This year, at Amma's own wish, her 73rd birthday on September 27 is being observed as Vishwa Seva Dinam, a global day of selfless service. In place of a grand festival, the day is given back to the world: free surgeries and children's heart camps, relief for families struck by floods and loss, weddings for couples who could not otherwise afford them, cleanliness drives, and prayers for peace.
It is a wish Amma has expressed many times.
If my children can become ready to share their lives with the poor and the needy, that would be the best birthday present Amma could ever receive.
— Amma
This year, in his letter from Amritapuri, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri invited Amma's children everywhere to take part, including those far from India:
If the distance is great, do not grieve — let your own two hands become the celebration. Wherever there is selfless service, Amma is there; and whoever serves is already seated at her side.
— Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri
Across North America, centers and satsangs are answering that call with birthday spiritual talks, prayers and traditional fire ceremonies, and with selfless service community projects: cooking and serving meals, collecting food for neighbors, harvesting the farm and cleaning up local parks.
