Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

Amma has brought these spiritual heights not just to India but to the whole world. The whole world has accepted her as its ‘Amma.’ By establishing her organization throughout the world, she has projected India to the world—through her life, through the various activities of her ashram.

Chief Minister of Gujarat – 2008

Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

Amma has taught us the religion that takes us from ‘I’ to ‘we’; the religion that joins ‘self’ to the ‘whole’; the religion that teaches us to look at a needy person not with sympathy but with compassion; the religion that teaches us that we should share whatever we have with the others.

Chief Minister of Gujarat – 2008

Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

There was a time in this country, when there was a terrific line of distinction between higher-lower, touchable-untouchable. Today, we should take pride in the fact that a person like Amma, who was not born in one of society’s upper echelons, has become the centre of sraddha [faith] and prem [love] for even the upper echelons of society.

Chief Minister of Gujarat – 2004

Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

Kerala may be the centre of Amma’s activities, but her spiritual consciousness enfolds all of humanity, the entire universe is her field of action.

Chief Minister of Gujarat – 2004

Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

Amma is a pearl in India’s Guru tradition.

Chief Minister of Gujarat – 2004

Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

What Swami Vivekananda said 150 years ago – ‘I can see today right in front of my eyes – that In coming days, my Mother India will emerge as the world leader.’ Today, I have to believe those words as the truth.

26 Sep 2013, Amritapuri : Amritavarsham60

Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

I feel that Amma is not an individual. Amma is the visible form of India’s grand mission. Amma is the visible form of fulfilment of hopes and desires of crores of poor people.

26 Sep 2013, Amritapuri : Amritavarsham60

Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

Amma is laying the foundation of Modern India.

26 Sep 2013, Amritapuri : Amritavarsham60

Sri. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

Amma has taken this Swachha Bharat campaign very proactively on her own shoulders. Inspired by various great people and humanitarian leaders like Amma, this campaign has gained immense strength and has transformed from being a campaign into a mass movement.

Prime Minister of India – 2018

Sri. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

What has attracted me most is Amma’s simple teaching through Amma’s simple language, that even the common man can understand and benefit from.

27 Sep 2016, Amritapuri

Sri. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

These two qualities have been her strength – Devotion to God and Dedication to the Poor; is thus, the message which I have personally taken from my association with Amma.

27 Sep 2016, Amritapuri

Arun Jaitley

Amma has come to symbolize spiritualism, philanthropy, service to the poor and the art of giving.

Sri. Arun Jaitley – Finance Minister, India, accepting  Rs.100 Crore donation for ‘Namami Gange’ project at Amritapuri 11 Sep 2015

Boston Globe, July 26, 2003

“She does not attempt to convert people of other religions. There are Jews, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Atheists in her crowds. If she has a dogma, it is simple: Love and serve one another.”

Boston Globe,

July 26, 2003

Sri. Khushwant Singh, Author and journalist

In all my life I have not met a warmer personality than Her [Amma]. Even an agnostic like me had great difficulty in holding back my tears.

— Sri. Khushwant Singh, Author and journalist, Amritapuri Visitor’s Diary, Amritapuri, 1993

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India

I want to share with you what I have learned from Amritapuri: Giving. That is the message I get from Amritapuri. Go on giving. You can give. It’s not only money. You can share knowledge. You can remove the pain. And you can even go to the person who is suffering. Every one of us — the rich and poor — can give. There is no greater message than Amma’s giving to all the people of this region, and Kerala, and India, and to the world.

—Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India, While inaugurating Amrita Setu in 2006, Amritapuri

Ms. Tanja Karpela, Cultural Minister of Finland

There are things, that you cannot… The hug was heartfelt and warm. Her humanitarian work is incredibly extensive.

– Ms. Tanja Karpela

Honourable Cultural Minister of Finland

Sri. Sarad Pawar President of the Congress Party in Maharashtra

Amma’s approach is to totally remove the suffering of the people. Amma’s mission is to comfort and uplift humanity by developing and upgrading their skills.

– Sri. Sarad Pawar

President of the Congress Party in Maharashtra,
Member of the Parliament of India Pune, 29 February 2004

Smt. Amisha Beagun Mirza, Mayor of Ahmedabad

Amma does fantastic work for communal harmony. She does great service to human beings, without any difference of class, creed, religion or nationality. I was really moved by Her work. I was overcome by emotions when I met Her. I was moved! She is wonderful!

– Smt. Amisha Beagun Mirza

Honourable Mayor of Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, 10 March 2004

Sri. Pon Radhakrishnan, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs of India

Mata Amritanandamayi is the cultural ambassador of India.

– Sri. Pon Radhakrishnan

Honourable Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs of India, 2002

Smt. Uma Bharati, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh

We love Amma not because of who She is, but because of who we become in Her presence.

– Smt. Uma Bharati

Honourable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh,
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 12 March 2004

Sri. A.K. Antony, Chief Minister of Kerala

There is no field of humanitarian activity where Amma’s ashram has not been involved.

“This is from my own experience. Amma has a special power to sponge up one’s pains. Her presence has brought values of love and compassion back to a strife-torn society..Till date, Amma has not uttered a single word that has hurt anybody. She has always been kind to everyone, even those who have hurt her.

– Sri. A.K. Antony,

Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala
during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat

Amma is a very, very transparent personality. She is in the real sense a “mother.” And as a mother, she loves all of the universe. She blesses us all. She gives strength to the individual, to the system and to the spiritual. That is how I feel!

