Mata Amritanandamayi Math

It may be someone's karma to fall into a well, it is our karma to assist them to come out of it. - AMMA Amma in simple words explains the essence of ones life and transformed innumerable number of followers to volunteer for humanitarian activities all over the world. This includes free food and clothing programs, charitable hospitals, hospices, disaster relief programs, free homes for the poor and the needy, medical camps, orphanage, schools, educational institutions, widows' pension scheme, free legal advice, preservation of nature and so on. The list is long and growing everyday. Since I have met Amma, I also develop a strong and profound desire to do more volunteer works in joining various charitable organizations in my community .I became a much happier person in following Amma's path .Selfless work had given me the opportunity to grow and mature spiritually.

I have been aware of this organization for over two decades and I'm overwhelmed with its ability to inspire people to help others. I and other volunteers are so inspired by the love and compassion of Mata Amritanandamayi behind this group that we probably work harder and with more love at this than at any other work we do. I've been involved in the soup kitchen in New York City for over ten years. The cooks turn out wonderful food and we strive to welcome and treat the guests with love. I've been involved in planting trees (in New York and New Jersey) I've contributed to fund raisers for projects such as farmer suicide in India. I've watched the charitable works grow exponentially from the original orphanage in India to the tremendous outpouring of help to people: medical, educational, psychological, job training, disaster relief, and basic necessities of life for the very poor. I feel so enriched to be able to help as a volunteer and supporter. It's a win-win situation all around.

I traveled to India a few times over the last nine years and each time I am so moved to see how much progress has been made with the money that is donated. The first time I went I wanted to see what was being done with money I had personally donated. I wanted to make sure there was no waste. I was so impressed to see the multiple schools, orphanages and colleges. I expected so much less and instead it was truly amazing to see the magnitude of the number of schools - 17 at that time (2000). I was equally impressed to see the commitment of the volunteers, workers, staff and everyone who was involved in making sure the schools were running smoothly. I even traveled on my own to some of the locations to see how they would look if Amma was not present. The students and staff were really great, the children at the orphanage were happy as can be! I became a true believer. It made me more committed to giving and to do volunteer work. I feel like I wish I could do more each time I go. The last time a few of us went on our own to visit the houses that were built after the tsunami. They were small by American standards but totally complete and efficient. Better than an efficiency apartment. I realized how much we have and don't need. Most important was the giving that I saw with no expectations from the families. The best was the joy of the children and how they were being educated, clothed, and fed. Can we have more organizations like this around the world.

I met Amma when she first came to the U.S. in a Quaker church in Madison Wisconsin and have lived in her Ashram in Kerala and have seen her and traveled with her through many cities and have seen many people go through many altering changes for me just recently I was in an accident and went to see Amma shortly after and I know that with her darshans and her compassion she has been a great influence on my and manyof my friends lives. Amma has given me the strength and peace in my life and has brought me such serenity that I feel is vital in our lives in these times especially now. One incident that I recall was at the Parliament of World Religeons in Chicago I guess you could say every religious leader attended even some tribes of American Indians and the noted Dahli Llama. Just like most conferences of patriarchy there was some kind of heated discussion that went on for awhile until it reached Amma's attention, and she began to order them to stop these procedures and began to give Darshan right there and it changed the vibrations and the conference was a great success!

This charity helps and supports thousands of people a year around the world. Seeing the selflessness of the volunteers, and seeing the very people who were helped, turn around to offer their time and effort for others has been a miracle to observe. I think this organization is a model for any other volunteer, non-profit organization, especially in disaster relief.

Through the experience of Amma's own life,Amma inspired me and others to join a charitable organization in order to serve and prepare free food all year long for the homeless.I found that such experience brings me joy and peace as well as a way to heal my past wound .I personnaly talk and encourage close friends to join me.In the near futur I would like as Amma to participate to a vast array of charitable projets .I find that Amma has inspired people from all over the world to do selfless-service and to express compassion torwards all beings.Since I have met Amma I also devellop a strong and profound desire to do more volunteer works in joining various charitable organizations in my community .I became a much happier person in following Amma's path .Selfless work had giving me the opportunity to grow and mature spiritually. Hitesh Qebec,Canada

Through Amma's nonprofit, so many people are served and touched. Donors and volunteers have the blessing of being able to serve others. One finds his/ her heart opens and that life seems to have more of a purpose.

Amma is the essance of LOVE. Her heart extends all over the world. Loving,feeding, housing, and ecucating all people is her concern. Through her actions I understand the truth of unconditional Love.

Ther are many organizations that one can contribute to. How many you can trust to use the money in a way that a greater amount goes to helping others is another. The M.A. Math is the only Organization that uses the greatest amount of money for the good of others while the labor is all volunteer supported. This means that more money goes to rebuilding a Village after a Tsunami, or goes to feeding, clothing, sheltering and educating children in orphanges, or offering medical services to those who cannot afford it. Sri Sri Mata Amritananda Mayi (AKA: Amma) is helping people worldwide in so many areas, but here are just a few that have impacted our society: When recently Visiting Africa in 2009, Amma felt the Orhans needed help right away and pledged a 180 bed orphanage in Kenya. When the Tsunami hit in India Her Devotees immediately stepped forward to assist those in Need. Amma tirelessly worked day and night to assist so many. Temporary shelters were created immediately for those who were left Homeless. Amma said don't worry, we will help and did in so many ways. When Katrina huricane Leveled New orleans, Amma directed devotees to assist others in need. Devotees immediately went to work assiting as Volunteers and also raised over 2 million Dollars, which was raised and donated to the Katrina Fund. Amma has assisted in bringing about peace in Sri Lanka between the two warring parties. Amma has directed Devotees in the Us to assit the Poor, homeless, and hungry and has given directives to create ways to feed those less fortunate through the Numerous Mothers kitchens now throughout the USA. One could go on and On about the wonderful things this small woman from india has done for so many throughout the world. She has touched so many. to learn more go to www.amma.org

Amma, the saint who has given up all her comforts to help the poor, sick, and emotionally unstable people goes to every corner of the world to give Love deeper than a Mother. Amma has helped me to realize life is full of problems and there is no way of circumventing, but teaches us how to deal with the stresses of the world by practicing some simple stragties. Therefore, I am truly able to move closer to Peace here on Earth. Amma is not seeking anything in return for her Love only to try and become more like her by selflessly serving others rather than self. Thank You, Amma

I am a regular volunteer at Amma's Kitchen in New York City. It provides a tasty vegetarian dinner to more than two hundred homeless people once a month. The volunteers are quite courteous to each other and the dinner guests. I find it always an exhilarating expearience.

