28–29 May: Mangaluru, Karnataka – Bharata Yatra 2026
Amma began her Bharata Yatra with programs across four cities.
She left Amritapuri on the morning of Tuesday, May 26, travelling by a convoy of buses and cars to meet thousands of her children. Amma reached Mangaluru late at night, around 2 a.m., after a long road journey. Devotees waited under roofs adorned with hanging flower garlands and glowing bulbs, dressed in traditional attire and chanting to welcome her.
The next day, Amma was received on a stage decorated with Dakshina Kannada arts and eco-friendly crafts, reflecting the beauty and skill of local artisans.
Many dignitaries participated to welcome Amma. India’s Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, highlighted that Amma’s work extends beyond spirituality into multiple facets of society. He said: “If we keep bowing at the Amma’s feet and continue building our character, imagine how far we can reach.
Today, India is becoming one of the most important nations in the world, yet the challenges are immense. I met Amma this morning and asked her, ‘Amma, please bless us.’ She said, ‘You are governing under Modi ji’s leadership in extremely tough times; hardships exist everywhere. All of you work hard so that Indians do not suffer. I am with you. The people of our country must not face difficulties.’ That was her blessing.
When we sought her guidance, she said, ‘Work in such a way that no one in any sector faces trouble. May such strength be given to the respected Prime Minister.’
Many sadhus these days—without criticizing anyone—when we go to them, they request help from the government. But Amma said, ‘Amma is with you. The people of my country should not suffer; they should not face trouble.’
This was the first time I encountered such a selfless ascetic. In my 63 years, I had never met someone like her. I had not had the opportunity to meet Amma until now, but in this single moment, immense devotion arose in my heart.
She is a self-sacrificing Amma—a Mother to all of us, to the nation, and to the world. I pray that our Amma lives for a thousand more years, continuing to bless this world and our nation to strive forward.”
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader spoke about spiritual strength as a foundation for addressing global challenges, appreciating Amma’s humanitarian efforts and offering his support.
He said, “We as MLA, Minister, and Speaker have temporary powers; Amma has permanent powers. Receiving Amma’s blessings is a great fortune provided by God.”
Other guests on the dais included Swami Jitakamananda of Ramakrishna Math, Swami Gahanananda of Chinmaya Mission, ISKCON head Prabhu Gunakara Dasa, local MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, MLAs Bhagirathi Murulya and Umanath Kotian, former ministers, business leaders, and others.
Humanitarian Initiatives
Amma continues to support humanitarian initiatives in the region, including assistance for children’s cardiac surgeries, aid for 1,200 AmritaSREE self-help group members, and a mental health awareness drive by AYUDH Mangaluru. Amma handed over certificates and sarees to AmritaSREE members.
Blue is the New Pink
Amma launched a pilot project for seaweed cultivation, training 45 women for 360-degree skill development to empower them through sustainable marine livelihoods. This initiative, currently active in 10 villages across Tamil Nadu and Keralam, allows local communities to convert seaweed harvests into commercial products. Last year, they showcased probiotic-rich seaweed pickles and savory seaweed pakoras. The project, “Blue is the New Pink,” has proven a viable model for economic independence.
Cooperation, Companionship, Communion
Addressing the gathering, Amma spoke on humility as the foundation of success: “Only when a seed goes beneath the soil does it grow into a fruit-bearing tree. Success comes where there is humility.”
She likened life to a flowing river with its currents and turns, urging everyone to move forward with surrender and awareness of life’s purpose. Amma reminded that pandemics, disasters, and climate change are Mother Nature’s ways of prompting humans to rethink their relationship with Her. She called for greater compassion and reverence toward the Earth through the three C’s: cooperation with one another, companionship with nature, and communion with God.
“The only effective approach with nature is humility, devoid of arrogance, with a bowed head and a heart filled with friendliness and reverence. Negotiations may work between humans, but they do not work with nature. True coexistence requires sharing the Earth and its abundance with all beings.”
Celebrations and Performances
On both days, Amma sang numerous bhajans in Kannada and led meditation instructions in Kannada as well, bringing immense joy to the local devotees.
Despite the scorching heat and profuse sweating, thousands of devotees arrived on both days for Amma’s darshan, with free medical care and food provided.
Ms. Sadhvi Satish Sail, Femina Miss India World 2026, expressed her gratitude: “Her presence makes everything fade away. One embrace can truly change a human, brighten their day, and impact many lives.”
Students from Amrita Vidyalayam performed captivating dances and music, portraying divine forms—from Lord Narasimha to the nine manifestations of the Divine Mother, Navadurga. On the second day, young musicians Navami (saxophone), Aiswarya (Rudra Veena), and Ananda (Tavil) presented an enchanting Carnatic classical performance to welcome Amma.
At the end of darshan, Amma graciously took a group photo with AYUDH members. At the conclusion of darshan, Amma stood up and danced a few steps to a folk tune, delighting and cheering the devotees.
Concluding the two-day celebrations in Mangaluru, Amma proceeded to Kozhikode for the next stop of the Bharata Yatra.
– Kannadi
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