– Sri. Narendra Modi

Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 10 March 2004

Sri. V.S. Rao, Union Minister of State of Home Affairs of India

The foreign philanthropists and devotees, they are giving every year, more than 4055 laks of rupees ($8.6 million, US). to touch the substratum of society of this country. I have only come across only this math [M.A.M] which is touching the substratum of the society, providing houses and all other benefits for the destitute, women, and handicapped.

– Sri. V.S. Rao

Honourable Union Minister of State of Home Affairs of India
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, January 2002

Shri. Madanlal Khurana, Governor of Rajasthan

Amma, you showed me the path.

– Shri. Madanlal Khurana

Governor of Rajasthan on 15 March 2004. Explaining to Amma how She was the inspiration behind his distribution of Rs. 250,000 each week to his state’s poor and suffering.

Mr. Simon Crean, Member of Parliament of Australia

At a time when security and peace issues dominate the international agenda, her actions and activities are a beacon of light and inspiration to Australians and people all over the world.

– Mr. Simon Crean

Member of Parliament of Australia and former head of the Opposition, 2003

Riitta Uosukainen, Head of Parliament of Finland

Her hug has a wonderful power… Amma’s teachings can be put into practice in every country, and with her hug She brings consolation to many people..

– Riitta Uosukainen

Head of Parliament of Finland 7 October 2000, Helsinki

Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi, Minister for Human Resources of India

We are fortunate enough to live in a century when a divine personality like Amma is moving about in the globe. Divinity is manifested in the person of Amma. The Indian concept of Jagadamba [Mother of the world]—this is what Amma embodies.
While the governments lag behind in providing these facilities, Amma has worked wonders. Amma’s service to the entire humanity is fast-expanding, and it is wholehearted and selfless. She expects nothing in return. Divinity Herself has come to help humanity.

– Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi

Honourable Minister for Human Resources of India
during Amritavarsham50, Cochin, Kerala, 26 September 2003

Sri. Brijesh Misra, National Security Advisor of India

She is a great person. She has done tremendous work for the poor and downtrodden, which most Mahatmas do not do. Most are going for big people. Amma is going for small people, the common people. This is a great thing. She is effecting jobs, effecting education—this is God’s work.

– Sri. Brijesh Misra

National Security Advisor of India New Delhi, 17 March 2004

Sri. L.K. Advani, Deputy Prime Minister of India

I regard Amritavarsham50 [Amma’s 50th Birthday Celebrations] as something unprecedented, as people from 191 UN countries have come together. While agriculture energizes, industry enriches and knowledge enlightens, spirituality personified in Amma elevates us.

“There are people who can expound eloquently on all the scriptures and explain all their nuances, but rare are those who live the life described in these scriptures. Sri Mata Amritanandamayi belongs to this rare category of enlightened souls.”

– Sri. L.K. Advani

Honourable Deputy Prime Minister of India
during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Sri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Honourable Prime Minister of India

The world today needs solid proof that our human values are useful, that such qualities as compassion, selflessness, renunciation and humility have the power to create a great and prosperous society. Amma’s work provides us with the much-needed proof.”

– Sri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Honourable Prime Minister of India

during the inauguration of Amrita Insitute of Medical Sciences & Research Center,
Kochi, Kerala, 17 May 1998

His Excellency Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice-President of India

Several of her schemes reflect her bondless love for every soul. Amma’s work has refined the lives of millions; she is a woman of action and not just words.”

– His Excellency Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Vice-President of India

during Amritavarsham50 celebrations, Kochi, Kerala, 27 September 2003

His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India

You are all blessed because you are constantly showered with the blessings of Amma. The ambience of her colleges is sufficient to instil in you the values of life. Her divine mission should be your inspiration to make right use of life and add value to society

– His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India

Talking to students at Amrita Schools of Medicine, Kochi, Kerala, 17 November 2002

Smt. Suryakanta Patil Minister of State for Rural Development, Govt. of India 28 February 2008, Mumbai

Actually, your real darshan of Amma will come when the mother in your house is happy, and your sister and daughter are smiling and secure. When Amma holds you close to her heart, she is awakening the motherhood and fatherhood within you.

– Smt. Suryakanta Patil,

Minister of State for Rural Development, Govt. of India
28 February 2008, Mumbai

Dr. Mrs. Indu Shahani, The sheriff of Mumbai, 28 February 2008

Amma please bless us. You are an epitome of love. Make us worthy of the love you are giving us. Please bless the new project to uplift the women of Mumbai, that we are undergoing

– Dr. Mrs. Indu Shahani

The sheriff of Mumbai
28 February 2008

-Sri. Narendra Modi, Chief minister of Gujarat Ahmadabad, Gujarat 4 March 2008

Amma, through the medium of seva, has sparked a process of spiritual awakening. Amma has taught us the religion that teaches us to look at a needy person not with sympathy but with compassion. Amma has brought the lineage great rishis to us today.

-Sri. Narendra Modi

Chief minister of Gujarat
Ahmadabad, Gujarat 4 March 2008

-J. Fausett, Mayor Coralville, Iowa, USA 3 July 2008

The greatest miracle that takes place in Amma’s presence occurs in the hearts of those who come to her. Amma has inspired many humanitarian activities that have drawn the attention of the world community. Now, therefore, I, Mayor Jim L. Fausett, proclaim July 2nd and 3rd 2008 to be the ‘Days of Amma the Hugging Saint’ in the city of Coralville.

