About Amma
Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known as Amma, has dedicated her life to spreading a message of peace, tolerance and compassion. Amma has traveled the world for more than 35 years, inspiring thousands to follow in her path of service to society. Accessible to one and all, she has embraced more than 40 million people worldwide, and inspired a global volunteer-based humanitarian movement to help alleviate the burden of the poor and suffering.
Visionary
In one-on-one interactions, in her daily programs, and at international forums, Amma offers words of wisdom on the most pressing matters of our time. From climate change to terrorism, cross cultural tensions to poverty and women’s rights, Amma invites each of us to get involved in rebuilding a more caring society.
“Our efforts to remove hatred and indifference from the world begin by trying to remove them from our own mind.”
– Amma
Humanitarian Leader
Throughout her life, Amma has demonstrated a relentless commitment to alleviating the pain of the poor and those suffering physically and emotionally. The power of her personal example has given rise to a global network of humanitarian organizations known collectively as Embracing the World.
Amma serves as Chair of M.A. Math, the India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations. She is also the founder of the internationally acclaimed, humanitarian-focused Amrita Hospitals and Amrita University.
“It is one of our foremost duties to lovingly care for all living things.”
– Amma
Spiritual Teacher
Amma emphasizes spirituality as part of our path to happiness. She has engaged in meditation and other practices her entire life, so speaks from personal experience when advising others. Amma has created and inspired many practices relevant for our daily lives.
“Spirituality starts and ends with compassion.”
– Amma
Amma’s Darshan
“When I embrace people, it is not just physical contact taking place. The love I feel towards all the creation flows towards each person ”
– Amma
Amma welcomes all those who come to her through her embrace, known as her darshan. During this hug, one can experience her unconditional love. Amma has given this motherly embrace to more than 40 million people throughout the world.
Milestones
1970
Having consoled her neighbors from a young age, Amma. becomes known for her selfless love and compassion. People come to stay with her as her disciples, and her family house becomes home for the first residents.
1981
Amma’s India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (M.A. Math) is officially registered.
1987
Amma goes on the first of her annual world tours, beginning with Singapore, the United States, and Europe.
1989
Amma diverts funds raised for her ashram’s first prayer hall to take on an orphanage in India, laying the basis for her humanitarian initiatives.
1995
Amma addresses the Interfaith Celebrations at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in New York.
1998
Amma’s first multi-disciplinary, tertiary care hospital opens its doors in Kochi, Kerala, India.
2002
Amma receives the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence at the United Nations in Geneva.
2003
Amma’s 50th birthday celebrations welcome 500,000 people in Kochi, Kerala, India.
2005
Amma’s humanitarian organization receives Special Consultative Status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
2014
Amma is invited by Pope Francis to the Vatican to co-sign the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery.
2016
The first-ever UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment is established at Amma’s Amrita University.
2018
Amma is honoured with an award by Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, the largest contribution to India’s environment cleanliness campaign (Swachh Bharat Kosh).
2021
40 years after its inception, Amma’s organization has provided aid for more than 30 million people in 48 countries. Amma has personally embraced more than 40 million people throughout her life.
2023
Under India’s presidency of the G20 Summit, Amma is the first spiritual leader to serve as chair of the Civil 20 (C20), the civil engagement group for civil society organizations. Under Amma’s leadership, Civil 20 India reaches out to the highest number of people in C20’s history.
Amma’s Life
Amma was born in 1953 into a fishing family in Kerala, India. From a very young age, Sudhamani, as Amma was called then, would meditate for hours without anyone teaching her…
Awards & Honors
Amma has received many international honors and awards including the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence (UN, 2002), honouring her contributions to spread world peace and harmony.
World Tours
The vast majority of Amma’s time is dedicated to her personal encounters with people from across the world. Since 1987, Amma has traveled around the globe to personally meet people across six continents.
Experience Amma’s message in your own life
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Explore Amma’s wisdom
Amma says her religion is love.
Her teachings are for everyone.
Amma is the embodiment of pure love. Her presence heals.
– Deepak Chopra
Best-selling author and pioneer in personal development