Government of Kerala
“In the coming years, India will be known—not for its population of 100 crores or its nuclear power—but for the far-reaching humanitarian activities of Mata Amritanandamayi.”
His Excellency R.L. Bhatia, Governor of Kerala, 27 September 2005
(on the occasion of distributing keys to 550 tsunami-relief houses constructed by the Ashram)
“Amma has proved that serving mankind is serving God…Amma is a living legend of motherly love…Amma’s humanitarian activities are a model for the world to follow. In reaching out to the tsunami victims, helping them and consoling them in an area where the government has failed, Amma has been successful. What no government has been able to do, Amma is doing. In this dark world someone has lit a candle. Instead of complaining about the darkness, follow the light.”
Sri. Therambil Ramakrishnan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Kerala, 9 April 2005, Trissur
“Amma’s hands of goodness inspired tsunami relief and rehabilitation activities in the state. Endowed with a big heart, symbolizing the goodness of the society, Amma has completed the construction of tsunami houses at a fast pace..”
Sri. Oommen Chandy, Kerala Chief Minister, 26 June 2005, Amritapuri Ashram
(on the occasion of giving away keys to 89 houses built by the Ashram for tsunami victims)
“The Ashram’s relief activities are a role model for society”Amma’s ability to take quick decisions in tsunami relief is highly commendable”the government is highly indebted to the Ashram for taking the initiative to resolve even minor issues faced by people in their daily life.”
Sri. K.C. Venugopal, State Tourism Minister, 26 June 2005, Amritapuri Ashram
(on occasion of Ashram-built homes being given to tsunami victims)
“I don’t know how to thank Amma for her offer of unconditional aid and the plethora of services she has rendered…The government has not been able to keep its promise of rehabilitating all the victims before the monsoon. The relief work done by Amma and the math is an example for others to emulate.”
Sri. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, 19 June 2005
(on occasion of giving away the Ashram-built homes–the first tsunami-relief homes built in India according to the government plan)
“The government is indebted to the Ashram for finishing the work in record time, understanding the suffering of the people. Those who have been working on the construction of these houses are role-models and are to be applauded.”
Sri. Babu Divakaran, Kerala Minister of Labour, 19 June 2005
(Inaugural address at a ceremony where keys being to houses built by the Ashram were given to recipients.)
“The government and other organizations were not able to do much to help the tsunami victims, no matter how hard they tried. They were not able to ease the pain and sorrow of the people. But Amma came to our rescue. The Mata Amritanandamayi Math lent us a supporting hand…. M.A. Math lead the way for other organizations involved in the relief and rehabilitation efforts…. The days that you spent with Amma will guide you for the rest of your lives,”
Sri. K.C. Venugopal, Kerala Minister of Tourism and Devaswom Board, 12 June 2005, Amritapuri
(speaking to the children who had attended Ashram’s personality development camps, which were conducted as part of tsunami relief)
“There is no need to have any anxiety about the success of any project launched by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math. I have firm faith that any noble endeavour in society will have Amma’s grace and blessings.”
Sri. Tiruvanchoor Radhakrishan, Kerala Minister of Forest and Water Resources
5 June 2005 (speaking at the inauguration of the Harita Teeram Project)
“Amma and the Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram are the embodiments of compassion. On behalf on the National and State Governments, let me offer our gratitude for the immense relief work done by the Ashram. Amma”s work extends all over the world and in all parts of India.”
Shri K.M. Mani, Minister of Revenue, Kerala, 13 January 2005
(at the inauguration of the temporary shelters built by the Ashram in Srayikkad, Alappad Panchayat, Kollam District, Kerala)
Government of Sri Lanka
From a letter from the Sri Lankan Government inviting Amma to Sri Lanka
“… to bless Sri Lankans of all faiths and races and to bring peace and prosperity in their lives… We are deeply touched by the great spiritual and humanitarian work undertaken by Your Holiness and by your Ashram to the poor and needy people in many parts of the world… Your gesture to dedicate one billion Indian rupees for the welfare of tsunami victims will surely inspire many other organizations to do likewise.”
Sri. K.N. Douglas Devananda, the Sri Lankan Minister of Agricultural Marketing Development,
Co-operative Development, Hindu Affairs and Minister Assisting Education