Aurorachana

Early times..

In the early Auroville years nothing much could be purchased in the budding township itself, and nothing was processed either. As the Hope gardens provided an abundance of seasonal fruits, Coco started to cook jams, make peanut butter and bake bread as a sideline, out of which the Hope bakery developed later with its 'Delicacies'.
It was in 1980 that Clemens, also from Germany, joined the Hope community, and started working in the bakery and food processing unit; also in the general development of Hope. In 1981 Coco and Clemens got married.

From 'Delicacies' to 'Aurorachana'

For many years Coco had collected old brass items from the market and small antiques for her house, and she always admired the old craft and carving art from local artists. Her dream was to have an antique shop and to deal in these sort of items. In 1993 that dream came true, and in collaboration with a friend in Germany a first container with colonial style furniture was ordered and sent. The couple then started to collect old furniture and employed carpenters to restore the often broken pieces to their former beauty. Once started, there was no stopping, and the sales and purchase just took its own course.

Today Aurorachana is exporting an average of ten containers per year, and has 30 full time employees and many subcontractors to handle the work. Of course, all Aurorachana's employees are paid provident fund, and medical insurance for their whole families, including their children. Part of the profits also find their way to the benefit of the workers.

Specialising in restoration

During four years Coco and Clemens have been working with a French restorer in order to learn the details of European restoration and to constantly improve the training of the carpenters and the quality of their work. Many tools and machines have been imported to comply with this high standard of craftsmanship, and the wax applied for the final touches is imported from Belgium to give a high quality finish.
Besides the export, many houses in Auroville and Pondicherry have been furnished by Aurorachana as well.

Import & export facility

Out of the need to take the utmost care in handling of the sometimes fragile goods, Aurorachana has developed an import & export facility to keep control over the movements of goods and to make sure that the containers arrive in good condition. This service extends also to Aurovilians and people from Pondicherry, who often have problems with Customs or other related procedures.

See also www.aurorachana.com 
Contact: candc@auroville.org.in