AVI USA: Building Bridges
by Binah Thillairajah
Photo by Vidyavrata, a well known Indian photographer who lived in Pondicherry in the 60s, 70s, 80s and often photographed the Pondicherry ashram and the Mother. Binah and his two children on the cover of a children’s magazine.
I am the same age as Auroville. I arrived there as an infant in 1969 and spent my formative years in its unique and evolving environment. In some sense, we have grown up together. That’s why I love my work at Auroville International USA (AVI USA). Every day, I have the privilege of collaborating with our small, dedicated team to serve the people behind the projects we support—both within Auroville and in the wider world—projects that are rooted in the inspiration of Auroville and aligned with the philosophies of Mother and Sri Aurobindo.
AVI USA is a nonprofit organization that supports charitable initiatives grounded in Auroville’s founding ideals: human unity, lifelong learning, conscious evolution, and stewardship of the Earth. We act as a bridge—connecting donors, changemakers, and institutions to visionary projects that put these ideals into practice.
As Development Director at AVI USA, I get to live that bridging work every day. I help link heartfelt intentions to tangible outcomes, connecting those doing the work with those who want to support it. It is deeply meaningful.
There’s a powerful image from Indian mythology that captures this idea. In the Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics, Hanuman and his allies build a bridge to Lanka from India. Each boulder used in the construction is inscribed with the name of Ram—and miraculously, each one floats. With the power of Grace, these stones formed a bridge nearly 30 miles long across the sea. Interestingly, modern science has confirmed the existence of a submerged land bridge in that very place.
In India, I grew up with the great stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, woven into the fabric of daily life—just as nursery rhymes and fairy tales fill childhoods in the West. In remembering these stories, I am reminded that much becomes possible when we approach this work with curiosity, trust, and a sense of wonder—a spirit we seek to bring to life through our work at AVI USA. Inspired by Mother’s dream of Auroville as a beacon for human unity, we aspire to be a bridge like that—anchored in intention, lifted by Grace, and grounded in action. We help bring the metaphysical aspiration of Auroville into reality by supporting real-world projects in education, ecological renewal, social empowerment, and inner development. Like the mythic bridge to Lanka, we draw from ancient vision and use today’s tools—like digital fundraising and global networks—to serve the future.
This month, we’ve been grateful for the opportunity to help build two new bridges between generous hearts and dedicated project partners in Auroville—each resulting in meaningful, on-the-ground impact. Below are two stories of what becomes possible when intentions and actions come together.
Pulaha Fellowship
Now in its second year, the Pulaha Fellowship was created by Caitlin Wiesen and Jacques Antin to honor the spirit of their son, Jean Luc Pulaha—a young man who dreamed of restoring harmony between people and nature. With their generosity and the care of Sadhana Forest, AVI USA helped bring this vision into form, supporting young people to live and serve for a year in hands-on ecological restoration and water conservation. Through their work, Jean Luc’s values and love for the Earth continue to grow and inspire.
Matrimandir Accessibility
With the heartfelt generosity of RP and Daxa Rama, and in close collaboration with the Matrimandir executive team, long-standing accessibility challenges at Matrimandir are now being addressed. Together, we are helping to make this sacred space more welcoming to visitors of all abilities—ensuring that more people can experience the peace and stillness of the inner chamber. AVI USA was honored to help bridge this offering of seva into action.
If you feel inspired to explore your own collaboration with one of Auroville’s many projects, we would be honored to help bring your vision to life.