2 July 2025, Amritapuri Ashram – VIR Peace Award Ceremony
Amma was conferred with the Vivekananda International Relations (VIR) Peace Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to global peace, compassion, and humanitarian welfare. The award honours individuals from Bharat who have had a transformative impact on the world, embodying the spirit of selfless service.
The award was presented at a special ceremony held in the Ashram hall, attended by Gagan Mahotra, Convenor of the VIR Award, Ravi Kumar Iyer, Patron of the Award, and other dignitaries.
Amma expressed her love and gratitude to the organisers for bestowing this award in the name of Swami Vivekananda— who dedicated his life to raising the glory of Mother India.
“This award is not just about honouring Amma’s work,” said Gagan Mahotra. “It’s about inspiring future generations of India to serve the world with heart and purpose—just as Amma does.”
Ravi Kumar Iyer added, “Amma should travel to every corner of the world. Wherever her feet touch, that place becomes peaceful—a heaven. She is like the ancient sages who brought calm to lands gripped by conflict.”
Named after Swami Vivekananda, the VIR Peace Award draws upon his teaching: “Service to humanity is service to God.” The award celebrates those who live this principle, spreading peace and spiritual values across the globe.
In her acceptance speech, Amma said:
“Whenever there is success or achievement—in any sphere of action, anywhere in the world—it is never only due to the effort of a single individual. Countless people have selflessly contributed, and behind the scenes many invisible factors have played their role.
When a beautiful song receives an award, often it is only the singer who is recognised. We forget the many others who helped to make the song beautiful: the poet who wrote the meaningful and poetic lyrics, the composer who created the melody, the musicians who played the instruments, the harmonizing backing singers and, above all, the grace of God. It is only when all these elements come together that a great song is born.
Similarly, if Amma has been able to do anything beneficial for the world, it is only because she has been blessed with so many good children. These children come from every walk of life and every nation. The children listen to Amma, and Amma listens to the children. That is how it works. Therefore, Amma would like to dedicate this award to all of them.
The responsibility for any action—be it good or bad—lies with everyone who contributed to it, not just with one individual.
This idea of collective responsibility is also extremely relevant when it comes to the matter of world peace. Be it on the level of the family, the level of the nation or globally, each of us bears moral responsibility for all the good and bad taking place in the world. Becoming aware of this truth is the first step towards world peace.
From a geographical standpoint, humans have conveniently divided the ocean into multiple bodies of water: the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, etc. But in truth, the ocean is one. The earth we live on and the air we breathe are one. All living beings live under one and the same sky. Everyone all over the world uses the sunlight and energy from the same Sun. When we awaken to this understanding, we will never again do anything that harms the world, our fellow beings, other species, or nature. This is the path to peace.
When we divide ourselves into many levels and work separately, it only increases our selfishness, hatred and desire for revenge.
Our ancient sages prayed: “May everyone be happy. May no one suffer from illness. May everyone see auspicious things. May no one experience sorrow.”
May we walk along the path revlealed to us by our ṛṣis, so that India may once again rise to the status of viśva-guru—the spiritual teacher of the world. May India be a model and guiding light for the world” Amma concluded.
The gathering concluded with heartfelt applause and a renewed commitment to support Amma’s mission of creating a compassionate and peaceful world.
-Kannadi
