Hug that transforms life: Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi at 72

A lion’s share of humans across the globe desire happiness and peace in their lives. Billions of individuals live for their own happiness and well-being. Others sacrifice their own happiness for the sake and betterment of others. An exemplary with such a trait is Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. ‘Amma’, as she is fondly called, celebrated her 72nd birthday on Saturday.

The sages and rishis of our land deemed the whole world as one family. The core of those visions was that all beings should live together like family members. Sree Narayana Guru, the renaissance leader and influencer of the era, described every human as soul brothers. His life, words and deeds were for the welfare of the world. The halo over Mata Amritanandamayi is for the sacrifice she made for the betterment of the destitute.

The girl who grew up in a coastal village in Kerala, ending up as the ‘mother’ for billions across the world, may seem like a fable drawn straight out of a fantasy fiction. Despite criticism and hurdles, Mata Amritanandamayi walked straight to achieve her inner calling. Those who once hurled stones at her later became her disciples in a rare act of atonement. The ceremonies held on the occasion of her 72nd birthday proclaim world peace and the greatness of service. The satsang led by Amma after the Gurupada Puja and the world peace prayer led by tribal tribes from various parts are very relevant in today's situation.

The Amritanandamayi mutt provides valuable service in the field of healthcare and education. Free surgeries at Amritanandamayi hospitals in Kochi and Faridabad, and the project to build 6,000 toilets for the poor in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are also included in the list of birthday services. The mass marriage of destitute young men and women, the distribution of clothes and working capital to more than 15,000 self-help groups and family members under the Amritanandamayi Mutt speaks volumes about the organisation's vision.

This is an era dominated by science. Religious practices and superstitions are called out and scathingly criticised. Yet, thousands from the same clique of scientists, educated elites, and commoners rush towards Amma to speak about their troubles and desperation. Amma would patiently listen to all sorrows and would embrace people with her unique hug, which the fabled talks say has the power to transform lives. At a time when many feel isolated or lost, such a generous show of love could even make a person who decided to end his life think otherwise. Amma sends the message of love and spirituality of healing. There is a sense of family, harmony and moreover a feeling that somebody will be there to hold our backs in a crisis. The new aspect of love would be more than enough for many to continue with their life rather than quitting.