This was during the World War II when the Japanese bombing had penetrated deep into India. There were mandatory stipulations to see that all windows are closed and no light streaked out on the streets. Nirodbaran reports the following:

One day, putting a dark shade over Sri Aurobindo's table lamp, the Mother said with a smile, "Your lamp lights up three streets, Lord." "So I should be darkened?" he asked smiling. In truth, I do not think that any Japanese aeroplane flew over Pondicherry. I was very much amused at the sight of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo taking this human precaution against any possible threat.