-J. Fausett

Mayor Coralville, Iowa, USA
3 July 2008

Dr. Rudy Dhalla Member of Canadian Parliament (Welcoming Amma to Canada) 23 July 2008, Toronto, Canada

Amma, your message has touched us all. I hope that you will continue to come back to us here in Canada, and thank you again for giving so tremendously much to us.

-Dr. Rudy Dhalla

Member of Canadian Parliament (welcoming Amma to Canada)
23 July 2008, Toronto, Canada

Lynne Featherstone, British Member of Parliament London, 27 Oct 2008

Amma has dedicated her life in helping others, Amma is living proof that equality and the belief that people should not be discriminated against due to their gender, race or cast is a universal one. Amma understands that we all need to find ways of respecting human dignity in each and every one of us.

-Lynne Featherstone

British Member of Parliament
London, 27 Oct 2008

Andy Meisner, US Congressman for Michigan, USA 4 Dec 2008

What a great privilege and a great honour to join in welcoming such an incredible force of good in a world that is troubled to Michigan. We look to our leaders like Amma to find courage and introspection and we thank her for her great leadership and for being here.

-Andy Meisner

US Congressman for Michigan, USA
4 Dec 2008

Mahinda Rajapaksa, The President of Sri Lanka, 23 December 2008

I count myself fortunate enough to be one among many millions of Ma’s devotees. Your benevolence and magnanimity is universal, which transcends all geographical and man-made barriers, serving entire humanity with all-embracing compassion. Hence, may I, most respectfully, request your divine intervention and merciful blessings to cleanse my motherland of this horrendous scourge of violence, thereby ushering an era of everlasting peace and prosperity.

-Mahinda Rajapaksa

The President of Sri Lanka
23 December 2008, officially hand-delivered letter to Amma

Anerud Jugnauth, Mauritius President 9 April 2009

It has been indeed a great privilege for my wife and myself to have had the darshan of Amma. I am sure that our lives will be enhanced. Her presence will help us in following her teachings and her example. Amma’s vision is to do everything that is possible to alleviate suffering.

-Anerud Jugnauth

Mauritius President
9 April 2009

Michael Feinstein, Mayor of Santa Monica, California 18 June 2009

The embrace is something that she does physically and spiritually, but all the kind of help she has offered to people around the planet is an embrace of its own sort. Her embrace is about love, but it is also about taking that love and sharing it in a practical manner.

-Michael Feinstein

Mayor of Santa Monica, California
18 June 2009

Fox5 News, Washington, D.C.

“Thousands of people are coming to Northern Virginia to meet the Hugging Saint.”

Fox5 News, Washington, D.C.

ABC News, Chicago

“She is known around the world as the Mother of Love, the Hugging Saint.”

ABC News, Chicago

ABC News, Chicago

“Wherever She goes, She draws huge crowds, and Chicago was no exception.”

ABC News, Chicago

NBC News, Los Angeles

“This is something you have to see to believe. Amma came to California to hug thousands of people.”

NBC News, Los Angeles

CNN’s Ginny Moost

“Amma is renowned for Her extraordinary hugging. Amma makes no promises, She welcomes all religions, Her hugs are free.”

CNN’s Ginny Moost

NBC’s Today Show, Ann Curry, host, during segment called, ‘The Hugging Saint’

“She is known as Amma or Divine Mother. She draws masses with the simplest of gestures – a hug.”

NBC’s Today Show, Ann Curry, host, during segment called, ‘The Hugging Saint’

Aamulehti, Finland’s leading newspaper, October 10, 2004

“Amma’s central message is the omnipotence of love and compassion. She teaches the importance of selfless service. Amma’s innumerable charitable projects have given relief to the lives of many poor around the world.”

Aamulehti,

Finland’s leading newspaper,
October 10, 2004

Der Standard, The Austrian intelligentia daily, Column by Antonella Mei-Pochtler October 3, 2003

“Amma manages a spiritual empire based on the principle of unconditional love for fellow beings…The impact Amma has, is to a large extent due to her absolute unity of motivation and action. …”
“Whoever is shaking their head at the successful CEOs celebrating Amma’s birthday, should think twice. After all, even their success and happiness is based on a successful dialogue between head and heart. …only ‘work and love’ together build the crucial pillars necessary for the unfolding of a successful life.”

Der Standard,

The Austrian intelligentia daily, Column by Antonella Mei-Pochtler
October 3, 2003

L’Unita, the leading ‘intelligentia’ newspaper of Italy, October 6, 2003

“Amma – India’s best known and most loved female guru – doesn’t promise miracles or any sudden materialization of jewels, no miraculous healing, no sudden illumination, but simply the gift of her embrace. For all, without discrimination, for whoever wants it.”

L’Unita

the leading ‘intelligentia’ newspaper of Italy,
October 6, 2003

The Times, Kuwait

“Recognized as one of the greatest spiritual social workers of the last millennium …’ ”

The Times, Kuwait

Die Welt

“…this Holy Mother Amma…must be an entirely extraordinary, remarkable Saint.”

Die Welt

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, October 10, 2001

“Her visitors in Bonn feel as if they too have received a generous gift. Walking away from being hugged, many of them laugh and cry at the same time and are totally moved..”

