Sri Aurobindo

Philosopher | Yogi | Visionary | Architect of Integral Education

“The first principle of true teaching is that nothing can be taught.”— Sri Aurobindo, The Human Mind

Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) was a seer, revolutionary, poet, philosopher, and spiritual master whose life and work laid the foundations for a new world-consciousness. After playing a leading role in India’s freedom movement, he turned inward in search of a deeper liberation — the spiritual evolution of humanity. His vision was of a divine life on Earth, where human beings grow beyond ego and ignorance to realize their highest potential.

One of Sri Aurobindo’s most transformative contributions was in the field of education.
He believed that true education is not about the accumulation of information, but about awakening the soul and unfolding the innate potential within each individual. This conviction gave rise to the philosophy of Integral Education—a holistic approach that nurtures the physical, emotional (vital), mental, psychic, and spiritual aspects of a person.

In his own words, “the child is a growing soul,” and education must be a means of helping each soul discover its inner truth, express it fully in life, and contribute meaningfully to a greater collective evolution. His teachings redefined the purpose of education—not as preparation for a career, but as a journey of self-discovery, inner growth, and conscious living.

Under the guidance of The Mother, Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual collaborator, these principles were brought into living practice—forming the foundation of several educational institutions across India, including the Sri Aurobindo Education Society. SAES continues to carry forward this legacy by creating environments where academic excellence, self-awareness, and character development go hand in hand.

Even today, Sri Aurobindo’s ideals illuminate the path for educators, students, and seekers—reminding us that education is a sacred endeavor: a path to self-mastery, inner fulfillment, and the building of a more conscious and harmonious world.

The Mother (Mirra Alfassa)

Spiritual Collaborator of Sri Aurobindo | Founder of Integral Education | Guiding Force of Sri Aurobindo Education Society

The Mother—born Mirra Alfassa in Paris in 1878—was a spiritual visionary, artist, and educator of profound depth and insight.

A seeker from an early age, she explored philosophy, art, and mysticism before traveling to India in 1914. There, she met Sri Aurobindo and recognized in him the spiritual presence she had long sought. Their meeting marked the beginning of a deep and transformative collaboration, which gave birth to Integral Yoga and, later, to a revolutionary approach to education known as Integral Education.

As the founder of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, The Mother created what she called a “living laboratory” for spiritual evolution—a space where education was not just about learning, but about becoming. Her vision extended far beyond traditional academics. She believed that education must nurture every part of the human being: the body, emotions (vital), mind, soul (psychic), and spirit.

For The Mother, the true aim of education was self-discovery, inner growth, and conscious transformation. She emphasized freedom, sincerity, discipline, and joy in learning—encouraging each child to discover their inner truth and manifest their unique potential.

In her words,

“To know oneself and to control oneself is the fundamental principle of all true education.”

Under her direct guidance, the Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE) was established—an institution that became the living model of her educational philosophy. Its success inspired the creation of other schools and centers across India, including those under the Sri Aurobindo Education Society (SAES), which continue to embody and uphold her principles to this day.

The Mother’s enduring presence—through her writings, messages, and spiritual guidance—remains the silent foundation of every educational endeavor inspired by her. Her approach offered India and the world not merely a new system of learning, but a luminous path toward shaping conscious, compassionate, and awakened human beings.

Surendra Nath Jauhar

Surendra Nath Jauhar, affectionately known as Fakir and Chacha Ji, was a freedom fighter, spiritual seeker, and visionary educationist who dedicated his life to translating the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother into living institutions. A passionate nationalist during India’s struggle for independence, he later turned his energy toward building a new India through transformative education rooted in spiritual values.

With the blessings and guidance of The Mother, he established the Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch in 1956, followed by the founding of the Sri Aurobindo Education Society (SAES). At a time when education in India was largely confined to academic instruction, Chacha Ji envisioned something far deeper—a system that would shape not just minds, but whole beings.

His commitment to Integral Education was unwavering. He believed that education must foster the complete development of a child—physical, emotional, mental, psychic, and spiritual. Under his leadership, institutions such as The Mother’s International School (The MIS) were established as living models of this vision. These schools sought to balance academic excellence with inner cultivation, character building, and self-awareness—creating environments where children could grow into thoughtful, conscious, and capable individuals.

Surendra Nath Jauhar’s approach to education was deeply personal and hands-on. He was involved in every aspect—from the laying of bricks to the shaping of values. To him, education was not merely about imparting knowledge, but about creating a sacred space for the soul to evolve.

His legacy continues to live on through the work of the Sri Aurobindo Education Society and its institutions. For generations of educators and students, Chacha Ji remains a symbol of selfless service, spiritual dedication, and the transformative power of education guided by a higher vision.

Tara Jauhar

Tara Jauhar is a dedicated spiritual seeker, educationist, and author who has spent her life in tireless service to the ideals of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. The daughter of Surendra Nath Jauhar (Fakir), founder of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch, Tara Jauhar grew up in an atmosphere of deep spiritual aspiration, selfless service, and a vision for a more conscious and evolved humanity.

