The Urn at the Amphitheater was a central feature of Auroville’s inauguration ceremony. Into it was poured soil from most of the countries of the world, as well as each state of India. It still stands today at the center of the Amphitheater.
The Urn was designed by Charles Gianferrari, a designer who collaborated often with Roger Anger. It was made in Pondicherry in one of the Ashram workshops, by a team led by Vincenzo Maiolini. Here are a few photos of the Urn’s journey from manufacture to inauguration.
The Urn at the inaugurationThe Urn is made of reinforced concrete, and clad with marble chipsThe urn being transported to the inauguration from Pondicherry. The Banyan Tree is visible in the background, and under it the exhibition is being built.Diagrams of the Amphitheater and Urn designsThe Urn being placed at the top of its mound in the AmphitheaterAnother photo of the Urn at the inaugurationThe Mother’s great-grandchildren, Fabienne and Kalya, holding the Auroville flag and pouring soil from Auroville into the UrnVincenzo Maiolini (center of photo), who constructed the Urn, stands with the Auroville flag. Behind him is Roger Anger. Also in the photo is the architect Pierre BratslavskyNolini Kanta Gupta, one of the earliest Ashramites, sealing the Urn at the end of the ceremony, along with his son Ranju
One day,I hope to share with you the story behind Vincenzo taking up the actual work of making the Urn and humour in the situation.
I was privileged to be an associate of his in Tojour Mieu and a friend thru out till he left us to rest in Mother’s lap…
Auroville Archives 
One response to “The Urn”
One day,I hope to share with you the story behind Vincenzo taking up the actual work of making the Urn and humour in the situation.
I was privileged to be an associate of his in Tojour Mieu and a friend thru out till he left us to rest in Mother’s lap…
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