I originally met AMMA in 2002. Between now and then I have seen AMMA almost anually to study, learn, volunteer and experience the depth of her teachings and presence. I have learned how to meditate, how to be patient, kind, focused. The organized, detailed and precise nature with which her organization is run is stunning. The amount of people she serves is almost overwhelming. I recently helped to sort medical supplies, donated by Stanford, in the Northern California center to be sent to India to AMMA's AIM'S hospital.

I receive requests from many charities and give to quite a few of them. However, Mata Amritanandamayi Math is the only one that I feel really confident uses almost every dollar to meet the needs of the sick and the poor. MAM is run by volunteers under the guidance of Mata Amritanandamayi, who keeps nothing for herself. Her only mission is one of love and compassion for everyone.

Having been to India to see the work that Amma and her volunteers have done it is overwhelming and impressive. That so much can be done to help others with their basic needs. While most of the work of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math is in India and the surrounding counties, her message of helping others is world wide. As is demonstrated by the number of U.S. programs that work in partnership with local charities help to feed the homeless (Amma Kitchen). In the more than nine years I have been involved with MA Math, I continue to be amazed at the work that is accomplished. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead. Carol Nickell Chief Executive Officer NARHA .

Mata Amritanandamayi Math has completely changed my life! Amma, the founder, has taught me by example to serve selflessly. Amma tirelessly travels all over the world to send messages of the importance of compassion and service. She encourages us all to go out into the world and serve each other with all our hearts. In society today, people always want to be compensated for any work that they do. Whether it be money, praise, reputation, etc. Amma's life is dedicated to showing the world that we should not act with the intention to reap the benefits. We should always act with love and an attitude of compassion and empathy. We should learn to view ourselves in others. In addition to serving humanity, Amma stresses the importance of service to Nature. She encourages us all to live from the Earth, cut down on waste, recycle and reuse, plant trees, have back yard gardens to grow food, and to take as little of the Earth's precious natural resources as possible. For so long, I was somewhat afraid of the outdoors. I grew up a city girl and knew nothing more than concrete. I was deathly afraid of bugs, wouldn't sit on the grass, and God forbid get my hands dirty! Since I have known Amma, she has slowly taught me to love Mother Nature. Bit by bit, I started to appreciate it, admire it, look at it, smell it, sit on it, and BE in it! This year, I finally decided to bring Amma's teachings to life, when I started a back yard garden. I knew nothing about gardening, but I set out on a journey that greatly impacted my life. As I reflect on the process it took to develop the garden, I am awestruck that anything actually grew! I was a brand new gardener, and I had little to no faith. Who would have ever thought that a tiny seed could hold the bounty of life and creation itself? Who would have ever believed in the miraculous combination of natural sunlight, water, and photosynthesis? It’s not just 7th grade science! It does exist! Over the past 6-7 months, Mother Nature has begun to teach me how to grow life sustaining food. I grew tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, carrots, lettuce, radishes and onions. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but will know for next time… don’t wait until tomatoes plants are big to try to get them into cages, trust the seed package and thin the radishes, otherwise they won’t have any room to develop undergroundand, and don’t forget to wear sun screen! She has also been teaching me important lessons in surrender, patience, and conservation. This land that we inhabit is so precious. She provides everything that we could ever possibly need to survive. If we nourish and love Her, She will return the favor.

Greetings! I am so excited to be writing about My Most Beloved Teacher in every sense of the word. Mata Amritanandamayi Math was inspired by the self-less service of her Divine presence Ammachi! Math as I call it comes with a three fold blessings as a humanitarian organization giving complete and total care to all those that it helps. You have an organization completely devoted to every aspect of the healing of those it helps... Math operates on all levels... Giving physical healing in so ways like homeless food spots, housing, free doctor care, clothing and then no less important is the emotional care of those individuals, Math made sure that it provided for that as well. Like for all those affected by the tsunami.. Little children where given counseling and swimming lessons to help with the emotional healing... I also know that they all try to support the community with family traditional religious support... Math paying for traditional weddings for those whom would not have been able to have it... I am not Indian but I know from talking to others how SO important this is for the well being of the community and each family individually.... The thing is Math doesn't stop there either, When Katrina hit they offered the citizens of the US a donation as well, so the healing they offer isn't limited by any means... But Math/Ammachi doesn't stop there, Pensions to destitute women, training so woman can be educated, Schools, and orphanages to name a few of the projects mother inspires people to undertake and support by example... Building homes fro the outside in. I believe they want to offer healing in everyway to everyone... I stand by this and ask that Mata Amritanandamayi Math be given the highest support we can give them. No less though I also want to honor EVERY organization out there doing the work. YA US!! Kathleen Rouleau

The Mata Amritandamayi Math is a unique organization with a very wide global outreach, drawing volunteers from several countries and serving people all over the world. It provides an amazing spectrum of services: it responds to disasters, provides ongoing care through hospitals, hospices and orphanages, and engages in laying the foundation for people’s lives whether in the form of housing, education or livelihood. The Math’s all-embracing outlook includes every segment of society – from prostitutes and the homeless to the incarcerated as well as villagers in need of microfinancing. It is also in the forefront of efforts to restore the world’s environmental balance through reforestation, sustainable farming and spreading other green initiatives in more than 25 countries.

Amma, through her own selfless service to humanity, inspires people to serve the poor and unfortunate in myriad ways, and to raise money for her countless charities. I personally have been involved in many ways in the organization, since 2003, as have the other four members of our family. I have raised money for the numerous M.A. Math charities through several garage sales, I have cooked food for fundraising dinners, I have helped show a film about Amma at our local yoga cummunity center, I have organized bake sales, and we even hosted a concert at our house where my husband and children performed music. One year my husband had a birthday party and in leiu of gifts he asked for donations for Amma's charities. I helped write a book about Amma and am now working on another one. In the first book I interviewed children and parents from around the world about their experiences with Amma. The second book is about all of the various seva (selfless service) projects that people around the world are doing for Amma's charities. The profits from books written about Amma go directly to the numerous charities. The books were a joy to work on. I never enjoyed work as much as I did writing and editing the books. During Amma's U.S. programs I have helped prepare food - chopping vegetables and making chai tea, greeted newcomers, helped in the free childcare facilities,and washed dishes. Our three children love Amma so much that they freely choose to give some of their own money to her every time they see her. Every year they lovingly create "charity boxes," decorating them with stickers and drawings. They leave the boxes in their rooms, slowly filling them with coins and dollars. Then when we visit Amma, they take the boxes to her. My newest project is growing tulsi (holy basil) plants from seeds that I will sell to people in my community. Last year I did this and sold about 20 plants. My goal this year is to sell 100 plants.

This charity has an epic scope--its massive relief work in India has changed millions of lives, and the entire organization is built on love. They actually relocated over 1600 families from terrible slums into brand new apartment blocks!! This is an organization with absolutely angelic intentions.

