*Response to the Statement Circulated Regarding the Youth Centre* Dear Arun, Selvaraj, Anu, C...

*Response to the Statement Circulated Regarding the Youth Centre* Dear Arun, Selvaraj, Anu, Chandresh, Partha, Margarita, Sindhuja, Jaya and Joseba We are compelled to respond to the statement circulated on the 14th of December by the Working Groups appointed by the GB concerning the Youth Centre (YC), as it presents a selective and misleading narrative that does not accurately reflect either the history of the YC or the nature of the engagements that have taken place. First, the assertion that the YC was initiated with the intent to obstruct the Master Plan is a serious allegation that is neither substantiated by documented resolutions nor reflective of the motivations of those involved. The YC emerged as a youth-oriented, community-supported initiative responding to an evident social, cultural and educational need within Auroville. Any references to a single meeting or isolated statements by individuals cannot be retroactively framed as intent, nor can they justify collective punishment or erasure of years of community contribution and appreciation. Second, the repeated portrayal of the YC as a space of civic, safety, and moral violations relies on generalised claims, anonymous “reports”, and unverified allegations. To date, no formal charges, police cases, or substantiated findings have been presented to the YC or the community to support these claims. Conflating unproven allegations with established facts undermines principles of fairness, transparency, and restorative dialogue that Auroville has long stood for. Regarding administrative status, it is inaccurate to suggest that the YC “chose” non-compliance. The YC has repeatedly sought clarity and pathways for regularisation over the years, often receiving inconsistent, obstructive or delayed responses. The closure of the Financial Service account and withdrawal of basic services, such as electricity, occurred without a mutually agreed outcome, while later citing that very lack as justification for closure. The claim that YC representatives “failed to respond” over a three-year period also misrepresents the record. Multiple communications, meetings, and written submissions were made, many of which remain unanswered or unresolved. The absence of a transparent, participatory, and time-bound process has contributed significantly to the current impasse. Most importantly, the framing of this situation as one of tolerance followed by enforcement obscures a deeper issue: the erosion of trust, due process, and community spirit over the last four years. Decisions of such magnitude impacting lives, livelihoods, and community spaces cannot be legitimised through public statements alone, especially when those directly affected have not been given a fair platform to respond or to co-create solutions, and should be brought to the whole community. We reiterate that the YC does not deny the need for lawful, safe, and accountable functioning within Auroville. What we contest is the construction of a narrative that justifies closure through mischaracterisation and historical and ideological grievances rather than participatory resolution that includes the wider community. We remain open to an honest, documented, and mediated process that distinguishes facts from assumptions, addresses concerns without vilification, and upholds the spirit of collective responsibility and mutual respect. Sincerely, Deep and Dingbawi