joy, the labor of love, and the profound atmosphere of the early Ashram life. These interviews serve as a bridge to a golden era, offering listeners a glimpse into the Divine Grace that guided the early inmates. #SriAurobindoAshram #AshramEarlyYears #Early Years #spiritual interviews #Spiritual Growth #SriAurobindoAshramEarlyYears

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