Last year, I spent 6 months in India traveling around with, and doing what I can for the charities of, Mata Amritanandamayi, or Amma, as she is commonly called. I've honestly never experienced or even heard of a charitable organization like hers, the scope of which is so immense and covers so many areas in need of help, it's hard to remember them all. I can only comment on a couple, which I personally witnessed during Amma's programs. The first charity that I recall of the MA Math has to do with the farmer suicides in parts of India. I understand that Amma pledged something like $46 million to aid in this tragic situation, but it really hit home with me when I saw dozens of children - children whose fathers had committed suicide - walk across the stage to be embraced and comforted by Amma, as well as recieve checks to help them in life and education. It was giving a second chance, hope, and love to innocent children who tragically lost a parent. At several programs, I saw women walk across the stage to recieve brand new sewing machines, and widows receiving pensions, offerning respectable means of livelihood and sustenance. Amma, herself, personally embraces and comforts literally thousands of people every day and night. Seeing this made the biggest impression on me, and yet still all of these other charites continue to go on behind-the-scenes. The MA Math definitely has my vote for best-all-around non-profit charitable organization.

Mata Amritanandamayi Math is one of the best philanthrophic non-profit organization I have seen. One of the main things that struck me was the focus on diverting maximum effort and funds to the causes they have supported. Even though this organization is based in India, it has supported world-wide philanthrophic effort like feeding the homeless, Katrina flood relief, Tsunami/Earthquake victims support etc. In India the charities they support are wide and varied and include Housing for the poor, Orphanages, Women self-help training, Scholarships for poor students, Sewing machines to enable impoverished to be self-employed, Free medical care for the poor. Most of the money donated to this organization is directed to the charities with very minimum overhead costs. This is because all the volunteers use their time, skill and efforts to offload administrative and other overhead expenses. For e.g. for the towns/cities affected by the Tsunami in India and Sri Lanka, the housing was planned, built and executed by volunteers alone! In Bihar and Andhra Pradesh a team of doctors and other volunteers provided free medical aid and food and clothing to the affected villages for as long as it took to bring the place to a sense of normalcy. Even the Government or other organizations in India has been unable to plan and execute to the level of efficiency of this organization in these situations. M.A. Math is a shining light among all the non-profit philanthropic organizations that makes a difference in the lives of the impoverished. Every time I have volunteered or donated any amount to this organization, I have come away satisfied and secure that my time and money was well utilized.

The MA Math is a living example of the power of love and selfless giving. Thousands of people in need benefit from the Math each day in the forms of free homes, food, health care and/or education. At the same time, thousands of people who willingly give their time, effort and/or money to support the Math’s service work, feel the joy of giving and sharing. When one dollar or rupee of donation is used by the Math, the value delivered is more than one dollar or rupee. There is no depletion to pay salaries or other overhead. On the contrary, the “labor” that is added by the Math to deliver the value is provided by volunteers, thus the value of donated funds actually gets enhanced. I have personally helped transport and deliver bricks, sand etc. to the sites where the Math was building homes for tsunami survivors in Kerala. I have witnessed the high quality of materials and workmanship, the great speed and efficiency of the work, and the frugality of the activities, all done by volunteers from different parts of the world. The same value-addition, high quality and efficiency, and frugality can be seen in all the service work of the Math, e.g., the three entire villages rebuilt for free in Gujarat after the 2001 earthquake, over 30,000 free homes built throughout India for widows and destitute people, and free food, clothing and medical treatment provided to hundreds of flood victims in Bihar and tsunami victims in Tamil Nadu.

Amma's organization supports an incredible number of charitible activities and programs. I have had the fortune to be able to volunteer for a few of them. For the last three years I have been corresponding with a prisoner through the COLI(Circle of Love Inside) program. This program is bringing spiritual support and encouragement to these beings. At times it has been challenging but hopefully an opportunity to grow and learn for both of us. It breaks down the barriers and allows for healing and compassion. The other program I participate in on a regular basis is Mother's Kitchen. Our Satsang group comes together and once a month different group members offer their time to prepare and serve dinner at our local homeless shelter for families. It bonds our Satsang members in this gift of giving and connects us with these community members going through difficult times. It is very rewarding and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this seva. The others in my group inspire me to be more giving and empathetic to others. Even making monetary donations on a regular basis is a gift to share with others and giving to the Mata Amritanandamayi Math I know all of my gift will be used for the needs of those suffering and not for some administrative overhead. I have never observed or can imagine an organizations so selfless and with such completely devoted volunteers. It is an honor to volunteer and be involved in these programs.

I have been involved with this institution for the past 10 years. I've watched this growing from a small to a huge organization which has truly been amazing. Most of the work is done by volunteers. I've had the incredible opportunity to interact and meet so many like minded people who have become more like a family to me. To be specific this organization has taught me to be more giving and caring.Through different opprtunities it helps us to find happiness in giving rather than recieving. i've been to one of the soup kitchens in NJ which was a very humbing experience. the fact is that we could very well be standing in that line instead of serving food. Also helps us realize how lucky we are with what we have. I've also contributed to the orphanage in India. It has also encouraged me to sponsor a child who has developed into this wonderful teenager. Last time i met her i felt so proud to see how she has developed. In todays world where there is so much hatred all over, this institution is uniting people together no matter what the color of your skin is or what religion you believe in. We have had so many opportunities to see the goodness in people and are indebted to this organization for helping us in our personal journeys. During katrina which hit the US i was able to volunteer to get the families and children together.

M.A. Math has been involved in a long list of charitable projects helping people in great need. Several times I have been inspired to contribute to various programmes because of the effectiveness and high level of the organization. What has inspired me most is the level of dedication shown by the volunteers and the fact that Amritananda Mayi (Amma) constantly devotes almost her entire energy into finding ways of helping those most in need.

Mata Amritanandamayi Math is different from any other organization doing charitable work. First of all what impressed me most is that 100% of any donation goes completely to help the needy. There is no overhead at all!! The second aspect that struck me as different from any others out there is that the 100% donation goes quickly and effeciently to solve the problem of the needy. Thirdly, the humanitarian work has very significant goals and at the same time achievable goals in a very timely manner. Fourth aspect is that there are several humanitarian projects ongoing that will appeal to one and all who goes to help. Last but not at all the least, we as the general public who try to do what little we can through this humanitarian organization see immediate return on our invested time or money in terms of the needy being helped. For me, this experience has been extremely fulfilling that I want to give more and more.

For more than ten years I have had the privilege to be associated with the MA Math both as a donor and volunteer. The breadth of their work is inspiring. Providing health care in tribal villages, building thousands of homes for both slum dwellers and tsunami victims, planting hundreds of thousands of trees, enabling economic independence for women through self help groups that include micro-financing plans, educating children by establishing special needs schools as well as giving scholarships to children is just a sampling of the initiatives that are fueled by a broad base of dedicated, selfless volunteers. Thank you.

