International Forum: Addressing the World

Since 1993, Amma has been increasingly recognized by the international community as a treasured repository of practical spiritual wisdom, who has the capacity to guide the world towards a better, brighter future.

Amma is regularly invited by international organisations to address the issues of religious differences, the environment, and peacemaking. The Parliament of the World’s Religions chose Her as one of three Presidents of Sanatana Dharma (the Hindu faith). In 1995 Her “Unity is Peace” address was a highlight of the Interfaith Celebrations at the UN 50th Anniversary in New York. In 2000 Amma lent the UN Millennium World Peace Summit a unique charm with Her spontaneity, humility, and tenderness. Asked by the press what She would do if She was the ruler of the world, She responded, “I would be the sweeper,” so that She could “sweep everyone’s mind clean.”

And in 2002, She was presented with the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence, given in recognition of Her lifelong work in furthering the principles of non-violence. During the same event, at the UN headquarters in Geneva, She gave the keynote address at the Global Peace Initiative of Women and Religious Leaders.