23 July 2026, Amritapuri
The Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam International Foundation (APJAKIF) conferred the Janani Award 2026 on Amma in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to humanitarian service, compassion and social transformation.
The award was presented to Amma during a special function held at Amritapuri Ashram. Amma is the first recipient of the Janani Award, instituted by the non-profit APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation which is dedicated to carry forward the vision and legacy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and popularly known as the “Missile Man of India,” was a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to India’s space and defence programmes. He was also deeply committed to using science and technology for the welfare of society.
Accepting the award, Amma described Dr. Kalam as “a man who devoted his life to advancing India through science and technology.” She said that despite occupying the country’s highest constitutional office, he remained a model of selfless service for every citizen.
“He was a brilliant scientist, a philosopher, a visionary, an artist, a patriot, a writer, and a poet—all of these combined. However, none of these are what made Shri Abdul Kalam unique, extraordinary, and unforgettable,” Amma said.
“It was his humility and love. Even after reaching great heights and holding esteemed positions, his attitude of ‘I am nothing’ and his humble approach won over everyone.”
Amma recalled that Dr. Kalam had discreetly donated his first ten months’ salary as President of India, towards MAM initiatives in Rameswaram. She came to know about the contribution only later.
When Amma subsequently met him at Rashtrapati Bhavan, she asked, “Do you have any wish for that place, son?”
He replied, “Amma, there is a hospital there, but there are no facilities for pregnant women to stay and receive treatment.”
Amma responded by constructing a centre for obstetrics. The funding also supported the construction of homes and other rural development projects in the district.
Concluding her address, Amma said, “Amma accepts this award, named after him—a symbol of goodness—on behalf of all the people of India, and rededicates it to them. Shri Abdul Kalam said, ‘Let us sacrifice today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.’ May we be able to put his words into practice.”
A shared vision of service
Dr. APJM Nazema Maraikayar, Managing Trustee of APJAKIF, spoke about the Kalam family’s continued commitment to Dr. Kalam’s vision of nation-building through technology and economic growth, combined with compassion, service and education. She noted that these were values shared by Dr. Kalam and Amma.
“He often reminded us that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. These ideas are beautifully reflected in the extraordinary humanitarian work carried out by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi,” Dr. Maraikayar said.
“Amma’s life is a shining example that love, kindness, and compassion are the greatest forces capable of bringing lasting change to society. Her message of embracing humanity beyond all boundaries of religion, language, caste or nationality is more relevant today than ever before.”
“We have gathered here to honour ourselves”
The award was presented to Amma by the Governor of Keralam and Tamil Nadu, Sri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said, “Amma’s life is for humanity. But it is up to us to learn something from that. She has given her whole life to humankind. And that is the greatness of the great souls.”
He emphasised that the occasion was not about conferring an honour upon Amma, but about honouring the values she represents. “It will not be correct to say that we are conferring or honoring Amma. Amma is beyond that. We have gathered here to honor ourselves by the very presence, gracious presence of Amma. We are honoring, we are celebrating our ethos. It is for our celebration.”
Recalling his decision to attend the function, he said, “There is nothing better in this world today than Amma herself.”
The Governor said that Amma’s name itself conveys the essence of who she is. “Only the word itself is enough to describe her. That Amma word itself tells us what she is and that tells us we have to bow before her every time. Every time, every day.”
He highlighted Amma’s universal outlook, saying, “For her, place, people, region, religion, is not a barrier at all. For her, everything is humanity.”
He said that Amma had dedicated her entire life to others and urged everyone to learn from the example of great souls who lived not for themselves, but for humanity.
“All those great people who have come here on this earth, they have not lived for themselves. They always lived and did everything for others. That is the reason why they are great,” he said.
The Governor reminded the gathering that the true purpose of such occasions was to inspire personal transformation.
“The purpose of being here is to tell ourselves, teach ourselves again and again, we are here for others, to teach others, to give to others,” he said.
Science and spirituality
The Governor also recalled the life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whom he described as a person of exceptional greatness and calibre who dedicated himself to the nation. “Abdul Kalam, person of science, gave everything to this country. He knew that science has to serve humanity,” he said.
Reflecting on the relationship between science and spirituality, he observed that science can explain how something happens, but does not always answer why it happens.
“Science will tell us how it has happened. But why it has happened? That answer is here with us in the form of Amma. ‘How’ can be told to us, and ‘why’ is here. This ‘why’ is to be answered,” he said.
He acknowledged the important role of science while emphasising the need for spirituality to guide humanity. “Science has given everything to us. But spirituality leads us towards humanity. For that spirituality is needed. Without this we cannot do anything. And to guide people like us, such souls like Amma come on earth.”
“Can’t we see Amma here?”
Referring to the Bhagavad Gita and Sri Krishna’s assurance that He manifests whenever dharma declines, the Governor reflected on how people often wonder when Bhagavan will come to restore dharma. “These are our limitations of thinking. We just look at Bhagwan Sri Krishna, where he is. Can’t we see Amma here doing everything? She herself is the Bhagwan Vishnu’s avatar. She does everything for these people. Why she has to be here? Only for others. That is the greatness of Amma.”
He said Amma’s presence was a blessing and connected her life with the ancient tradition of the rishis.
“We all are blessed by her presence. We all are so fortunate to have darshan of such great souls. This is in the legacy, in the tradition of rishis, Amma is here.”
The Governor also emphasised that spirituality and devotion must be accompanied by action.
“Not only spirituality and bhakti, but action is also needed to make this country a developed country. We all can do that with the blessings and guidance of Amma. We can do it.”
Quoting the traditional saying, “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah,” he urged everyone to move forward with courage and act according to dharma.
“That is the life and message of Ma Amritanandamayi. Nothing more than this and nothing less than this, we have to follow this,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Governor described the occasion as an “eye-opener” and reminded the gathering that Amma’s teachings must translate into action.
“It is for us to act outside when we go outside the auditorium of this hall. We need to act there.”
“Let us follow this. Ma Amritanandamayi’s blessings are always with us. Be assured of it. Be assured.”
-KaliCharan