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung,

October 10, 2001

The Irish Times, November 15, 2004

“Nobel Peace Prize winner Mr John Hume … (was) at the RDS in Dublin yesterday as Amma, India’s “Hugging Saint” dispensed free hugs to all.”
“… Many came away visibly moved by the experience.”

The Irish Times,

November 15, 2004

Associated Press

“Ms. King called the Hindu woman ‘god in flesh’.”

(Ms. Yolanda King, late daughter of Rev. Martin Luther King), Associated Press

Charles Haviland, BBC News, September 26, 2003

“Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam has joined one of India’s best-known religious gurus, Mata Amritanandamayi, in an outspoken denunciation of poverty.”

Charles Haviland, BBC News,

September 26, 2003

Khozem Merchant, The Financial Times of London, September 29, 2003

“Technology industry icons, management gurus, business leaders, India’s president, and 100,000 devotees from around the world…celebrated the 50th birthday of…a woman who wields considerable influence over the world’s second most populous country…Amma…sends a simple but powerful message of ‘unconditional love’ by hugging men, women and children.”

Khozem Merchant, The Financial Times of London,

September 29, 2003

Los Angeles Times

“…known globally for her charitable work and her emphasis on selfless service.”

Los Angeles Times

Dallas Morning News, June 28, 1998

“Her message is simple: only through love can humanity be united.”

Dallas Morning News,

June 28, 1998

Wall Street Journal Sptember 22, 2003

“…Mata Amritanandamayi, one of India’s most famous living Hindu saints.”

Wall Street Journal

Sptember 22, 2003

Jennifer Lebovich, The New York Daily News 2004

“They came by the thousands, from the city and from all over the country, just looking for a hug.”

Jennifer Lebovich, The New York Daily News

2004

Trevor Barnes, BBC’s Radio’s Reporting Religion, December 31, 2005

“…I sensed no hint of emotional manipulation….I have to say, being hugged by Amma is, quite something.”

Trevor Barnes, BBC’s Radio’s Reporting Religion,

December 31, 2005

The Boston Globe-21, July 2005

“…Meryl Perlson of Medford sat on her knees quietly as Amritanandamayi reached out to press her head to her bosom and chant in her ear. It was over in less than 20 seconds, but powerful enough to bring the mother of two to tears…”

The Boston Globe-21

July 2005, Front Page

The Times of London September 23, 2003

“So healing are the properties of her two-minute cuddles that hundreds of thousands of devotees have descended on the southern state of Kerala for Amma’s golden jubilee…”

The Times of London

September 23, 2003

Corey Kilgannon, New York Times July 18, 2004

“Over the past three decades, Amma… has been fighting world suffering by tirelessly offering hugs, both to strangers and to her legions of follower…”

Corey Kilgannon, New York Times

July 18, 2004

NY Times 26 July, 2006

“Recognized worldwide for her spiritual and humanitarian work, Amma…ministers to the poor of India with food and open arms, often for more than 20 hours at a stretch. Jan Kounen’s awestruck film follows the mahatma from one jampacked event to another…”

NY Times

26 July, 2006, ‘Darshan: The Embrace,’ a Portrait of India’s ‘Hugging Saint’

Deacon Sunday Herald India, May 1, 2005

“The world places great importance on Mata Amritanandamayi’s role as a
woman spiritual-religious ‘leader’ and there is the feeling that she can lead the people of the world.”

Deacon Sunday Herald

India, May 1, 2005

Voice of America, radio and website, 27 July, 2006

“…Amma encourages people to look more deeply into their own religious traditions, whatever they are. At the root of all authentic teachings, Amma says, are love and compassion, which she tries to convey through the nurturing mother image she projects.”

Voice of America,

radio and website, 27 July, 2006

El Pais, Spain’s leading newspaper, July 14, 2005

“Amma…one of the most notable religious phenomenon of the day.”

El Pais,

Spain’s leading newspaper, July 14, 2005

Neue Zürcher Zeitung Leading National/International Swiss Newspaper, October 3, 2003

“The motherly love expressed in her embrace – an unconditional love that doesn‘t judge or calculate… a life of selfless service and surrender… For many people it is exactly the absoluteness of that simple gesture that has drawn them to her… The embrace is the negation of all hierarchy between teacher and student, and therefore, devoid of any arrogance…”

Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Leading National/International Swiss Newspaper, October 3, 2003

The Christian Science Monitor July 28, 2006

“Amma travels the world holding hugging sessions, encouraging selfless service, and spreading ‘the healing qualities of universal motherhood.”

– The Christian Science Monitor

July 28, 2006, ‘Hugging saint’ is compassion in action

ABC News, New York

” People wait hours, just to spend a moment with her.”

ABC News, New York

ABC News, Chicago

“She will never turn anyone away, and She never charges any money for her hugs. In India, She has been known to sit for more than 20 hours, and hug more than 20,000 people, just in one day.”

ABC News, Chicago

USA Today, Feature Article, July 19, 2006

“They need no money, no knowledge of any holy text or ritual practice, no special strength or beauty or spiritual fine-tuning. They need only come to tiny Amma…”
“Her arms are open to all: infants and elderly, wiry collegians, hippies gone gray, dudes in Dockers or saffron robes, Christians and Jews, Hindus and Buddhists, children and the childlike… No questions asked. One lesson offered: Open your heart to the world.”

