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maala nair

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1 reviews

Review for Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Kerala, , India

Rating: 5 stars  

My involvement with MATH began in July 2004. This was the first time I had seen and met Amma and was blown away by the tremendous amount of work her organization has done and the unlimited areas it had reached. It finally dawned on me that even I, who has no money could still give to world and help others who are less fortunate than me. All I needed was the right frame of mind and the desire to help. Amma, which means mother, literally dedicates every day of her life to consoling suffering people all over the world. In India, Amma is considered a “living saint” and throughout the world she is recognized as “The Hugging Saint.” Her message and compassion are expressed through a simple act – a loving embrace. She has been known to hug continuously for more than 22 hours and in the past 37 years, she has hugged more than 26 million people. She teaches by the constant example of her own life. The purpose of this body and of Amma’s whole life is to serve her children,” says Amma. “Amma’s only wish is that her hands should always be on someone’s shoulder, consoling and caressing them and wiping their tears away, even while breathing her last.” Her teaching of love and selfless service has reached many countries and knows no boundaries. The only religion that Amma professes is the religion of love, by loving one another, we are able to reach out and alleviate the sufferings of others Amma’s devotees have been inspired by her work around the world. Her boundless compassion has taken the form of a growing international mission known as the MA charitable trust. In July 2005, the United Nations officially recognized the trust as a non-governmental organization and commended its efforts to serve the poor and suffering regardless of their ethnicity, social status, or religion. In 2002, The United Nations also honoured Amma with the prestigious Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence. Other recipients include Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan. In 2004, when Tsunami hit the world, Amma’s organization was one of the first to be in the forefront and assist those who were impacted by this tragedy. Amma has done what most governments could not do – she not only visited and consoled the victims personally but also helped them renew and rebuild their lives. From building homes, townships and even creating Tsunami babies; Amma has touched and reformed so many lives. In 2005 this work continued and volunteers from all over the world were inspired to come and build houses under MATH’s direction. In 2005, once again, Amma reached out to help victims of Katherina Hurricane buy donating $1 million dollars towards Katrina Relief to the Bush-Clinton to help rehabilitate the Gulf coast region. Moved by Amma’s compassion, AYUDTH Toronto collected funds to help children born with cleft lips perform surgeries. Amma’s love, inspiration and unlimited love has also allowed me to help and contribute towards mankind. In Canada, Amma’s imprints are left in the hearts of many charitable organizations such as The Georgetown Bread basket where volunteers cook and serve the needy, Love and Cry – where we donate items such as clothes for the winter to the inmates. We also conduct free mediation classes for inmates of local prisons and we have also planted trees in 3 main areas such as the Glen Rouge Camp Ground, Osprey Marsh and Fleetwood Park. Our youth volunteers also helped clean up the Glen Erin Park. Amma inspires people of all ages, walk of life and her love and compassion knows no barriers or boundaries. This mother’s arms stretches far and wide to bring love, compassion and comfort to all of us in this world. As Amma says…”Love is our true essence, Love has no limitations, caste, religion, race or nationality. We are all beads, strung on the same thread of love. To awaken this unity and to spread to others that is our inherent nature – is the true goal of human life.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

2009 when my husband was dying of cancer - this organisation helped my family by offfering us love and compassion. They cooked and helped us with so many of our needs whilst my late husband was in his last stages of suffering

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Why change when something is running so well?

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

Everyone is able to contribute in a small or big way. Egos are left behind and the organization speaks in one clear voice - "love and compassion is the goal"

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

AMAZING!!!

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

make this world 10 million times better!

Ways to make it better...

This organization had more publicity because it is not one that boasts about it's achievements

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

That more people do not know about Amma and her wonderful work.

One thing I'd also say is that...

MATH is truly a non profit organization. This is one place that does not take half of the donors funds for administrative costs or things of that nature. 100% of your donation does reach the intended target group.

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every week

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2009

Role:  Volunteer & I helped in the Assisted Darshan Department during the Toronto Tour. We helped devotees who had physical, mental and any type of disability receive easy and comfortable darshan from Amma.