Mathrubhumi Malayalam Daily

August 14, 2002

M. A. Math Provides Distinguished Model of Service

By K.M. Joshi

Bhuj, Gujarat: The President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam declared that the service rendered by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math is a laudable model for the entire nation. He stated that the relief work carried out by Amma and Her followers after the Gujarat earthquake was a source of inspiration for everyone. Mr.Kalam was speaking after inaugurating the community hall in the Amritanagar village built by the Math for those affected by the earthquake.

"I had come here after the earthquake in February 2000. Everywhere the eye could reach were shattered and crumbled buildings and terrified people trembling in fear. But, as I stand here again today, two years later, my heart is full of joy. The sight of these villages built up jointly by the volunteer organisations and the government awakens hope and optimism," the president said.

"A self-reliant, developed India has always been my dream. As I look forward, I visualise an overall growth towards a society devoid of poverty and blessed with social justice. When I see these villages reconstructed in earthquake-ravaged Bhuj by those who have a commitment to society, I realise that my optimism was not misplaced. I realise that the time of realisation of my dream is not far off." The President was speaking to a full audience in a hall specially put up for the occasion in Amritanagar.

The Amritanandamayi Math and the Gujarat government have jointly built more than eight hundred houses in Bhuj. It is expected that the houses will be handed over to the villagers by next month. The total budget for these quake-resistant houses is 15 crore rupees.*

The visit to Amritanagar was planned in accordance with the President's own wish to see the place. The District Collector informed the Math authorities that the President desired to visit the newly constructed houses. They in turn requested the President to inaugurate the newly finished community hall. He accepted that invitation gladly. The President arrived in Amritanagar at 12:30 PM, accompanied by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr.Narendra Modi, and the Minister of Industries, Mr. Suresh Mehta.

As soon as he arrived at the venue of the meeting, the President offered flowers in front of the picture of Mata Amritanandamayi. Then he inaugurated the hall, lighting a special oil lamp with seven wicks. It was after this ceremony that he addressed the victims of the quake and the distinguished visitors.

The meeting began with a verse in praise of Goddess Sarasvati sung by Ampili, the daughter of Mr. Melencheri Ramankutty Nair from Ernakulam. Then Swami Sadashiva Chaitanya welcomed the audience. A special shawl was offered to the President by the village chief, one to Mr. Narendra Modi by Mr. Mohan Nambiar, and to Mr. Suresh Mehta by Mr. Mohanan Nair. K.P. Bhanujan, who hails from Kerala, described the activities of the MA Math. Narendra Modi elaborated on the joint ventures of the Math and the Government. Swami Sadashiva Chaitanya, Swami Premamrita Chaitanya and Br. Muthumani offered memorial plaques to the distinguished visitors. Mr. P.G.N. Nampoothiri, President of the Ahmedabad Amritanandamayi Math gave vote of thanks.

Writing in the visitors' book, the President praised Mata Amritanandamayi wholeheartedly. His message was that the tremendous services rendered by Amma and Her devotees have always been a source of great inspiration for him. Later the President also made time to talk to the children of the village who were left orphaned in the wake of the quake.

* is 150 million rupees, about 3 million dollars

--- Courtesy of Mathrubhumi