USA Today, Feature Article,

July 19, 2006

Delia Galager, CNN News, August 27, 2007

“Cynics may sneer, but take a look at what Amma has done, an orphanage where 500 children live … Amma has donated $46 Million to tsunami relief in South Asia and $1 million to the Katrina Relief Fund in the US … a multimillion dollar international charity that has blossomed from a smile and a hug. For Amma it’s proof of what a mother’s love can do.”

Delia Galager, CNN News,

August 27, 2007

BBC Radio, Trevor Barnes December 31, 2006

“Young, old, rich, poor, healthy or sick, no one is beyond Amma’s embrace. I saw smiles and tears and a genuine sense of warmth and tenderness.”
“Certainly I sensed no hint of emotional manipulation.”

BBC Radio,

Trevor Barnes December 31, 2006

French National TV, Ch 6

“In India she is revered as a saint. But Amma has also conquered the world.”

“Through her embrace, Amma spreads peace and love worldwide.”

French National TV, Ch 6

RAI3, Italian TV

“She preaches peace, non-violence and love…”

RAI3, Italian TV

Fox News Live July 7, 2007

“A large New York crowd waits patiently for hours hoping to spend a few moments with a very special woman who’s traveled thousands of miles from her native India, delivering a powerful message of enduring faith and hope.”

“These devotees are united in the belief that Mata Amritanandamayi is a saintly wonder. She draws millions of people around the world for spiritual relief that people say comes from her gentle touch.”

“Affectionately called “Ammachi” or “Amma,” meaning mother, she reaches out to one and all with a simplest of gestures — a meaningful embrace. Her welcome is warm, her smile is sparkling and her white sari glows and offers up a hug, as if each person in her arms were the only person in the room.”

“It is indeed fascinating to watch the hundreds of people — Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus — kneel as they get closer to Ammachi and her magnetic hugs. She embraces all faiths and describes herself as a servant of god.”

“Her outreach has a profound effect on those who receive her hugs. They come to heal and open up their hearts to a woman who has dedicated her life to spreading infinite compassion and motherly love throughout the world.”

Fox News Live

July 7, 2007

Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

Amma has done more work than many governments have ever done for their people… her contribution is enormous.

— Prof. Muhammad Yunus
2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Founder, Grameen Bank
inaugurating International Conference on Technology Enhanced Education at Amrita University,
Amritapuri on 3rd January 2012.

Dr. Kiran Mazumdar, CEO of Biocon

Amma is the greatest entrepreneur of us all. She is so full of ideas and unique visions that she makes research easy.

—Dr. Kiran Mazumdar
CEO of Biocon, India’s leading biotechnology research company
25 August 2006, Amritapuri

Sri. Vyomesh Joshi, Executive Vice President, Hewlett-Packard

I’m going to take this concept of love and compassion to the next level at HP [Hewlett-Packard]. This is an excellent model of how you really make a productive enterprise. I think we can apply that in a special way.

—Sri. Vyomesh Joshi
Executive Vice President of Imaging & Printing Group, Hewlett-Packard
after visiting Amma’s AIMS Hospital
Kochi, Kerala, 25 September 2003

Olara A. Otunnu former President, UN Security Council

I was very struck by how much of what is generated, how much of the money that is mobilized, actually goes and benefits directly those in need. Amma acts on the spontaneous and instinctive. And that has given a lot of speed and momentum, cut out the bureaucracy, and made it possible to inspire people and to move with them to actually provide timely and quality support to those in need. And I think international NGOs and UN agencies have something to learn from the work of Amma and what she has been able to build.

—Olara A. Otunnu

former President, UN Security Council; former Chairman, UN Human Rights Commission -in 2006 when he visited Amritapuri

Felix Martin, Director General of UNESCO, Parliament of World’s Religions

Amma expressed a peace and love that touches the fundamental aspects of human life. She is attracting lots of people all over the world through Her message and Her character. She expresses these components that are the foundations of the future world we are committed to make with UNESCO and the World Parliament. She is a great leader and we are honoured that She is addressing the closing ceremony.

— Felix Martin,

Director General of UNESCO
Parliament of World’s Religions, Barcelona, 13 July 2004

Rev. Dr. William E. Lesher, Chairman of the Trustees, Parliament of World’s Religions

Amma is a very important religious leader and we are very honoured to have Her here as the keynote speaker on our closing ceremony. Amma is very loving, She exudes love and affection for human life and She does it in such a way that people understand the message that She brings. The Parliament is meant to build bridges between religions and peoples. Amma is a great example of unity and love to all of us. Personally, I feel that Her embrace is more than just a handshake, it’s is more that a kiss.. more than a kiss of peace! It is a vigorously down to earth hug… And it is powerfully familiar!

—Rev. Dr. William E. Lesher,

Chairman of the Trustees, Parliament of World’s Religions
Parlament of World’s Religions, Barcelona, 13 July 2004

Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, former secretary of the Department of Arts, Ministry of Human Resources of India

Mata Amritanandamayi represents a long line of women seers, saints, social reformers who have transformed the collective psyche of India by their sheer presence. Their experience of the inner life of reflection and introspection, of tapas [austerities] and sadhana [spiritual practice], has, as it had to, manifest itself in diverse ways of public action for the good of humanity.

— Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan,

former secretary of the Department of Arts, Ministry of Human Resources of India
during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, Kerala, 25 September 2003

Sri. Ashok Singhal, President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)

My first feeling of Amma—right from the beginning—was that some great Mahatmas are born for changing the destiny of the world, and She is one. They have come for a purpose. They are not ordinary. They are Parameshwara Himself. They come with a purpose.

—Sri. Ashok Singhal,

President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)
New Delhi, 17 March 2004

Sri. P. Parameshwaran, Director, Bharatiya Vichara Kendra

In Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, we have the embodiment of both motherhood and spirituality mingled in one single human presence that embraces the entire globe as it is, without any discrimination, in one single sweep of unbounded love and limitless acts of compassionate service.

— Sri. P. Parameshwaran,

Director, Bharatiya Vichara Kendra
during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, Kerala, 25 September, 2003

Ms. Dena Merriam, Vice Chairwoman, Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious & Spiritual Leaders

It [Amritavarsham50] has been phenomenal. Of all the religious and spiritual gatherings I have been to around the world, this is something special. To have such an energy coming from one religious leader, this is of a magnitude I have not seen.

—Ms. Dena Merriam, Vice Chairwoman,

Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious & Spiritual Leaders
during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, Kerala, 26 September 2003

Sri. Bawa Jain, Secretary General, World Council of Religious Leaders

Let Amma’s love and compassion roll like a tidal wave and engulf the whole world, flowing so that no child who is hungry and without a mother will go on suffering.We will be with you wherever you want us in your service, Amma.”

— Sri. Bawa Jain,

Secretary General, World Council of Religious Leaders
during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Ms. Yolanda King, Daughter of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I had the blessed privilege and honour to meet Amma and receive darshan during Her U.S. Tour. It was a moment of transcendence, for I was able to grasp for the first time the essence of true fulfilment and agape [unconditional] love. What I cherish about Amma is that she not only talks the talk and is the embodiment of unconditional love, but She expresses that love in action. She walks the talk. Mahatma Gandhi urged us to ‘be the change we wish to see in the world.’ Amma is the change she wants to see in our world. She is a profound living example for all of us.

—Ms. Yolanda King, Daughter of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Director, Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change
during Amritavarsham50 Kochi, Kerala, 25 September, 2003

Dr. P.L.O Lumumba, Renowned advocate and Human Rights defender

We come to celebrate and acknowledge a personification of love. Amma, your selfless desires, your selfless actions are your greatest testament and commitment to man.

—Dr. P.L.O Lumumba

Renowned advocate and Human Rights defender
(Kenya) 14 April 09

Di Kerr, Elder from Australia’s Wunrundjeri Aborigini Tribe

Amma, you are an inspiration to a lot of people, and if we all took one page of your book of life, we can be better people, and being better people, we can have a better world.

—Di Kerr

Elder from Australia’s Wunrundjeri Aborigini Tribe:
Melbourne, Australia,6 April 2008

Tridandi Madusudha Maharaj, Vaisnava Sannyasin

There is no end to Her perfection.

— Tridandi Madusudha Maharaj
Vaisnava Sannyasin
27 February 2005, Amritapuri

Mae-Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta, Thai Buddhist Nun

Amma gives unconditional love, unlimited love, to anybody that she meets.

— Mae-Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta
Thai Buddhist Nun
during Amritavarsham50, Cochin, Kerala, 26 September 2003

Rev. Dr. Ipe Joseph, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in India

Question: How do you reconcile the Church’s doctrine that Jesus Christ was the only son of God in the face of someone like Amma?
Answer: Doctrine must take a back seat. God chooses many ways to manifest His grace in the world.

— Rev. Dr. Ipe Joseph
General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in India
during Amritavarsham50, Cochin, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Madhvacharya Vishvesha Tirtha, Pejavar Math, Udupi

As King Bhagirath flowed Ganga in the land of Bharata, our Mother, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, is flowing the Ganges of Love over the entire world. For this, I offer my special gratitude to Amma. I feel very happy when I look at the service Amma is rendering to the world. She sees the vision of the Lord not only in all of humankind, but even in animals. Watching the service that Mata Amritanandamayi is rendering for the welfare of the entire world – today’s society that is blemished with selfishness – one sees She is flowing the nectar of love and reviving the entire society.
Amma is the Incarnation of the Lord. She is the Avatar of Devi. To give amrita [nectar] to the devas [demigods], the Lord took the Mohini Avatar. But now, Mata Amritanandamayi – not only for the devas but for the entire humankind, for the entire animal world – She is the giver of amrita. I offer my salutations to Her. Under Her guidance, let peace and harmony be established in this world.

— Madhvacharya Vishvesha Tirtha
Pejavar Math, Udupi
during Amritavarsham50, Cochin, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Sri Durgaswami, sannyasin

There are flowers for incense, flowers for use in worship and flowers for medicine… but this flower is chosen by God.

—Sri Durgaswami
A sannyasin
during Amritavarsham50, Cochin, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Rabbi Leah Novick, Pathfinder of the Jewish Renewal Movement

Amma accepts everyone. She inspires us to open our hearts to new ways of being and doing in working selflessly together. (…)
I thank Amma for giving me the direct experience of the Divine Mother. It has been 13 blissful years; this year I celebrated my bat mitzvah with Amma.

