In one-on-one interactions, in her daily programs, and at international forums, Amma offers words of wisdom on the most pressing matters of our time. From climate change to terrorism, cross cultural tensions to poverty and women’s rights, Amma invites each of us to get involved in rebuilding a more caring society.
Our efforts to remove hatred and indifference from the world begin by trying to remove them from our own mind.
- Amma
Throughout her life, Amma has demonstrated a relentless commitment to alleviating the pain of the poor and those suffering physically and emotionally.
The power of her personal example has given rise to a global network of humanitarian organizations known collectively as Embracing the World.
Amma serves as Chair of M.A. Math, the India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations. She is also the founder of the internationally acclaimed, humanitarian-focused Amrita Hospitals and Amrita University.
Amma emphasizes spirituality as part of our path to happiness. She has engaged in meditation and other practices her entire life, so speaks from personal experience when advising others. Amma has created and inspired many practices relevant for our daily lives.
When I embrace people, it is not just physical contact taking place. The love I feel towards all of creation flows towards each person.
- Amma
Amma welcomes all those who come to her with her embrace, known as her darshan. During this hug, one can experience her unconditional love. Amma has given this motherly embrace to more than 40 million people throughout the world.
Having consoled her neighbors from a young age, Amma becomes known for her selfless love and compassion. People come to stay with her as her disciples, and her family house becomes home for the first residents.
Amma’s India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization, the Mata Maritanandamayi Math is officially registered.
Amma goes on the first of her annual tours, beginning with Singapore, the United States, and Europe.
Amma diverts funds raised for her Ashrams first prayer hall to take an orphanage in India, laying the basis for her humanitarian initiatives.
Amma addresses the interfaith celebrations at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in New York.
Amma’s first multi-disciplinary tertiary care hospital opens its doors in kochi, Kerala, India .
Amma received the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence at the United Nations in Geneva.
Amma’s 50th birthday celebrations welcome 500,000 people in kochi, Kerala, India
Amma’s humanitarian organization receives Special Consultative Status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Amma is invited by Pope Francis to the Vatican to co-sign the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery.
The first ever UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment is established at Amma’s Amrita University.
Amma is honored with an award by Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the largest contribution to India’s environment cleanliness campaign (Swachh Bharat Kash)
40 years after its inception, Amma’s organization has provided aid for more than 30 million people in 48 countries. Amma has personally embraced more than 40 million throughout her life.
Under India’s presidency of the G20 Summit, Amma is the first spiritual leader to serve as chair of the Civil 20(C20), the civil engagement group for civil society organizations. Under Amma’s leadership, Civil 20 India reaches out to the highest number of people in C20’s history.
Amma was born in 1953 into a fishing family in Kerala, India. From a very young age, Sudhamani, as Amma was called then, would meditate for hours without anyone teaching her…
Amma has received many international honors and awards including the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence (UN, 2002), honouring her contributions to spread world peace and harmony.
The vast majority of Amma’s time is dedicated to her personal encounters with people from across the world. Since 1987, Amma has traveled around the globe to personally meet people across six continents.
Amma stands here in front of us: God’s Love in a human body.
Primatologist