Books by Sri Aurobindo and Sri Maa

Herbal hunt at book fair SAVVY SOUMYA The Telegraph Sunday, November 21, 2004

Jamshedpur, Nov. 20: The ongoing book fair at the Rabindra Bhavan could have the answer to your cosmetic requirements. Especially, for those who go by the “go herbal” motto. Be it books or toys, stationery or study material stored in compact disc there is a whole plethora of items to choose from at the 20th Jamshedpur Book Fair. “At the fair, there is something for everyone, be it a toddler or an octogenarian,” said Ashish Chowdhary, general secretary, Tagore Society.

The stall put by Sri Aurobindo Ashram publications has on sale over a hundred books scripted by Sri Aurobindo and Sri Maa. Along with the books available in Hindi, English and Bengali, is a range of herbal cosmetics as well. From beauty creams to detergent-free shampoo, from incense sticks to scented candles, the stalls have an array of items for visitors. According to the officials of the Aurobindo ashram, the inmates of the ashram at Pondicherry and the local ashram at Baghbera make the products.

“Those women who have been thrown out of their homes by family members and have nowhere to go come to our ashram. They make these herbal products by themselves and this is there only means of sustenance. These products are not commercialised so such fairs help to fetch them some money,” said Jaya Moitra, chairperson, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Baghbera.

However, she adds that setting up a stall for herbal products does not just serve the purpose of earning a livelihood for these out-of-luck-women but also helps to attract customers. “Books written by Sri Aurobindo cannot be understood by someone who do not follow his philosophy or believe in what he said and did. The books deal with a small section of readers and to run a stall just for books wouldn’t be a wise decision,” Moitra said. Women thronged the table, which had herbal products on display where a gentleman patiently explained the products, its utility and content.

“The response has been positive as of now visitors are keen to buy herbal products since it is pure and safe without any side effects,” says the chairperson. Books, she said, are selling but cosmetics are what they are banking on. “With the second day on, the response has been good but the footfalls have been more for the cosmetic products,” she said.

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The 26th relic installation anniversary of Sri Aurobindo will be observed at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Culture. Mohan Singh will perform from 6 pm. Tuesday, June 24, 2003