—Rabbi Leah Novick
Pathfinder of the Jewish Renewal Movement
during Amritavarsham50, Cochin, Kerala, 25 September 2003

Swamini Niranjanananda, Acharaya of the Chinmaya Mission

One Mata Amritanandamayi can bring about the integration of the people of the world in a deeper sense than any number of organizations like the U.N.O. Love is the greatest conqueror.

—Swamini Niranjanananda
Resident Acharaya of the Chinmaya Mission,
during Amritavarsham50, Cochin, Kerala, September 25, 2003

Brother Wayne Teasdale, author of A Monk in the World

By her emphasis on selfless service and charity, Amma will,
I believe, hugely influence the future world.

—Brother Wayne Teasdale
Parliament of the World’s Religions Trustee,
author of A Monk in the World

Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, Director, Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua, New York

Amma, your embrace has become a worldwide treasure sought by princes and peasants, women and men, babies and frail elderly. Your embrace is not just to comfort the suffering, but is a gift of strength and spiritual energy to all who work to embrace the world, the world of work, the world of government, and the world of family.

—Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell
Director, Department of Religion, Chautauqua Institution
Chautauqua, New York, September 2003

His Grace Dr. Pascal Topno, Arch Bishop of Bhopal

All religions should work together for peace. Amma is a voice for all of us. She is certainly inspired by God and sent by God to guide us on this path. She is doing great work. She can only come from God. She is spiritually empowered, this spirituality of brotherhood. We all feel inspired by Her, and we thank God that He sent this gift to humanity!

—His Grace Dr. Pascal Topno,
Arch Bishop of Bhopal,
During Amma’s programme in Bhopal, 12 March 2004

Swami Chidananda, Divine Life Society

H.H. Parama Pujya Shri Mata Amritanandamayee,
Blessed Divinity!
Dear and revered Mother,
Jai Sri Durga!
This servant of the holy Master Gurudeva Swami Sivananda sends his “sashtanga dandavat namsakarams” to your revered self through this letter.
May you live long to bless all sincere seeking souls and enrich their lives with the wealth of “bhakti”!.

— Swami Chidananda,
Divine Life Society
From a letter sent by Swami Chidananda to Amma in July 1995.

Shankaracharya Raghaveshwara Bharati, Ramachandrapura Math

We see in the living hug that Mata extends to Her devotees, the principle of Advaita [philosophy of non-dualism] expounded by Shankaracharya. In a hug, two bodies come into contact with each other. Similarly, when the jivatman [individual soul] unifies with Paramatman [the One Supreme Soul], an immortal bliss – that is, amritananda – is established. This is Advaita. We believe that the Advaita preached by Shankaracharya is reflected in the hug by Mata Amritanandamayi.

—Shankaracharya Raghaveshwara Bharati,
Ramachandrapura Math, Hosanagar, Karnataka
During Amritavarsham50, Cochin, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Philipose Mar Chrysostum Mar Thoma Syrian Church

Amma is a blessing given by the Lord to his world. I thought that for me at the age of 90, everything was over. But meeting you has given me new experiences and a look into the future. And I am very happy.

—Philipose Mar Chrysostum
Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar Senior Metropolitan
Amritapuri, 29 August 2008

H. H. Swami Prakashananda, the president of the Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Sangha

In front of Amma, I always feel like a child and she is the Mother of the world.

—H. H. Swami Prakashananda,
the president of the Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Sangha
Sivagiri Math, Varkkala, Kerala 24 September 2007

Philipose Mar Chrysostum, Mar Thoma Syrian Church

Amma is a gift of God. God is love. Wherever there is love, God is there. What is real love? We come to understand it through Amma’s different seva activities. God has blessed Amma with the ability to understand human need and render appropriate help accordingly. As a result many other people are also inspired to join in the humanitarian efforts. All praise to God who has given us this blessing in the form of Amma. May Amma be a blessing to many more people.

—Philipose Mar Chrysostum
Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar Senior Metropolitan
Tiruvalla, Kerala, 7 March 2009

Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp, former President of the Jewish Institute, Holland

Amma teaches us that we should, at least, start with tolerance. But then we have to evolve on to respect, and from respect on to love. When we do that, all problems are solved. With Amma, I believe we can together create a world filled with real cooperation, love, truth and justice.

—Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp,
former President of the Jewish Institute for Jewish values
Holland 14 October 2009

Philipose Mar Chrysostum, Mar Thoma Syrian Church

Amma is a blessing given by the Lord to his world. I thought that for me at the age of 90, everything was over. But meeting you has given me new experiences and a look into the future. And I am very happy.

—Philipose Mar Chrysostum
Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar Senior Metropolitan
Tiruvalla, Kerala, 7 March 2009

Alice Walker, Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

Amma presents the kind of leadership we need for our planet to survive. This is the most heroic person I’ve probably ever met. Because she is sitting there hugging people. This is the most heroic thing that any of us could do now. Because shooting each other is not heroic. The most heroic is caring, and she does that.

– Alice Walker,

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

Dr. Steven C. Rockefeller

When I think of Amma and her life of devotion and service, I see a shining example for all of us of the spirit of reverence, compassion and care.

PhD, philanthropist, educator, social activist

Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Amma is truly such an enormous fountain of energy and love and compassion. I think if all of us were to get even a fraction of it within our own beings, there would be only joy in the whole world… Whatever little I can do with her inspiration, I will strive my best to accomplish it.

– Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri
Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 while Dr. Pachauri served as IPCC Chairman).

