1-3 July, Chicago, IL – America Yatra 2015
Amma held three days of programs in her Chicago Ashram. This was Amma’s fourth annual visit to M. A. Center, Chicago.
The Chicago Ashram has seen many changes in the past year. The storage hall next to the main hall has been turned into the main dining area with seating outside. Many saplings had also been planted on the property.
The weather remained unusually cool, with days in the 70s and evenings in the mid-low 50s.
Mrs. Mazher Ahment and Mr. Hamid Ahmend, senior officials of Kane County, Illinois (where the Ashram is located) welcomed Amma on behalf of all citizens. Years ago, they had invited Amma to speak at the Parliament of World Religions in 1993{news} in Chicago. Mr. Raja Krishnamoorthi, former State Treasurer of Illinois, and candidate for US Congress, and Mr. Sunil Puri were also present.
Mr.Kakshman Agadi, Founder, President, and CEO of MedGyn Products, Inc., and trustee of the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, addressed the gathered crowd: “Today I am really blessed to be with Amma. For me, Amma is an incarnation of goddess Shakti. Mother Shakti has come to us on earth in the form of Mata Amritanandamayi…..Amma has taught us simplicity, humility and service. Her key observation on integral connection between religion and science are treasures that each of us and all generations to come must carry in our hearts. … Amma’s religion is love which supersedes all religions on this earth.”
Ron Gottsegen, President of M. A. Centers, spoke to the gathered crowd. Thanking Amma and everyone for their support, he went on to announce the future plans for the Center which Amma has approved and blessed. These include a school, additional housing, assisted living for elders, as well as the building of a Yajna Shala Temple. He also said that the old farm stand on the property will be reopened to sell organic products and ayurvedic herbs. The goal is to, “create a sustaining community where we can live, grow our own food, and use it as an opportunity to teach others to become self sustaining.”
At the end of the first day, Amma sang two bhajans before leaving the hall.
At the start of the second morning program, Amma was treated to a heartwarming classical flute concerto. Later, the local satsang and children of Amrita Balakendra put on many performances. Children from the Minnesota Satsang also chanted the12th chapter of Gita.
Later, as Amma was leaving the hall, the local satsang joyfully sang ‘Narayana Narayana Jay Jay Govinda Hare….” Rising to her feet, Amma began clapping her hands from side to side, keeping time with the beat. Everyone joined in as she slowly walked off the stage.
– Tulasi