The tsunami that struck in December 2004 in southern India and Srilanka had a huge toll on humanity. As a volunteer of Mata Amritanandayamayi Math, I participated in some of the relief work in Kollam, south India. It was amazing to see how the MAM switched into relief work so quickly by providing the basic necessities like food, clothing, shelters, medical care, counselling etc. In the coming months, the MAM built and provided free houses to the people whose homes were destroyed, provided free education to children who were affected, employment to family members, built and repaired boats and distributed to the fisherman so that they can earn their living. It was very impressive to be part of MAM and see Mata Amritanandayamayi Math providing relief measures to the suffering humanity.

I was really moved by Mata Amritanandamayi Math's tsunami relief efforts. What touched me was not just the huge amount of money the organization donated to tsunami relief but the wholistic approach it took to serve the survivors of that devastating natural disaster. For example, M A Math gave training to children of families who were affected by tsunami. Witnessing the mad waves snatching away their parents and siblings children who survived tsunami became afraid of water. M A Math recognized this phobia in those children and gave them swimming classes. This is in addition to feeding and clothing the tsunami survivors for several weeks continuously after the devastating attack of the waves. Another service that M A Math offers that deeply touches me is orphanages. I personally have visited the orphanage in Parippally near Kolam, (Kerala, India). The care givers of that orphanage have hearts overflowing with love. The children in that orphanage are not just given food, clothing and shelter but they are given education that imparts value. The academic and non-academic achievements the students of that school are many and exemplary.

All I can say is Amma's is work its absolutely amazing and I'm at a loss for words to describe it. Amma and her organization are able to focus on those most in need - and offer the supremely practical services that ensure that people are able to meet their basic necessities.

I've never been more impressed by a single organization. Amma and all her millions of volunteers seem to work around the clock helping those in need. Thank God for the Amrita Math!!!

The amazing thing to me about this work is that so often people build a charity around their pet interest. But here, the only interest is to help people who are in need - no matter the need. The scope of operations is completely staggering - from high tech hospitals, to monthly stipends for widows. From re-building houses after natural disasters around the world, to providing the means for couples in India to marry. There isn't a single facet of human need or experience that isn't touched by this Math in some way. But what is even more amazing is that this humanitarian "empire" is all inspired by the example given by one woman. Which is probably why this organization has volunteers at all levels - because everyone can clearly see the difference that just one person can make.

I cannot put words to the worthwhile nature of Amma's work. In 2003, having studied with many healers and spiritual masters, I found Amma. For 5 summers in a row, I crossed the United States with her group, receiving incredible assistance from Amma and the group of swamis around her. By assisting my spiritual journey, I am able to turn and help others in my city. Not only that but I have found peace at last. I really have no criticism because I was treated so well compared to my earlier experiences studying with spiritual teachers. I truly believe that Amma models and expresses a level of love that the world so needs at this time, if we are to survive. (I am a university graduate, a former journalist and teacher and mother of two grown up sons.)

Its really amazing to see the commitment and dedication of the volunteers of this organization. Both the scale of operations as well as spectrum of activities is huge - and the most impressive fact is that majority of the work is done purely by volunteers ... so 100% of the benefit is passed on to the beneficiaries !!!

The noise coming from the open area of the Math on the day of the distribution of the widows and orphans pension scheme was deafening. Having newly arrived in India, I went downstairs to see what was happening. There I was greeted by thousands of women and children waiting in line to receive a monthly stipend. Their stories moved me to tears - husband killed in an accident, leaving them with children and no means of support. Amma is taking care of them. They came from all over, from all different walks of life, different religions, different languages, yet a common bond together. Hence the noise. These women love to talk and in particular about how wonderful the M.A. Math has been to help them in their lives and the lives of their children. In addition to this, I have been privileged to see how the Math has helped build houses for the poor and tsunami victims. Sand seva and building bricks makes the hands hard, but the heart soft. The volunteers, like me, come from all countries. The work gets done and the keys are passed to the residents for no cost to them. A house, when one never had a place to call one's own, can be quite an experience. Then there are the hundreds of orphans that the Math takes care of. I have watched those children blossom from being on the wild side to young people of extraordinary love and talent. They are now well fed and educated in skills to help them in the world. M.A. Math has also helped us in the U.S. I remember Amma telling me to tell the US that the Math was going to donate one million dollars to the victims of Huricane Katrina. Amma's generousity also extends to the many soup kitchens in the U.S.. There is one in Dover NJ where we help feed over a hundred people on a Saturday. The Math is a place where anybody can come and stay for awhile. Food is provided and so is shelter. There are people who have come with no money and have stayed for years. People who have come troubled in heart and soul, have been given a place to live and now they are productive members of the Math, helping others as they have been helped. The Math, under Amma's guidance, has started schools and education programs for the young people. Tribal children are now being educated. Poor children are being afforded the money to buy supplies and uniforms. Children are encouraged to learn the traditions of India and practice them, while at the same time being given the skills to work in the modern world. I have seen thousands of children come to the ashram for training sessions in how to swim, read, meditate. They are a boisterous lot, bursting with energy and enthusiasm. They are helped overcome fears of the water after the tsunami and some proudly display their new swimming skills with much splashing and broad smiles. Those smiles were not always there. Sadness and dispair have been replaced with healing and joy. This is all accomplished by the devoted voluntters of the Math. One of my favorite stories is seeing someone donate gold bangles to Amma. A few minutes later Amma was giving these same bangles to a woman who was in tears about not having the dowry to marry her daughter. This type of unselfishness is what Amma and the M.A. Math is all about. It is about giving to others. The entire M.A.Math is run by volunteers. The ashram runs like a giant machine with many parts - the ashram and its branches, the schools, hospitals, teaching facilities, roving medical facilities for treating the poor in remote regions, the orphanage, the building of houses in India and abroad, etc. This machine runs on love and is overseen by Mata Amritananda Mayi who makes sure that all the gears run smoothly.

I know of no other organization that has the resources to feed and help house 5000 people the day of the tsunami, like MA Math did in India. MA Math motivates selfless service from it's members, inspiring us to help all in need, striving to improve conditions for all. Money donated goes to providing supplies, financial help, education, homes and housing to the homeless, orphans, farmers.

