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To mark Amritanandamayi Devi’s 70th birthday, fondly referred to as Amma, she was honored with the esteemed 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award from the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI).
KOLLAM: In celebration of Amritanandamayi Devi’s 70th birthday, affectionately known as Amma, she has been presented with the prestigious 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI).
Extending wishes on her birthday, PM Modi said, “On her 70th birthday, I extend my warm wishes for Amma’s health and well-being. I pray that Amma’s boundless compassion and unwavering dedication, which have positively impacted lives worldwide through her tireless service and humanitarian endeavour’s, may continue to flourish. I extend my congratulations to all those fortunate enough to have been in Amma’s presence, including her disciples.
“My best wishes go out to each and everyone of you. Dear friends, for more than three decades, I have cherished a close bond with Amma, particularly during significant moments such as the earthquake in Kutch where she has helped to rebuild houses and provide financial aid.”
This remarkable recognition acknowledges her outstanding contributions to global peace, spirituality, and compassion. According to BGF and MDI, Amritanandamayi’s deep spirituality, unwavering commitment to core values, and influential global leadership make her a deserving recipient of this accolade.
The 70th birthday celebrations of Amritanandamayi took place at Amritapuri in Kerala’s Kollam. Delegates from 70 nations representing the UN joined the event, held inside a specially erected pandal at the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Each delegate contributed soil for a sapling, which was planted by Amritanandamayi as a symbol of unity and growth.
The event featured the presentation of the Amrita Keerthi award, a community wedding, and the distribution of clothing. Additionally, certificates were awarded to 3,000 people who successfully completed vocational training programmes initiated by Amritanandamayi in various regions of the country. During the celebration, Amritanandamayi also delivered her birthday message, and unveiled her upcoming charitable initiatives.
Born in 1953 in a remote coastal village in Kerala, Amritanandamayi Devi, a spiritual leader, humanitarian, and visionary, witnessed the stark inequality in the world due to poverty in her community from a young age. She began by sharing food and clothing with those in need and offering comforting embraces to console their sorrow. Her motherly nature earned her the nickname ‘Amma,’ meaning ‘Mother,’ among the villagers.
Her compassionate response to social issues led to the initiation of numerous humanitarian programmess under the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, including free medical care, housing for the homeless, orphanages, disaster relief, and self-help groups, among others.
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Amma also offers words of wisdom and guidance in her satsangs, addressing global issues such as climate change, terrorism, gender equity, and poverty. She encourages people to get involved in building a compassionate and caring society.
In times of disaster, the Math has been a beacon of compassion, investing over Rs 85 crore in medical treatment, economic relief, vaccinations, rural outreach, and global volunteer efforts. Their charitable services in healthcare demonstrate that every act of charity, no matter its scale, brings light to those in need and contributes to a healthier, more united world.
