The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Mata Amritanandamayi's humanism lauded

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 28, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Mata Amritanandamayi's humanism lauded

Special Correspondent

Her contribution in the field of health and education significant, says Anbumani

MOTHERLY AFFECTION: Mata Amritanandamayi blessing a physically challenged person at a public reception in Chennai on Saturday. (From left) R. Anbumani Ramadoss, Union Health Minister, R. Velu, Minister of State for Railways, and R. Balasubramanian, M adras High Court judge, are also in the picture. — Photo: M. Vedhan

CHENNAI: Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi's humanism was lauded by speakers at a public reception organised in Pachaiyappa's College here on Saturday.

Union Minister of Health Anbumani Ramadoss said the Mata had risen from very humble origins to great stature, respected by people all over the world. She had broken the unwritten rule that there had to be distance between `guru' and disciple with her characteristic warm hug, he said. The Mata had become the messenger of love and peace, rushing to the aid of the needy all over the world. Whether it was earthquakes at Bhuj and Jammu and Kashmir, floods in Mumbai, or Katrina in New Orleans, `Amma' as she was fondly called, assembled her team to render assistance.

Her contributions in the field of health and education were significant, Dr.Anbumani said, especially the services provided by the Amritanandamayi Institute of Medical Sciences. Top class heart surgery was being offered free of cost to patients and crores of rupees had been invested in taking health care to the people. He also urged her to join hands with the government in the fight against HIV/AIDS, cancer and female foeticide, as he believed that she could make a huge contribution.

Referring to her social service, Union Minister of State for Railways R. Velu said `Amma' was actually performing all the tasks that a politician was required to. Her campaign to stop war and strife and encourage people to spend their energy on development tasks was laudable.

Madras High Court Judge R. Balasubramanian said `Amma's' appeal was in her humanism, in the way she spontaneously reached out to the needy and deprived. Her message of love and peace had been taken to every corner of the world, he said.

Pension and sewing machines were distributed to women and the handicapped during the function. A souvenir was also released on the occasion and Justice Balasubramanian received the first copy. Dancer Padma Subramaniam was felicitated.

A brief report of the charitable activities of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math was presented. The Amrita Tsunami Relief & Rehabilitation Project was a massive Rs.100 crore undertaking, covering a broad range of relief efforts in India and Sri Lanka.

To replace homes destroyed by the tsunami, the Ashram is currently building 6,200 houses in India and Sri Lanka.

The function was followed by a satsangh by `Amma', bhajan and meditation, after which she interacted with her devotees.

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