I am honored to write about my experiences with Mata Amritanandamayi Math. I have been familiar with this organization and with Amritanandamayi since 1996. Since that time I have been impressed by the quality and quantity of humanitarian projects that this organization has sponsored. Seeing the impact of such worthwhile action as feeding meals to hungry people around the world, building homes for the homeless and raising the awareness of the need for environmental action such as planting trees and using discarded materials such as plastic to make useful items has inspired me to be a better person and contribute to this world in positive ways. I have volunteered my time to this organization offering meals to hungry people in the Los Angeles area as well as helping distribute socks and warm clothes to them and I feel very blessed to have had this opportunity. Because of this organization I was allowed to experience the warm feeling of gratitude coming from those who received the meals and clothes. I feel so grateful to Amritanandamayi and this organization for showing me the importance of compassion for others and for being an example to me of great service in this world. I learned from these events of service that it is truly those who serve who are the most blessed. On those days when I helped to offer food to others, I felt like I was walking on a cloud of light and love. I am a visual artist and a poet and I was allowed to contribute one of my photographs to a fundraiser that this organization sponsored to help raise the needed funds for tsunami victims. This organization has done so much charitable work on behalf of those devastated by the recent tsunami that impacted India and Sri Lanka. Because of this fundraiser I was able to contribute my talent and my energy to helping others who had experienced suffering and loss from this catastrophic event. I am also very interested in helping our environment. I have been inspired by the efforts of Mata Amritanandamayi Math to give back to nature and to sponsor action which contributes to reducing the harmful effects of global warming in India and around the world. The work this organization does through its Green Friends projects is inspiring and invaluable to well-being of this planet. I have been motivated by their efforts to donate funds to plant trees and have even been involved with groups that have planted trees all over the Los Angeles area. Another wonderful opportunity that I was given by this organization was to contribute to those who are homeless in India. When Amritanandamayi visits North America she makes it possible for people like me to offer donations that go to help build homes for the homeless. I was allowed to donate funds to help build houses in India on more than one occasion at the events sponsored by this organization. Because this organization oversees the funds that are donated to it with such integrity, those funds go a long way to helping make a big difference in the lives of the less fortunate. I would never have been able to help build a home in America for the same amount of money that I donated to this organization. I was both honored and excited to be part of such an inspiring cause. I have been greatly benefited by my association with Mata Amritanandamayi Math. I feel that I have become a more caring, compassionate person and I have been able to contribute to helping those who are truly in need both in the United States and in India. I will be forever in debt to this organization and to Amritanandamayi for not only being my example but for creating ways that I can follow that example, leading a life of honor and walking on a path of positive action and compassionate service.

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Ma, also known as the hugging saint is a walking miracle. Her compassion can be felt through a crowded room and her smile makes your heart want to sing. Among her many charitable projects is her orphanage. Daily she feeds, clothes, and educates children that would otherwise would be living homeless on the streets. She not only has takes care of needy children in India, but she has recently adopted children who have lost their parents in Africa and is providing for them.

I am truly humbled by Amma's example of compassionate service to those in need. Through her own acts of loving kindness, Amma strives to inspire us to likewise serve -- in our own communities, whenever, wherever there is a need. Inspired by her own example, "Mother's Kitchen" projects have sprung up throughout the U.S. In many cities these take the form of soup kitchens serving America's homeless. In our city it takes the form of making, serving and sharing meals and fellowship with men who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. Throughout the U.S. Amma's example is evident in Circle of Love letters that are exchanged with incarcerated men and women or with individuals who are lonely or ailing in some way. In our own city her example is evident in backpacks filled with school supplies for low income children who, like everyone else, deserve a positive start to the school year; in ongoing donations to local food banks; in bag lunches made for a local homeless shelter; and in holiday gifts to seniors and low income children at Christmas time. Beyond the many, many Amma-inspired service projects that can be observed in cities throughout the U.S., perhaps the ultimate demonstration of the impact that Amma's example has inspired is the desire by thousands, by millions worldwide, to live, as Amma does, as a beacon of loving kindness and concern -- day-to-day, moment-to-moment -- in everything we do. Amma is truly a living saint and a great humanitarian. She humbles and inspires us to strive to be, in some small way, a reflection of her teachings and beautiful example.

I met AMMA(Mata Amritanandamayi Devi) in 2008 and I have been attending her programs regularly from then on.AMMA is a saint,spiritual leader and a great Humanitarian.After volunteering for various tasks during her retrats and other programs I got a good picture of how her non profit organizations like Mata Amritanandamayi Math work.The volunteers and staff are very dedicated,service minded,work as a team and have total faith in AMMA.Under AMMA's guidance MA Math has accomplished a lot of humanitarian tasks like Indian Ocean Tsunami Relief work,flood relief works in Bihar,Mumbai& Andra Pradesh states, Earthquake relief operations in Kashmir,cyclone relief in west bengal,Old age homes,care homes for children,Slum renovation, Green initiatives like planting trees to name a few.What I like the most about this organization is the simlicity, honesty and transperency. When I donate money to this organization I am very sure that not single penney is mismanaged or wasted.I feel proud to be a part of such organisation under such a great leader like Amma.

As an observer, the service activities of this organisation is mind blowing to me ! How much relief and solace it can provide to the recipients of the various projects, is beyond any measure. The organisation teaches us, that it is possible to do such philanthrophic activities, if only men had the right conviction and the heart to help. The activities are truely beyond comprehension and complimentation !

Amma has changed the lives of so many people throughout India and throughout the world! She is an example of tireless self-sacrifice and giving. Our local satsang group is raising money to support injured wildlife in our area. Many of us are planting organic gardens and offering free yoga and meditation classes for the community. Amma has dedicated this year as "Green Year" and is inspiring us to plant trees, recycle and take care of the Earth. Her Green Friends organization is planting trees all over the world.

We have been to Gujarat, India after the devastating earthquake and over 2,000 homes were given to the victims by M.A. Math. We have also personally experienced the amazing charitable schools and hospitals which serve much of India. We were present when $1million dollars was given to former President Clinton for the Bush Clinton Katrina fund

I have been attending Ammachi's spiritual retreats in the US for the past 7 years. I have found her spiritual teachings, leadership, and practices to be an essential part of my life and my work. It's an extraordinary blessing for India and the world to have access to a fully realized soul who so ardently devotes her life to humanitarian efforts. Her web site and newsletters chronicle the many achievements of her organization in education, health care, and disaster relief. This devotion to humble service is clearly evident in all her retreats where costs are kept affordable through volunteers who tirelessly and joyfully wash dishes, cook, and tend to every aspect of the retreat. In addition, I find Ammachi's teachings to promote universal spiritual values such as love, acceptance, and inclusiveness rather than a particular faith. For example, I am consistently awe struck by her willingness and capacity to hug each person who is in line for darshan, sometimes for up to 8 or 10 hours without a break! The act of hugging a person may not seem noteworthy at first but I have seen people of different faiths, advanced educational levels, and cultural backgrounds spontaneously fall into deep contemplation and profound spiritual understanding by observing this extraordinary act of human kindness. In this time of cultural diversity and technological advances, we especially need to be reminded of our interconnectedness and wholeness. Even though Amma has had numerous recognitions such as the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence awarded at the UN General Assembly Hall in Geneva, she is relatively unknown in the US except for some media exposure describing her as the "hugging saint from India." As a consultant working with non-profit agencies, governmental departments, and foundations, I would like to see her leadership accomplishments more prominently reviewed by senior policy makers and organizational leaders as a living example of how spirituality can play a vital role in our society and its institutions.

