About Us

“Each individual is a special manifestation in the universe; therefore his true path has to be absolutely unique”

Welcome!

The project of Lilaloka takes place in Auroville, Southern India. Auroville is an international township which “wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics, and all nationalities”.
Lilaloka is located in Auroville’s cultural zone dedicated to education.

Lilaloka

Four educators working in various Auroville schools observed the growing need in Auroville for a space dedicated to the child, parallel to the schools, opened to all ages and types of children, attending school or not, with or without special needs, beyond all categories. There, all will meet and benefit from the energy born from these interactions, each individual being enriched through the differences of the others. A Place where Play transforms, where Joy shows the Path. It is Lilaloka’s dream to become a resource center dedicated to this, a place where educators can meet and share their research and experience.
At present, we are only able to admit small groups of children at the time, due to the unfinished building.

Philosophy & Mission

Lilaloka, the place of Play (in Sanskrit), offers an educational approach centered on Joy that assists children in becoming the creators of their own lives. Through Joy the child blossoms, finds his path, and gains trust in his potentialities. Joy connects us to our inner child, and to others, and gives meaning to life.  Albert Einstein said “Play is the highest form of research” and play allows the natural learning process to unfold with joy. « As flowers blossom in the sun, children blossom in Joy» said The Mother. Lilaloka offers this atmosphere of freedom and creativity, propitious to the natural development of the child, through the discovery of oneself as well as through the autonomous learning that ensues from it. The activities that are offered simply give each one the space and time to express themselves in his unique way and at his rhythm. No judgment, no curriculum, no imposed topic, free choice amongst individual and collective (mixed ages) activities, and a calm and concentrated atmosphere that encourages self-observation and self-blooming are a few keys of the project.

Our Goals

  • Establish an inclusive space for children of all ages and backgrounds, irrespective of schooling status or specific needs, fostering mutual enrichment through diverse interactions.
  • Cultivate a joyful and harmonious environment grounded in respect and devoid of judgment, encouraging connection with the inner child—a source of creativity and collaborative spirit.
  • Provide individual and collective activities centered on self-discovery and spontaneous learning through Play, such as painting, horse-riding for children with special needs, a specialized library, a magical garden, and nature’s theater, emphasizing education through Joy.
  • Support children with special needs and their parents, recognizing and nurturing their unique abilities, while facilitating integration within groups through collaboration with schools.
  • Share knowledge, offer training, and showcase innovative educational approaches that regard the child as an evolving soul, collaborating with schools, parents, and educators to redefine our relationship with children.
  • Serve as a hub for active research in alternative education methods, responding to the increasing demand for progressive education within Auroville and beyond, while fostering laughter and Play throughout.

Meet the team

Christin - facilitator

Hello, I’m Christin, Paediatric nurse and mother of a 10-year-old daughter.
As the eldest child in a large family, I realized early on how much I love being with children. In Germany, I worked in various settings with children, parents, and people with special needs, gaining experience in many aspects of care, education, and support.

I have a deep love for nature and enjoy all kinds of sports, especially when I can combine movement with time outdoors.

Now, here in Auroville, I’m grateful to spend my mornings with the little ones in the Infants’ Community at Lilaloka—sharing joy, presence, and discovery with them each day.

Leela - facilitator

My name is Leela. I grew up in Auroville, originally from Germany, and have always felt a natural connection with children—especially in their imaginative, intuitive worlds. Coming from a large family, I began caring for young children early on.

My professional background includes tailoring, occupational therapy, circus arts, and work with both children and seniors. I currently serve as a facilitator at Lilaloka, guiding infants and children aged 3–6 in group settings. I also offer individual occupational therapy sessions for infants and young children, with a focus on sensory integration.

Motivated by movement, creativity, and nature-based learning, I aim to support each child’s wellbeing and help them grow into confident, self-aware, and independent human beings.

Ana - facilitator

I am Ana Daniela—mother, grandmother, and so much more. I am grateful to be part of the Lilaloka team as a coordinator and executive because I believe that education is the path to the transformation of human consciousness and evolution, and that children are the seeds of humanity’s future.

I have dedicated my life to education working with children and adults. I am a Montessori educator and trainer, and by profession an educational planner and evaluator, with a postgraduate degree in Special Needs.

“It is a shame that children are exposed to numbers merely as quantities, instead of qualities and characters with distinct personalities relating to each other in various patterns. If only they could see numbers and shapes as the ancients did, as symbols of principles available to teach us about the Natural structure and processes of the Universe and give us a perspective of human nature.”
“Beginners guide to construct the Universe“ by Michael S. Schneider