Anitya

Anitya is the first experimental community-led-project established under the umbrella of the JOI Project
Named after the Sanskrit word Anitya—meaning impermanence, and known in Buddhism by the Pali term anicca—this community embraces change as a force for regeneration, learning, and collective evolution.

Created within the bioregion of Auroville, Anitya is a living experiment in nature-based solutions, ecological restoration, and cooperative living. It integrates principles of regenerative design with cultural and spiritual values—nurturing well-being through ecological action and human unity.

We define Anitya as a space for simple living rooted in love and unity, harmony through creativity and beauty, and a shared aspiration for progress.

Anitya in Practice – Living Nature-Based Solutions

Daily life at Anitya is guided by practical applications of nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems, enhance resilience, and support sustainable human development:

  • Ecological Water Management
    We harvest rainwater using techniques shared by experts in Auroville and reuse greywater from our shared kitchen and showers for gardening and agroforestry. A solar-powered pump manages water flow in collaboration with Sacred Groves, supporting equitable access and sustainability.

  • Sustainable Sanitation & Soil Health
    We use dry compost toilets that safely return nutrients to the soil and reduce water waste—contributing to closed-loop systems and healthier soils.

  • Permaculture and Local Food Systems
    Our vegetable garden follows permaculture principles, aiming to regenerate soil and produce nutritious, seasonal food with minimal external input.

  • Reforestation & Biodiversity
    On once-degraded land, we’ve planted native trees for ecological restoration, shade, food, and beauty—strengthening biodiversity, carbon capture, and landscape resilience.

  • Environmental Education & Cultural Exchange
    We host children’s groups for hands-on gardening and ecological learning, and organise workshops for adults. We also collaborate with Thamarai to support after-school education for children in the neighbouring village of Edayachavadi.

  • Social Cohesion & Collective Health
    We strengthen our bonds through weekly meetings, community lunches, shared work, fun group activities, and deep listening spaces such as sharing circles.

  • Non-violence & Conscious Communication
    We extend non-harming not only to animals—whom we protect—but also to speech and interpersonal relationships, cultivating a conscious and respectful culture.

Our Commitments

In addition to honouring the Principles and Missions of JOI Project, community members of Anitya commit to:

  • Fostering personal and collective development through reflective practice, learning, and skill-building
  • Upholding integrity and accountability in both individual actions and group processes
  • Promoting sustainable living practices that are informed by ecological principles and local environmental conditions
  • Encouraging innovation and adaptive solutions through open-ended experimentation and collaboration
  • Focusing on essential needs and resource efficiency in community design and daily operations
  • Strengthening cooperation and shared responsibility through transparent communication and participatory decision-making

Anitya is a growing example of how communities can heal ecosystems while healing themselves. Our approach is grounded in care, collaboration, and ecological intelligence, and we invite others to visit, learn, and co-create with us.