3–5 November, Chartres, France – Europe Yatra 2025
Upon arrival at Chartres, in the autumn chill—5°C with gusty winds—Amma met volunteer devotees outdoors for nearly three hours, singing bhajans, sharing satsang, and distributing dinner prasad.
Swamini Amritajyoti introduced and welcomed Amma through a poem. AYUDH members sang as devotees followed the text on the screen:
After six years of silence,
Amma returns to tread the soil of France.
Our hearts open to this immense source
like flowers to the sun of her presence.
Amma, your embrace abolishes fear,
And restores humanity to its true greatness.
Your heart embraces without boundaries,
The humble, the strong, the entire earth.
O Amma, ocean of light,
Through your love, the world hopes—
Joy, gratitude, wonder—every breath becomes prayer.
Amma has joined us: blessing.
Amma is here: celebration!
With heartfelt applause, Amma was welcomed to the stage.
There were several dignitaries to greet Amma. Sylvie Retailleau, former France’s Minister of Higher Education and Research and currently President of Paris-Sud University, welcomed Amma and appreciated her work—particularly Amrita University:
“The scale of what has been achieved in thirty years is impressive. one thing struck me in particular is the spirit, values, and care that go into the various projects for the students. Amma wants students to experience the different realities of society firsthand. She wants to help them understand how they can listen, act, and use their skills and knowledge to provide solutions and make a real difference in people’s lives. I know from 35 years of experience how demanding this work is.”
Mrs Eenam Gambhir, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy to France, said: “Amma is indeed one of the very few and very important women spiritual leaders from India and one of the foremost ambassadors of India’s spiritual heritage. Amma, your message of love and compassion, your teachings and universal embrace are not only seen in the energy in the people that you impact but also embodied in the initiatives that are helping the youth and women, and everybody who is in search of love and compassion in this world.”
Swamini Amritajyoti Prana, Amma’s senior disciple who guides the French ashrams, released her autobiography—Le Bonheur est une Décision (Happiness is a Decision)—sharing deep reflections on life with Amma.
Amma officially inaugurated Aînés du Plessis, an old-age home offering a natural, intergenerational, and spiritual living environment.
On the second day, His Excellency Mr. Sanjeev Singla, Ambassador of India to France, shared: “Through her message and actions, Amma shows us that true spirituality lies not only in prayer or meditation, but in serving humanity with compassion and humility.
Her message embodies the values that unite India and France: respect for humanity, harmony with nature, and service to others. Amma’s work not only uplifts individuals, but also strengthens the bridge of friendship and understanding between our two nations.
On behalf of the Embassy of India in Paris, I extend my deepest gratitude to Amma and her volunteers for their tireless dedication to building bridges of peace and compassion. May her visit inspire each of us to live with greater love, awareness, and spirit of service toward our fellow human beings.”
M. John Ayite Dosavi, UNESCO Chair at Headquarters in Paris, presented the KÉKÉLI Award to Amma:
“Many thanks to Amma for agreeing to receive the 2026 Kékéli Award. This is a civil society award linked to International Day for African and Afro-Descendant Culture, which has been adopted by United Nations member states, including India. This award is given to individuals from all walks of life who work for peace, harmony, social cohesion, and above all, who share love.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the attention you are giving to Africa, which is our common cradle. We are all proud to have come from this cradle that is Africa.”
“We were right when we decided to offer you with this award… I ask you to applaud Amma” John urged the audience.
Following UNESCO’s proclamation of World Day for African Culture and Culture of African Descent, Mr. Dosavi created the KÉKÉLI Award.
Famous singer Marie Philomene and her group performed for Amma, rocking the hall and lifting spirits.
During darshan, one devotee offered Amma her volunteer jacket. Amma wore it for a long time while embracing people, to everyone’s delight.
Across all three days, Amma addressed the gathering, led MA-Om meditation, and sang bhajans, including a French bhajan—Sivoham Jyotiraham. She hugged all who came. 1,700 people received mantra from Amma.
Each evening, at the close of darshan, Amma danced a few steps to the tune of “Rarari Rararo,” as the whole hall clapped and swayed in unison.
On the final day, Amma conducted Atma Puja and prayers for world peace. Darshan concluded at 6:10 am, and Amma departed for Munich for her next program—leaving an unforgettable impression of pure love in every heart.
-KaliCharan
