Mata Amritanandamayi (or Amma as she is known) is a world-renowned humanitarian leader and spiritual leader who has inspired millions to serve others.
As a young girl in rural India, saddened by the poverty around her, Amma resolved to help the poor. She shared what she had with them, and gave them a hug. Amma has embraced 39 million people worldwide since then, instigating a global network known as Embracing World.
Amma’s tireless service and dedication inspired Embracing the World volunteers in North America to provide more than 150,000 meals for the hungry and homeless each year. They also conduct other charitable projects.
Amma is a humanitarian and spiritual leader who is easily accessible. Over the past 32 years, Amma has visited the U.S. annually. While here, she spends 12 to 15 hours every day with the people. Amma visits each city to give talks, lead prayers for world peace and offer one-on-1 advice. She also embraces those who visit her. Amma’s programs are attended by people of all faiths. They see Amma both as a source for inspiration and solace and as a role model of hope and love in difficult times. Amma answers any question about her religion. “My religion is love.”
Amma has been honored with several international awards, including the prestigious Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence, the James Parks Morton Interfaith Award, and the Cinema Verité Award for humanitarian and human rights work.
Amma signed the Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery in December 2014 with Pope Francis and 10 other spiritual leaders from a variety of faiths.
Jane Goodall, a renowned primatologist, presented Amma the Gandhi-King Award of Non-Violence at United Nations 2002. “I believe (Amma) stands here before us, God’s love in a human body.”
Amma will travel North America in the summer of 2019, from June 6th through July 18th, 2019, with free public programs offered in 11 cities: Seattle, San Ramon (San Francisco), Santa Fe, Los Angeles and Santa Fe, Dallas; Atlanta, Boston, New York City. DC, Chicago, Chicago; and Toronto. You can visit the website for additional information including dates and locations. www.amma.org. Every city offers programs that are open to everyone and free of charge.
