What was it like to live in the physical presence of the Mother? In this series, we sit with the elders of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram—those who walked its halls during its most formative years. They share their treasure trove of memories: the discipline, the joy, the labor of love, and the profound atmosphere of the early Ashram life. These interviews serve as a bridge to a golden era, offering listeners a glimpse into the Divine Grace that guided the early inmates.
#SriAurobindoAshram #AshramEarlyYears #Early Years #spiritual interviews #Spiritual Growth #SriAurobindoAshramEarlyYears
In this heartwarming 39th episode of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years, host Narad welcomes Datta to share her vivid memories of growing up in the Ashram under The Mother's direct care and spiritual guidance. From her father’s dramatic arrival in 1943 to her own education in the Free Progress system, Datta offers an intimate glimpse into a childhood immersed in divine affection, inner discipline, and the joy of learning.
🌸 Key Highlights:
📜 "Thy Call is My Living Permission": How Datta’s father Suresh arrived from Bengal in 1943 without a written permit, sending only a three-sentence note to The Mother before being immediately accepted into the Ashram dairy and sadhana.
🌺 A Childhood Offering of Transformation: Returning to Pondicherry at age eight, Datta recalls holding white Transformation flowers and spontaneously telling The Mother in Bengali that she would never leave.
🏫 The Spirit of Free Progress: Experiencing Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE) during its experimental, pioneering phase—starting 5:00 AM modern math classes on the terrace with Gopi, working directly on projects like Leonardo da Vinci, and discovering true "joy of learning" with teachers who were lifelong friends.
📖 The Silent Prayer at the Samadhi: A poignant story from her boarding days where, needing an English poetry textbook and having no money, a quiet prayer at the Samadhi brought the exact book into her hands that very afternoon.
🎁 Birthdays with The Mother: Humorous and tender moments in The Mother’s room—from playful ring fittings alongside Vasudha-di (Akka) to presenting handcrafted bags and embroidered gifts stitched with loving dedication throughout the night.
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#SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #TheEarlyYears #IntegralYoga #Pondicherry #SAICE #FreeProgressEducation #SpiritualMemories
30 Oct 2026
Interview with Anjana | Hosted by Narad
Welcome with joyful hearts!
Join us in this episode of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years as Anjana shares her heartfelt memories of arriving in Pondicherry in December 1950, experiencing the immediate warmth and grace of The Mother, and growing up as part of the unique, close-knit family of the Ashram.
Key Highlights:
Arrival in 1950: Recalling her family's move to Pondicherry right after Sri Aurobindo's passing and her first unforgettable meeting with The Mother in the Playground.
Spontaneous Learning & Arts: Growing up in an integrated environment where learning music, dance, and art was a joyful offering prepared directly for The Mother.
Guidance and Care: Cherished recollections of the deep warmth and support provided by elder sadhaks and guardians like Dumanbhai, Dr. Nirodbaran, and prada.
The Pioneer Free Progress System: Being part of the very first batch of students on whom the innovative Free Progress system of education was introduced under The Mother's guidance.
A Lifetime in The Mother's Presence: Reflections on a lifelong journey of being held by The Mother's hand, teaching in the Centre of Education, and keeping her living presence alive.
If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode!
#SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #Pondicherry #AshramHistory #TheEarlyYears #Anjana #FreeProgress #IntegralYoga #SpiritualJourney #AshramMemories #PodcastEpisode
23 Oct 2026
Interview with Bababhai | Hosted by Narad
Welcome with joyful hearts!
Join us for the 37th episode of Sri Aurobindo Ashram – The Early Years, as Bababhai shares his cherished childhood memories of moving to the Ashram in 1946, at just two and a half years old. He recalls growing up under the direct care and grace of the Mother and shares the remarkable legacy of his family in Pondicherry.
Key Highlights:
Arrival in 1946: Remembering his family's move from East Africa to Pondicherry and being granted special permission by The Mother to enter the Ashram as a young child.
Darshan of Sri Aurobindo: Precious childhood recollections of seeing Sri Aurobindo four times a year during Darshan and his silent, smiling presence.
The Pioneer of Color Photography in India: How his eldest brother, Champakbhai, pioneered color photography in India with The Mother’s encouragement and blessings.
Intimate Moments with The Mother: Touching stories of how The Mother guided, protected, and nurtured their large family like a true mother.
A Lifetime of Grace: Reflections on the unique atmosphere of the Ashram and how Sri Aurobindo and The Mother's presence continues to guide generations.
If you enjoyed this intimate dive into Ashram art and history, please Follow our podcast and share this episode!
#SriAurobindoAshram #TheMother #SriAurobindo #Pondicherry #AshramHistory #TheEarlyYears #BabaBhai #ColorPhotography #IntegralYoga #SpiritualJourney #AshramMemories #PodcastEpisode
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