Amma Receives the 2002 Gandhi-King Award
for Non-violence at the Palais des Nations, Geneva
Amma was the keynote speaker at The Global Peace Initiative of
Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders, at the United Nations in
Geneva, Switzerland. The conference was held in October 2002, and
was an initiative of The United Nations' Millennium World Peace
Summit, at which Amma spoke in August 2000.
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In what conference organiser Dena Merriam called "the
most important ceremony of this event," Amma was presented
with the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence at the United
Nations General Assembly Hall (Palais Des Nations) in Geneva
in recognition of Her lifelong work in furthering the principles
of non-violence. The three previous recipients of the award
were Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, and the world-renowned primatologist
Dr. Jane Goodall. Dr. Goodall presented the award to Amma.
Bawa Jain (Secretary-General of both The Millennium World
Peace Summit and The World Council of Religions) and His Excellency
Mr. Sergio Vleira De Mello, UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights were also on stage with Ms. Goodall to bestow this
prestigious award. |
Dr. Goodall had this to say: "I feel it’s a great honour
to share a platform with a woman who is so remarkable, and who is
the very embodiment of goodness... She believes that God does not
discriminate between the sexes, and I believe that She stands here
in front of us, God’s love in a human body.”
In Her acceptance speech, Amma praised the work of both Mahatma
Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "This award is
in the name of two great beings who fearlessly devoted their
lives towards the cause of peace, harmony and equality. Amma
accepts this award on behalf of all those who pray and work
for peace the world over. May this be an inspiration for people
everywhere to redouble their efforts in bringing peace to
our planet." |
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Amma's keynote address, entitled "Awaken the Universal Motherhood,"
addressed gender issues directly and profoundly in the context of
spirituality and society as a whole: "No authentic religion
belittles or denigrates women. For those who have realised God,
there is no difference between male and female. The realised ones
have equal vision. If anywhere in the world there exist rules that
prevent women from enjoying their rightful freedom, rules that obstruct
their progress in society, then those are not God's commandments,
but are born out of the selfishness of men.
"Which eye is more important, the left or the right? Both
are equally important. It is the same with the status of men and
women in society. Both should be aware of their unique responsibilities,
or dharma. Men and women have to support one another. Only in this
way can we maintain the harmony of the world. When men and women
become powers that complement each other, and move together with
co-operation and mutual respect, they will attain perfection."
Read Amma's keynote address, entitled Awaken
the Universal Motherhood, given on the occasion of the Global
Peace Initiative of Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders, Palais
Des Nations, Geneva, 7 October 2002
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Also during the conference, Amma gave interviews to One Voice
International, during which She comforted a New York firefighter
who was present during the September 11 tragedy, and the Christian
Broadcasting Corporation. She also led the prayers for world
peace at English Garden Lake Park, located in the heart of
Geneva. In Her peace message after the prayers, She said,
“What everyone needs is peace. But a majority want to
be king. No one wants to be a servant. How can there be peace
then? Won’t there only be war and conflict? A true servant
is the real king. Isn't the milk from the black cow,
the white cow and the brown cow white? Similarly, the essence
in every person is the same. Peace and contentment are the
same for everyone. Those who desire them should work together.” |
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