Just behind the Bharat Nivas building, the Indus Valley Thought Masala restaurant has been conducting an experiment in developing a gift economy in Auroville.
Since January 2006 the initiative fills a gap, but so far the gifts seem to fall behind.The self sustained restaurant serves meals, snacks and drinks, not for a fixed price, but instead relies on the voluntary contribution of its clients. Through this sharing and giving, Indus Valley hopes to create “a radiant atmosphere of joy, which has the potential of transforming our lives in Auroville”.

Most clients donate between twenty five and eighty rupees for a meal.
The initiative can be called a success regarding the number of people that have had a lunch or a cool drink in the quiet and shady garden dining area. In the five months since Indus Valley has been in operation, the kitchen staff have prepared and served over five thousand meals. The aim is to double this figure over the next three months.
Although public interest so far is encouraging enough to continue and even expand the experiment, Indus Valley at the moment does face a financial deficit in their balance. The voluntary donations have not been enough to cover the expenses, such as the fixed incomes of kitchen staff.
In their first financial report, Indus Valley name several possible ways of covering this deficit. One of these is to extend the opening hours of the restaurant to dinner times and to offer other dishes throughout the day such as for group bookings. Another step, also aimed at serving a larger amount of customers, is to organize an information campaign, aimed at creating a better awareness among the public about the concept.
Also, Aurovilians are asked to support the experiment by making a voluntary contribution to Pour Tous. There is also the possibility of participating through the Pour Tous Distribution Service. For information on how to contribute in this way, contact Jocelyn at Creativity.

 For more information, contact Indus Valley Thought Masala -> kalakendra (at) gmail (dot) com