Amma Inspires Me to Serve

For many people, service is something they do when time and energy allow. For others, it becomes a way of life—one that evolves as life itself changes.

For Adarsa, a follower of Amma's teachings since 2001, service has always been deeply woven into her everyday world. Over the years, she has supported a wide range of community efforts, from Mother's kitchen and environmental projects to refugee support and local outreach. Giving back was never something she questioned; it was simply how she lived.

Then life shifted.

After being diagnosed with a serious hereditary heart condition and facing significant physical limitations, Adarsa found herself at a crossroads. Tasks that once felt natural were no longer possible in the same way. Rather than stepping away, she began asking a quieter, more honest question: How can I still help, given where I am now?

The answer emerged through awareness of a growing need. When recent changes to SNAP food benefits left many families struggling, Adarsa was inspired by a simple but powerful idea: complete, easy-to-prepare meals—packed thoughtfully, with care, and accompanied by a recipe.

As she shared simply, “Amma inspires me to serve.” For Adarsa, that inspiration wasn’t about doing more—it was about continuing to show care with creativity and intention, even as circumstances changed.

“Service doesn’t disappear when life changes—it finds a new way to show up.”

When Ajitha Kymal, the overall coordinator for MAC Michigan, heard Adarsa’s story, she immediately offered her support. Even while navigating her own health recovery, she stepped forward with steady enthusiasm—helping to plan, organize, and encourage others to join in. Her involvement helped transform a heartfelt idea into a coordinated community effort. 

What followed was a wave of generosity. Friends and community members sponsored meal kits. Tables filled with neatly arranged ingredients—beans, corn, pasta, vegetables, and sauces—each item chosen so families could prepare a complete, hearty meal with dignity and ease. 

Children helped assemble the meal kits together.

Adults sorted, organized, and double-checked recipes. 

There was laughter, teamwork, and a shared purpose that warmed the room.

What began as one person’s idea became a collective effort—proof that when compassion is shared, it grows. Over the holiday months, a total of 108 meal kits (approx. 650 items) were assembled and distributed to local food pantries by MAC Michigan volunteers.

For Adarsa, the project was about more than food. It was about acceptance—of new limits, new rhythms, and new ways of showing up. It was about discovering that service doesn’t disappear when circumstances change; it simply finds another form.

In a world that often measures contribution by output or stamina, this story offers a gentler reminder: service isn’t about how much we do—it’s about how we choose to care, with whatever we have, right now.