Principles & Missions

Our five founding principles guide the evolution of JOI Project and reflect our commitment to regenerative community living:

1. Impermanence

Inspired by spiritual traditions, we embrace impermanence as a way of life—living in simple, temporary structures and remaining open to transformation. This fluidity encourages innovation, resilience, and non-attachment to material permanence.

2. Community Spirit

We are committed to collective governance and shared responsibility. Through experimentation in community processes, we cultivate inclusive decision-making, mutual support, and a sense of belonging.

3. Self-Sufficiency

We aim to meet our basic needs through local production and exchange—drawing on the knowledge and resources of Auroville while developing appropriate low-tech solutions for food, water, shelter, and energy.

4. Sustainability

We minimise our environmental footprint by applying closed-loop systems, ecological sanitation, waste reduction, and resource-conscious design. Nature-based solutions are central to our work: restoring soil, capturing rainwater, and regenerating ecosystems.

5. Do-It-Yourself Ethos

Every member contributes hands-on to the creation of the community. We favour shared work, skill exchange, and collaboration over monetary transactions, fostering a deep sense of ownership and learning.

In alignment with Auroville’s vision, we uphold five core missions:

  • Protecting the Land
    Safeguarding unused land from degradation through ecological restoration and mindful stewardship.
  • Deepening Relationships with Local Communities
    Engaging in mutual learning and cooperation with nearby villages, especially through education, co-creation, and solidarity.
  • Restoring Ecological Functionality
    Reviving barren land through reforestation, water retention, biodiversity enhancement, and regenerative land use.
  • Fostering Creative Expression
    Using impermanence as a fertile ground for design experiments, quick prototyping, and innovation in community life.
  • Showcasing Ecological and Social Technologies
    Demonstrating sustainable construction, low-tech systems, and community methodologies that can be replicated and scaled.