25 years ago, Amma made history as the first and only speaker to address the UN General Assembly Hall in Malayalam. On August 29, 2000, her words carried a timeless reminder: for the world to change, first we must change ourselves within.
The United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit brought together more than 1,000 religious and spiritual leaders from across countries and faiths, joining UN members to explore solutions for poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and sustainable development based on universal values.
With deep compassion, Amma highlighted humanity’s urgent needs:
“If in any part of the world, people are dying of hunger or suffering in poverty, it is a matter of shame for all nations.”
She added, “Lending a helping hand to a neglected soul, feeding the hungry, giving a compassionate smile to the sad and dejected—this is the real language of religion.”
When Amma returned to Amritapuri a few days later, the villages of Alappad welcomed her in jubilation. Families of all religions and castes lined the coastal road with firecrackers, oil lamps, incense, and camphor to honour her arrival.
🌐 Read the full report from our archives: [Amma at the UN]