Andrew Cohen, spiritual teacher and founder of the magazine What is Enlightenment

For me Amma is the ideal. She is the yardstick. She is the measurement to which all of us [must hold ourselves], whether we are beginners on the spiritual path or matured seekers. She always shows that you can give more love, show more compassion. Amma is the greatest living saint on this planet. I met many Masters, but in Amma I see a combination of unconditional love and ferocious determination and an indomitable spirit. Her example is peerless. – Barcelona, 13 July 2004

– Andrew Cohen,

spiritual teacher and founder of the magazine What is Enlightenment?
Barcelona, 13 July 2004

Sri. Sanjay Gupta, Managing Director, Dainik Jagran

Amma is playing a transformative and inspirational role to help people cross a lot of barriers of religion and caste so they can be spiritually uplifted. – Kochi, 25 September 2003

—Sri. Sanjay Gupta,

Managing Director,
Dainik Jagran, a leading Hindi daily newspaper, during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, 25 September 2003

Sri. N.V.R. Nathan, Director, IILM Institute for Higher Education

What I have seen Amma doing is way beyond what most are able to achieve in such a short time. She is actually touching the heart of the people. She is able to make everyone realise that it is one’s duty to work for humanity.

– Sri. N.V.R. Nathan
Director, IILM Institute for Higher Education
during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, 26 September 2003

Dr. Timothy Conway, author of Women of Power & Grace

She [Amma] is one of the most glorious lights to appear in the history of religion. Just her stamina—embracing these millions of people one by one, day after day, without a break, all over the world—is some kind of divine gift. No mere human resources could accomplish this.

—Dr. Timothy Conway, Ph.D.,

author of Women of Power & Grace

Dr. K.S. Fathima Beevi, Syndicate Member, Mahatma Gandhi University

When we go to Amma for darshan, we forget what is happening around us. When Amma hugs us, we feel it to be something special that we have never got from anyone else. Her love, smile, kiss and the way She talks to us are things I cannot describe. Her love is forever.”

—Dr. K.S. Fathima Beevi , Lecturer,

Government College, Tripunithura, Kerala
Syndicate Member, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, 25 September 2003

Ms. Linda Evans, American actress

We all need heroes, people like Amma, who remind us of how great we can be when we’ve forgotten.”I think Amma is truly doing more for women than any other being on earth.”

— Ms. Linda Evans, American actress

during Amritavarsham50, Kochi, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Indian classical dancer

Amma symbolises the truth and beauty of life.

—Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam,

Indian classical dancer,
during Amritavarsham50
Kochi, Kerala, 24 September 2003

Dr. D.N. Srivastava, Senior Scientist Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

A society having only the government system, no matter how powerful and sincere, cannot survive for long without the solid base provided by spirituality. One plausible solution is to evolve a new universal religion. Now, only a vague outline can be speculated. Fortunately to have a glimpse of a sage of that universal religion, we have not to wait for some distant future. Sri Mata Amritanandamayi’s life and work is a living example of universal love and service.

— Dr. D.N. Srivastava,

Senior Scientist
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Dr. Madhavan Nair, Chairman of ISRO

A type of force emanates from Her. I think it cannot be defined by our analysis.

—Dr. Madhavan Nair,
Chairman of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation),
at Amma’s Bangalore Ashram, 21 February 2004

Dr. Deepak Chopra, author of Ageless Body

Amma is the embodiment of pure love. Her presence heals.

— Dr. Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Author of Ageless Body, Timeless Mind:
The Quantum Alternative to Growing Old
2004 Barcelona

Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist

I believe that She [Amma] stands here in front of us, God’s love in a human body.

—Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist

while giving Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence to Amma,
Geneva, 7 October 2002

Jan Kounen, renowned French Filmmaker, Paris

I feel rejuvenated after meeting Amma. She gives me tremendous energy through her darshan, which helps me remain focused and also adds value to my work and life

—Jan Kounen

renowned French Filmmaker
Paris – 25 Oct 2008

Doug E Fresh, Hip-hop American legend

Her energy is just incredible. I picked up youthful, bright, exciting energy. She is endlessly just giving, giving, giving. I think a lot of people need to feel her energy because it will make a difference in their life.

—Doug E Fresh

Hip-hop American legend
New York, July 2009

Dr. Stephen Dunnett., PhD Professor and provost for international education State University of New York, Buffalo

Amma has been a leader in expanding educational opportunity in India, particularly through the establishment of Amrita University, which in its first 15 years has become one of the most distinguished private universities in India. – May 2010

—Dr. Stephen Dunnett. PhD

Professor and provost for international education
State University of New York,
Buffalo. May 2010

Jim Lauderdale, Grammy Award winner

I’ve never met anyone like Amma—someone who has such a great impact on people’s lives for the good and for humanity. I am hard-pressed to think of someone who is doing more for mankind and the environment.

—Jim Lauderdale

Grammy Award-winning Country and Bluegrass artist
30 June 2008 — Addison, Texas, USA

Sharon Stone, World renowned actress

Amma has embraced 26 million people. But she has done this as an action not only of giving, but as an action of example. I welcome this saint, this angel, this person of active goodness.

—Sharon Stone

World renowned actress,
Paris, 12 October 2007

Adoor Gopalakrishnan

Amma is the glory and light. Amma is compassion, light, consciousness and fullness. I offer my pranams to Amma.

– Adoor Gopalakrishnan

27 September, 2006