Her spiritual and educational journey was profoundly shaped by The Mother, under whose personal guidance she studied and lived during her formative years at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. Immersed in an atmosphere of yogic discipline and inner discovery, she absorbed the principles of Integral Education—a philosophy that seeks to nurture the complete being: body, emotions (vital), mind, soul (psychic), and spirit.

Over the decades, Tara Jauhar has played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the educational and spiritual mission of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch.
Her vision and leadership helped transform The Mother’s International School (The MIS) into one of India’s most respected institutions—celebrated for its unique blend of academic excellence, human values, and soul-centered education.

Beyond institutional development, Tara Jauhar has been an articulate voice for Sri Aurobindo’s vision through her writings, talks, and outreach. Her books and lectures continue to inspire students, educators, and spiritual aspirants to seek higher truths and to live with sincerity, discipline, and purpose.

In recognition of her lifelong service to education and spiritual upliftment, Tara Jauhar was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2022.

Tara Jauhar’s life stands as a living example of the power of faith, inner dedication, and unwavering commitment to building a conscious future through education—a path where knowledge becomes a tool for transformation and learning a journey of the soul.

Our Vision

To nurture a generation of conscious, compassionate, and creative individuals who embody the principles of Integral Education and realize their fullest potential:

• Physically
• Mentally
• Emotionally
• Spiritually

—and to contribute to the transformation of society toward greater harmony and higher consciousness.

Our Mission

• Provide holistic education that integrates academic excellence with inner growth and character formation.
• Foster an environment where students discover their unique talents and spiritual potential.
• Uphold and propagate the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother through educational, cultural, and community initiatives.
• Empower educators and learners to embrace education as a lifelong journey of self-discovery and conscious living.

Our Philosophy: Integral Education – A Path of Becoming

At the heart of the Sri Aurobindo Education Society lies a timeless vision inspired by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: Education is not preparation for life — it is life itself.

Integral Education is a holistic approach that nurtures every dimension of the individual:

• Physical
• Emotional (Vital)
• Mental
• Psychic
• Spiritual

It is designed to help each learner evolve into a complete, conscious, and harmonious being.

Unlike traditional education systems that focus mainly on intellectual development, Integral Education cultivates the whole person. It promotes physical health and vitality, mental clarity and knowledge, emotional balance and creative expression, psychic awareness for inner guidance, and spiritual growth toward higher consciousness and transformation.

The ultimate goal is to awaken the inner potential and true nature of each student, empowering them to live with self-awareness, creativity, responsibility, and joy. This education is not merely preparation for life — it is life itself: an ongoing journey of self-realization and integral growth.

By blending academic excellence with spiritual values and character formation, Integral Education prepares students not only for professional success but also for meaningful contribution to society and the collective evolution of humanity.

At SAES, this philosophy shapes every institution and program, inspiring educators and learners alike to embrace education as a conscious path of transformation and lifelong becoming.

Pranjal Jauhar

Pranjal Jauhar is the Chairperson of the Sri Aurobindo Education Society (SAES) and a dedicated custodian of the spiritual and educational legacy of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Continuing the vision set forth by his grandfather, Surendra Nath Jauhar (Fakir), and nurtured over decades by Tara Jauhar, Pranjal brings to his role a deep commitment to holistic, consciousness-based education. Under his leadership, the Society continues to grow as a dynamic platform for Integral Education, fostering environments that support academic excellence, inner development, and ethical living. He oversees various educational, cultural, and community initiatives with a clear focus on ensuring that the ideals of Sri Aurobindo’s vision are meaningfully integrated into the fabric of modern learning.

Pranjal Jauhar’s approach is rooted in integrity, progressive thinking, and a spiritual outlook. He is actively involved in shaping future-ready institutions that remain anchored in timeless values—ensuring that SAES remains not just relevant, but essential in today’s world.

As Chairperson, he leads the Society with quiet strength, balancing tradition and innovation, and inspiring the next generation to walk the path of conscious education and inner growth.

Ashok K. Acharya

Mr. Ashok K. Acharya is a retired civil servant who served in key administrative roles across Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa. After taking voluntary retirement, he continued his professional journey as an adviser to a Japanese multinational company before dedicating himself fully to the work and vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

His deep and enduring connection with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, spans over fifty years. During this time, he had the rare privilege of receiving the personal Darshan of The Mother on several occasions—experiences that have profoundly shaped his inner life and direction.

Currently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Education Society, Delhi Branch, Mr. Acharya actively contributes to the growth of Integral Education and to the realization of the spiritual ideals enshrined by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

Mr. Anil Jain

Mr. Anil Jain began his distinguished career with Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s premier public sector banks, joining as a Management Trainee (Probationary Officer) in December 1981. Over a dedicated tenure of 34 years, he gained extensive experience working across multiple branches as well as in the Administrative Office, developing deep expertise in banking operations, administration, and customer service.

After voluntarily retiring in February 2016, Mr. Jain chose to serve the community by joining the Sri Aurobindo Ashram as a committed volunteer. Bringing his rich professional background and a spirit of selfless service, he has since contributed significantly to the growth and smooth functioning of the Ashram’s activities.