A few words
How We Began
History
Our story starts way back.
Mohanam is a non-profit, non-governmental organization to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. It reflects the beauty, traditions, innovations and the continuing evolution of South Indian arts and culture. Mohanam Village Heritage Centre is the work and realization of a group of young men from the surrounding villages of Auroville, the universal city located near Pondicherry. Young Tamil’s from different villages created the heritage center to be a bridge between the traditional and the modern, the old and the young, between what is happening in Auroville and what is unfolding in the villages around.
Mohanam is a non-profit, non-governmental organization to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. It reflects the beauty, traditions, innovations and the continuing evolution of South Indian arts and culture. Mohanam Village Heritage Centre is the work and realization of a group of young men from the surrounding villages of Auroville, the universal city located near Pondicherry. Young Tamil’s from different villages created the heritage centre to be a bridge between the traditional and the modern, the old and the young, between what is happening in Auroville and what is unfolding in the villages around.
HOW WE STARTED
Mohanam began as an effort of young people from the rural villages surrounding Auroville, an international city in Tamil Nadu, India. The group renovated the oldest building in Sanjeevinagar and set up an institution to celebrate the many cultures of the people of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.
In an era when the old and traditional are vulnerable and challenged, this new institution triggered a cultural journey for the local people. Inspired by the young people and local elders of the villages, Mr. Balasundaram and his friends set out to found Mohanam Village Heritage Centre on July 14, 2001.
Mohanam is a non-profit, non-governmental organization and it was conceived as its main project with the support of like-minded executive members and volunteers, as well as financial support from visitors. Today Mohanam seeks to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. It reflects the beauty, traditions, innovations and the continuing evolution of South Indian arts and culture
After two decades, The centre TODAY:
Mohanam Village Heritage Centre is the work and realization of a group of young men from the surrounding villages of Auroville, the universal city located near Pondicherry. Young Tamil men from different villages created the heritage centre to be a bridge between the traditional and the modern, the old and the young, between what is happening in Auroville and what is unfolding in the villages around.
Achievements
Meet The Team
BALASUNDHARAM
Balasundaram a cultural and social activist with a special interest in empowering the youth. He has been a great source of inspiration in the work he has done thus far through Mohanam and other youth development initiatives.
RAJAVENI
Rajaveni Saminadane is a youth and women leader in Auroville, runs a traditional sacred art research program providing employment and education for women, and counsels teen girls in Mohanam Cultural Centre in a local village, including self-care education.
YUVAL
Yuval was a business manager for 20 years in the Netherlands, Israel, Denmark and Turkey. He became involved with the Auroville community in 2003, seeking a blend of entrepreneurship, social justice, spirituality and international relations. Yuval is a mentor and consultant facilitating the development of local organizations and groups, hosting public open workshops, and coaching individuals one-to-one.
Advisory Board
I would say that if the village perishes India will perish too. India will be no more India. Her own mission in the world will get lost.
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