While with most charity, or non-profit organizations in general a big part of the donations goes into the pay-checks of their president, organizers and workers; in contrast to that, what I observed visiting the head-quarters of Mata Amritanandamayi Math was the utmost economic efficiently and simplicity of the living-conditioned of their staff and volunteers. Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Ma herself, lives the example of utmost simplicity, correcting immediately anytime that her followers are trying to spend a little extra on her. I feel that all of my donations is spend to uplift the most poor and destitute people they can reach.

My experience is one of true wonder.I see a shining star of compassion and action.Her mission is to comfort and relieve suffering in this world and she does so on a daily basis.Her reach encompassehospices the world as she provided funds to the Katrina fund,helped in massive relief work in Asia to tsunami victims.( this is still on going) She has inspired Mothers Kitchen thru out the U.S. an organization to provide food to the homeless.She has inspired Green Friends which plants trees as well as provides education on creating a healthy environment world wide. In her home,India she has created hospitals,hospices,schools and programs that provide widows with pensions.She is a strong supporter of women and has helped to create small cottage industries by providing education,and sewing machines to create independence.It is my honor to be able to speak on her behalf. Thank you, Elyse Segura

I have watched this organization for years. I have seen Amma and the MA Math rise to the occasion to help with not only physical aid to help the destitute, but mental/emotional as well. Often times they are on the front lines before government organizations can offer assistance. They are my top choice for donating money to, as I know they put it to good use.

Hello, I am a Civil Engineer with many years of experience in Public Works design and construction. I have had the honor of working on some of the many projects initiated by Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), and carried out by the MA Math. After the Asian Tsunami struck, many thousands of people were homeless. I became involved in helping with the massive task of serving 20.000 meals a day from the MA Math kitchens. I also used my engineering experience to help with the construction of some of the new homes the Math was building for the families left homeless by the disaster. Over the last 10 years I have personally observed and experienced Amma's work in the areas of medicine, health care, education, job training and vocational rehabilitation. I believe that Amma is possibly the greatest humanitarian alive today. I also believe that She is the greatest spiritual leader this planet has seen for a long time. Namaste, Sahadev (David Thompson, PE)

Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MA Math) is run by Sri Mata Amritanadamayi Devi. We call her Amma (Mother). Amma is world renowned spiritual master from India. She is also called hugging saint. She spreads the message of love to people all over the world irrespective of their race, religion, nationality etc. Even though I learnt my first software languages at Amma's computer institue (AICT-Chennai) in 1997, I did not get a chance to meet Amma till 2005 in USA. Since then I started going to see Amma at every opportunity and slowly started involving in Amma's humanitarian projects. MA Math's humanitarian projects are in the areas of Education, Hospitals, Free homes, Orphanages, Pensions, Vocational job training, Environmental and the list goes on. They focus on all the human aspects. I was amazed by both the breadth and depth of these projects. Each of these projects are being done so perfectly and hugely successful. Majority of the effort on these projects is put on by volunteers who joined Amma's cause for years. All the volunteers I met are so kind, humble and loving and beyond that they are very much dedicated to MA Math's projects. They work continuously with full of enthusiasm. They just inspire me to do more and more. Since most of the work is done by Volunteers, the value of the services delivered to the needy is many more times to the money raised thru donations and other means. For example, when they build a Housing complex for the poor, they get the land from the local Government for free, and the work is done for free by volunteers, so these houses cost far less than regular houses. So literally, the money donated to MA Math becomes many more times by the time it reaches the recipients. I have listed a sample of MA Math's projects below. I have categorized them into Disaster Relief, Social, Medical, Educational, Nature care and Spiritual. Disaster relief: MA Math is usually the first to arrive and last to leave after a disaster strikes an area. 1. Recently MA Math donated $46 million USD (2 billion Indian rupees) to Tsunami relief efforts. MA Center built 6000 homes in India & Sri Lanka. 2. MA Math gave 1 million USD for Katrina relief efforts. 3. Gujarat Earth quake relief. 1000 homes are built. 4. MA Math also was first to arrive after the recent floods in Bihar and WestBengal and setup medical camps and helped the victims. Some projects in Social area: 1. M.A.Math pledges $46 million (2 billion Indian rupees) USD worth projects to relieve distressed farmers and their families in India. 2. Monthly Pension for more than 50,000 poor women 3. Orphanage and Youth Hostel: In Kerala India, serve more than 500 children from the most disadvantaged sections of society. They are provided with free food, accommodations, schooling, and vocational and cultural training. There are lot more Orphanages. Recently MA Math started one Orphanage in Kenya as well. 4. Mother's Kitchen - USA: Is active in 38 cities, feeding the poor and homeless. Organized and supported entirely by Amma volunteers, meals are being served in 23 U. S. states and 2 in Canada. Some projects in Medical area: 1.Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences: This 800-bed world-class, high-tech hospital offers sophisticated medical care, specialized services and procedures not generally available at routine hospitals. Over 50% of treatments are charitable. During the calendar year 2002, free in-patient treatments and major financial concessions or subsidies were extended to 16884 patients amongst various specialties 2.Amrita Kripasagar:Amrita Kripasagar Hospice consists of a main building with accommodations for 50 patients, medical facilities to relieve pain and lessen the suffering, kitchen, meditation and prayer hall, residential quarters for in-house medical and nursing staff, mortuary and crematory.A hospice is an institution where specialized care for the terminally ill is provided in an atmosphere of love and compassion. 3. Medical Outreach Programs: In order to benefit the real needy in remote areas that can't get to city hospitals, AIMS and several other M. A. Maths across the country do mobile clinics and conduct camps at these locations on a frequent basis Some projects in Educational area: 1. Amrita University: Amma’s Amrita Institutions, consisting of the Amrita Institute of Technology and Science (AITEC), the Amrita Institute of Management (AIM) at Ettimadai, and the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) with its Medical College, Pharmacy College and Nursing School in Cochin, together constitute Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University). 2. Amrita Institute of Advanced Computing 3. Amrita Institute of Computer Technology 4. Amrita Software Training Center 5. M. A. M. T. Industrial Training Center 6. Amrita College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (ACPS) 7. Amrita College of Nursing In Nature area: Green Friends: GreenFriends is Amma’s initiative to bring greenery back to earth. Green friends promote planting trees, organic farming, developing fertile lands, growing vegetables in personal gardens or locally. Amma suggests that each person plant 1 tree per month to nutralize the effects of global warming. In Spiritual area 1. Brahmasthanams:Brahmasthanam Temples were created by Amma as one way to reduce the effects of these negative influences in our lives. Through faith and devotion and certain spiritual practices, it has been found that many bad effects can be erased by good actions. At the Brahmasthanam temples a special form of worship, called a puja, is performed to enable the individual to reduce life's potential negative influences 2. Amrita Vedanta Vidyalayam: At the Amritapuri Ashram, a Vedanta Vidyalayam has been established. Vidyalayam is the sanskrit word for school, and Vedanta is a Hindu non-dualist philosophy that embraces the concept of one all-pervading reality (Brahman). Thus, the school teaches the goal of life to be reunion with this divine consciousness. Thanks for reading. Ramesh Guntha. USA

