Testimonial Category: Media and News Papers

“They came by the thousands, from the city and from all over the country, just looking for a hug.” Jennifer Lebovich, The New York Daily News 2004

“…I sensed no hint of emotional manipulation….I have to say, being hugged by Amma is, quite something.” Trevor Barnes, BBC’s Radio’s Reporting Religion, December 31, 2005

“…Meryl Perlson of Medford sat on her knees quietly as Amritanandamayi reached out to press her head to her bosom and chant in her ear. It was over in less than 20 seconds, but powerful enough to bring the mother of two to tears…” The Boston Globe-21 July 2005, Front Page

“So healing are the properties of her two-minute cuddles that hundreds of thousands of devotees have descended on the southern state of Kerala for Amma’s golden jubilee…” The Times of London September 23, 2003

“Over the past three decades, Amma… has been fighting world suffering by tirelessly offering hugs, both to strangers and to her legions of follower…” Corey Kilgannon, New York Times July 18, 2004

“Recognized worldwide for her spiritual and humanitarian work, Amma…ministers to the poor of India with food and open arms, often for more than 20 hours at a stretch. Jan Kounen’s awestruck film follows the mahatma from one jampacked event to another…” NY Times 26 July, 2006, ‘Darshan: The Embrace,’ a Portrait of India’s ‘Hugging Saint’

“The world places great importance on Mata Amritanandamayi’s role as a woman spiritual-religious ‘leader’ and there is the feeling that she can lead the people of the world.” Deacon Sunday Herald India, May 1, 2005

“…Amma encourages people to look more deeply into their own religious traditions, whatever they are. At the root of all authentic teachings, Amma says, are love and compassion, which she tries to convey through the nurturing mother image she projects.” Voice of America, radio and website, 27 July, 2006

“Amma…one of the most notable religious phenomenon of the day.” El Pais, Spain’s leading newspaper, July 14, 2005

“The motherly love expressed in her embrace – an unconditional love that doesn‘t judge or calculate… a life of selfless service and surrender… For many people it is exactly the absoluteness of that simple gesture that has drawn them to her… The embrace is the negation of all hierarchy between teacher and student, and therefore,…