Photo Collection
The Mother — 10
1954 (before October)
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Meditation Hall. Blessings
Playground. Salute
Ashram Library (Rue Saint Martin)
Cocotier
Centre of Education. School anniversary day
Playground. Salute
The Mother’s birthday (21 February 1878)
Playground. Prasad
Balcony Darshan
The Mother’s final arrival in Pondicherry (24 April 1920)
“Harpagon Workshop” (Honesty Engineers and Contractors)
This property had very little building on it and what was there was old and dilapidated, but Mother wanted it because of its position. The owner of the property, a very rich person, knew her need and so demanded a very high price and wouldn’t budge from his demand. Finally Mother agreed to pay him his price but said that She would name the property after the owner’s nature and so She called it Harpagon. In French literature “Harpagon” is the name of the chief character in Moliere’s play L’Avare (The Miser).
Sports Ground. Salute
Playground. The Mother declares Her double Nationality
Sri Aurobindo’s birthday (15 August 1873)
A DECLARATION
I want to mark this day by the expression of a long cherished wish; that of becoming an Indian citizen. From the first time I came to India - in 1914 - I felt that India is my true country, the country of my soul and spirit. I had decided to realise this wish as soon as India would be free. But I had to wait still longer because of my heavy responsibilities for the Ashram here in Pondicherry. Now the time has come when I can declare myself.
But, in accordance with Sri Aurobindo’s ideal, my purpose is to show that truth lies in union rather than in division. To reject one nationality in order to obtain another is not an ideal solution. So I hope I shall be allowed to adopt a double nationality, that is to say, to remain French while I become an Indian.
I am French by birth and early education, I am Indian by choice and predilection. In my consciousness there is no antagonism between the two, on the contrary, they combine very well and complete one another. I know also that I can be of service to both equally, for my only aim in life is to give a concrete form to Sri Aurobindo’s great teaching and in his teaching he reveals that all the nations are essentially one and meant to express the Divine Unity upon earth through an organised and harmonious diversity.
[from Volume 13, Words of the Mother, p.43, 15 August 1954]
Sports Ground. Inauguration of the Band Quarters
Centre of Education. School prizes