My greatest experience was when devastating earthquake hit Gujarat when whole country was celeberating Republic Day on January 26th 2001, where hundreds of thousands of people died. I landed Vadodara, one of the city in Gujarat on the same day morning around 7 AM to enjoy the semester vacation with friends, but all enjoyable mood turned into very sad when devastating earthquake hit the Gujarat, I was on phone with my friend when earthquake was happening, I realised only when my friends father asked me to ran out of the house. We didn't hear much soon after that, so we went out to see one of the spiritual master who was visiting Vadodara, when we returned back, tears was flowing from my friends father eyes, thats when we came to know how much eathquake had affected the Gujarat. Within hours Mata Amritanadamayi Math dispatched a disaster-relief team of 15 doctors,who landed in Gujarat from Kerala. Along with some volunters and doctors from M.A Math we reached worst hit area the same day evening. Immediately doctors started treating the patients, we all were assisting the doctors. Two days later two ambulances with fully loaded medicine came and we were doing lot of surgery in the ambulance and treating patients non stop day and night. 1) M.A. Math provided emergency shelter, food, and clothing to thousands of victims. 2)Medical assistance was provided for more than 6 months 3)M.A. Math adopted three entire villages that had stood near the earthquake's epicenter by rebuilding 1,200 homes, as well as medical clinics, water tanks, schools, community halls, temples and mosques. Roads, electricity, and sewage systems were also provided in this three villages This was unforgettable event in my life also I never experienced such show of compassion and humanity in my entire life which was shown by M.A Math.

I met The Holy Mother Mata Amritanandamayi for the first time in 1992. I was greatly impressed by her compassion and her great work. She is known as the hugging saint and to date have hugged more than 23 million people! In 1997 Ammachi as she is known launched a project to build 25,000 homes for the homelessand the 5 year goal was reached with 6 people per home giving shelter to 125,000 people.Later greater than 40,000 homes were built in 60 locations in India. Ammachi have promised to make 100,000 homes. Later when the Indian Ocean Tsunami hit, Ammachi also built homes in Srilanka and Andaman and Nicobar islands. Ammachi's organisation is feeding greater than 2 million people in India.Uncooked rice, milk and other staples are provided to the deeply malnourished population. After the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, Mata Amritanandamayi Math provided 6 million free meals to those affected which is greater than 185 tons of uncooked rice. In the united states Ammachi's followers provide cooked meals amounting to 73,000/ year for homeless and the starving in 40 cities. These are some of the projects. In the field of education, Mata Amritanandamayi Math is providing 100,000 scholarships for the students whose parents commited suicide due to failing crops. Farmer's suicide was like an epidemic in Northern India and sure enough Ammachi came to their help. When a major earthquake hit Gujarat, India, Ammachi adopted 3 villages and built houses, schools, hospital and temples. Ammachi pledged the highest amount for both the tsunami and the hurricane katrina relief work. These are some of her charitable works. These work of compassion impressed me the great. Hence a group of us in Minneapolis are working together to help 500 orphan children in one of the orphanages near Ammachi's ashram in India. Ammachi gave her permission and blessings for the same in June 2009. In Her Service Her humble devotee Radha Menon

My greatest experience was in the wake of Tsunami that hit many Asian countries in Asia, where hundreds of thousands of people died. I happened to be in India two days after Tsunami had struck. There was not much in the news since the whole nation was in shock and the reports were only emerging from different corners of India. I went to Mata Amritanadamayi Math as there were rumors of the Math being affected. When I reached the Math, I was amazed to see that the relief work had already started. Math was the first organization to react to this disaster, even before the Government reacted. 1) helping the local villagers bury the family they lost. 2) Distributing food to the affected family. For the first few days, Math served almost 20,000 cooked gourmet meals three times every day. Later as the people started leaving the camps, around 10,000 meals were still being served for almost four months. In India there are no instant meals or microwaves. All the meals were cooked in gourmet style. I was part of the food distribution for few weeks where we would transport the food in trucks through places where road once existed. We would serve meals for almost 3 hours only to come back and return to distributing food in couple of hours. 3) Build temporary shelter to house the evacuees. 4) Provide them with clothing. These were not used clothes. The clothes were brand new clothes. 5) Medical camps Then came the long term relief efforts. Math committed $23 Million USD towards relief efforts. Long term relief efforts included like a) Build permanent housing b) Trauma care for children. c) Education and re-employment program d) provided fishing boats to the fishermen The list was pretty exhaustive. What amazed me the most was that all these were done by 100% volunteer work. I donated $1000 and several others too contributed. Not a single $ of these went towards staffing costs. All the staffs were 100% volunteers. Later Math was invited by Govt of Sri Lanka to help the victims there. Math promptly extended the help to Sri Lanka too. I have never experienced such show of compassion and humanity in my entire life. I hope anyone who reads this gets an idea of the immense machinery that went to the help of people severely affected by force of nature like the Tsunami

Amma's humanitarian efforts in the world at large are enormously impressive. She has developed hospitals, universities, rebuilt villages, donated millions of dollars to relief efforts, including Hurricane Katrina relief and relief from both the 12/26/04 tsunami and the most recent one. Amma's humanitarian work has inspired selfless service activities in countries all around the world. In fact, because of Amma's efforts, I have myself been inspired to start a program to feed the homeless in my home city.

Amma and all Her programs have personally touched my family's life in so many ways!As She sits before us we glimpse unconditional love, which is the Universal Truth. You see there is no other explanation for Her tireless hugging (she has embraced over 26 million people around the world), singing, consoling, praying and seva day in and day out, hour after hour. When there is love there is no effort! Recently our world has experienced many disasters some natural, some man-made, regardless of the situation, Amma's hummanitarian effort is there, not as just a showing up, but as a full force presence! She contributes monetarily and spiritually to causes like the Indian cotton farmers and thousands of their widows and orphans. Her programs actively rehabilitate hearts, homes, jobs and community well being after tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. Her hospitals and University open their doors to thousands whose lives will never be the same again. All these millions of people too are glimpsing the Divine! I dare to dream with so many others, that perhaps a tiny spark of pure love will live in their hearts, like it does in mine, and that from there it can only grow out into the web that connects us all in our tiny global village. And after witnessing true selfless service to humanity, we will embrace those less fortunate and then the world, no, the Universe will never be the same again! Please see Her website at www.amma.org

Amma helps so many in need and quantifies the successes. One charity builds homes for people who are never dry due to living in rainy places without shelter. Another helps the extremely poor with medical and education. She also contributes to cutting edge medical research. There are so many pressing needs today. I feel good about contributing as funds are directed into so many good projects.

The MA Math does an incredible job of organizing themselves and utilizing their resources. I am impressed with all of their endeavors - orphanages, schools, hospital, etc. - but mostly with their response to natural disasters. Their efforts during the 2005 tsunami were simply astounding. The ability to mobilize quickly and efficiently, and to draw on volunteers and donors around the globe for support, ranks very high for me. As far as possible they utilize volunteers, so I always know that all the funds I donate will go directly to those in need. Further, I can always specify exactly where I want those dollars to go using their user-friendly online form. I am grateful for the work they do, and the opportunity to support it.

I am actively involved in fund raising for Mata Amritanandamayi Math and als donate to it. The work of Mata Amritanandamayi Math is varied and far-reaching. One example - the Math provides monthly pensions for 100,000 impoverished men, women and children in India. The pensions are maintained over the recipient's lifetime. The continued support and expansion of this program and along with the many other Math initiatives will help to alleviate suffering immensely.

This organization is working hard to save people from unnecessary death, disease, and poverty. This is done through love and compassion which leads to programs that educate people to organic farming, to make textiles, to reuse plastic into something creative, and to provide and teach basic medical care so no one dies of treatable illnesses. The success of this group in teaching others to survive and to be happy in this world is truly remarkable. They also build thousands of homes for the impoverished and have built a bridge that at least 15,000 people can use to flee and be saved should another tsunami occur in that region. The saying goes, "give the man a fish and he'll eat for a day...teach the man to fish and he'll eat every day". This is a wonderful organization who should be rewarded for their constant and earnest efforts to create a better world for those who suffer.

The M.A. Math is the purest voluntary and charitable organization that I have ever encountered in my life. I cannot think of anything negative (or "constructive") to say about the Math. I lived at its headquarters residential community in Amritapuri, Kerala for two months and was lucky then to travel for a third month observing and participating in the Math's far-flung programs throughout India. The Math strives and succeeds in being genuine, selfless and down-to-earth in everything it does. Thus, it has extraordinarily low overhead costs and it is able to enlist the cooperation and enthusiastic contributions of all kinds of people from around the world and in the Indian communities it touches. Led by the example and teachings of the guru Amma, open-hearted people are drawn to the Math's programs and activities and lend to their service to others a vital passion. In its educational programs stretching from the elementary schools all the way through graduate programs in the sciences, engineering, medicine, and education, the Math blends respect for the enduring truths of traditional ways with the most contemporary methods, techniques and knowledge. The Math's health care services emphasize both a renaissance in ayurveda, which is centered at Amritapuri, and the most advanced procedures found in allopathic medicine at the AIMS Medical Center in Cochin, which attracts leading practitioners from Western countries, as well as India. The Math's Greenfriends grass-roots environmental program brings the latest in permaculture teachings and common-sense environmental protection to India and in turn disseminates lessons gathered in India around the world. The Math has a particular link to the poorest and most downtrodden. Its orphanages provide love and resources that turn lost, young lives into well-adjusted and productive ones. Following its comprehensive home-building project that gave beautiful and practical homes to thousands who lost theirs in the 2004 tsunami, the Math has turned its attention to helping farmers beset by debt and the children of the indebted farmers who have have unfortunately committed suicide as a result. Counseling and scholarships give these children a boost from the tragedy that befell their fathers. Thousands of people from around the world travel to India each year to partake in the Math's good works. They take to their respective homes a sense of the unity and diversity that makes Indian society so remarkable and vibrant, enveloping our world in a spiritual fabric whose strings are the multitude of selfless acts the Math coordinates. Claude Convisser, USA

I have spent about 2 months at the Amritapuri Ashram in Kerla, India over the past two years. I went as a volunteer and partcipated in various Ashram activities such as food service and education. While there I was personally able to witness the extraordinary results of the many faceted efforts of M.A. Math. For example I was able to visit an orphanage in Kerala which is totally supported by M.A. Math. The children there seemed very happy. They are receiving an excellent education and are well trained in the fine arts such as dance and music. I also observed students at an engineering college near the Ashram which is totally supported by M.A. Math. In talking to some students I was very impressed by the fact that the percentage of female engineering students is nearly the same as the percentage of male students! This is only one of many colleges, high schools and elementary schools in India built and supported by M.A. Math. In the area near the ashram I observed numerous new homes built by M.A. Math following the tsunami. M.A. Math built a total of 6,200 homes for tsunami victims in India, Sri Lanka and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. M.A. Math has much experience in providing housing to the needy because they have built over 25,000 homes in India for the homeless and plan to build at least 75,000 more. Another project prompted by the tsumani was the construction of the Armita Setu Bride inaurgurated by the President of India on Dec. 26th, 2006. This bridge connects the peninsula of Alappad Panchayat with the mainland of Kerala. If there is another natural disaster in that area the bride will provide a centralized escape route that did not exist at the time of the tsunami. I I marveled at the beauty and technolocy of this bridge each time I walked across it during my two months visit. There are many many more projects of M.A. Math. I have only mentioned a few of them because those were the ones I had the most direct contact with. I hope the work of M.A. Math will be recognized by InDiya Awards.

Om Namah Shivaya, Amma has been a guiding light in my life. Sometimes my eyes have been closed but She has always been there. She is the embodiment of Love. At Her Feet, L

Amma's program, Embracing the World feeds more than 2 million people in India annually. I have not been to India but I have helped feed the homeless in California following Amma's example.

In the twenty years that have passed since first visiting Mata Amritanandamayi Math i have been astounded, moved and inspired to participate in the tremendous amount of work initiated by Amma. Not only have i witnessed Amma personally console millions of people and express an interest in the lives of countless individuals, but i have also seen hospitals, orphanages, houses, clinics, tsunami relief and more blossom as a result of Her vision. It is without doubt that Amma's work should be recognized and given the highest of accolades, even though Amma Herself has no desire for awards or recognition.

Through Amma's Love and guidance since 2006, I have been able to work with returning military all over the world.

I have been completely overwhelmed and inspired by the amount of good work that this organization does - from the villages and homes that were rebuilt after the Tsunami, to the thousands of scholarships for school children in India, to the self-empowerment programs for village women, to programs to prevent coastal erosion. Significant economic development work is being done on so many different levels simultaneously, by volunteers from every walk of life!