Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, or AMMA (“Mother”) as she is affectionately known, is world-renowned as an extraordinary humanitarian and spiritual leader who is transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. From her headquarters in Amritapuri, Kerala, India, Amma has established numerous projects for the service of humanity, and travels the world annually spreading her boundless compassion and love in a most personal way ~ she has embraced over 30 million people. Recently in India, Amma embraced 50,000 people in 22 hours.

This unique, extraordinary expression of universal love is known as Amma’s darshan.  It can extend up to 20 or more uninterrupted hours in a single day.  This motherly embrace, repeated hour after hour, day after day for the last 39 years, has become both catalyst and symbol for the growing humanitarian movement now called Embracing the World

Through Her extraordinary acts of love and self sacrifice, Amma has endeared Herself to millions. Tenderly caressing everyone who comes to Her, holding them close to Her heart in a loving embrace, Amma shares Her boundless love with all. Be they young or old, sick or poor—everyone who comes to Her receives the same unconditional love.

At the United Nations in Geneva, 2002, Amma was honoured with the prestigious ‘Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence’, in recognition of 30 years of selfless work to alleviate suffering through her vast network of charities and development programs. Amma’s organization has now gained Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, status with the UN. Some of Amma's projects include: hospitals, health care services, educational institutes ranging from primary to post-graduate university level; housing for the poor and the aged, disaster relief, free meals, pensions for destitute women, and prostitute upliftment programs, sustainable development and environmental initiatives, publications, and other projects such as cancer and Aids treatment, all dedicated to helping the poor and suffering, regardless of race, sex, caste, nationality or religion.

In Cochin, India, September 2003, representatives from 193 countries and 500,000 visitors attended Amma’s spectacular 4 day international peace conference, “Embracing the World for Peace and Harmony". During this unique event, at the Interfaith, Womens, Business & CEO, and Youth Summits, unanimous resolutions were passed for local and global value based, cooperative action to benefit humanity.

In 2010, during her 20th annual Australian Tour, Amma received thousands of people, from all walks of life, beliefs and religions, with her blessing – a healing embrace for everyone who wishes to meet her. She speaks lucidly on a vast range of topics, and like a true master, expresses complex truths with simplicity. Amma’s free public programs in Australia also comprise her message of world peace and selfless service, devotional music and meditation. All proceeds from the Tour will contribute to supporting Amma’s massive charitable projects COLLECTIVELY CALLED EMBRACING  THE WORLD

Visit the official "Embracing the World" website

Download Factsheet (PDF) - Amma's Humanitarian Activities

International Events

• 2004 - Sep 21st, International day of Peace observation

• 2004— World Parliament of Religions, Barcelona, Spain. Keynote address at the concuding session of the parliament on July 13, 2004

• 2002, Geneva: The World Movement for Non-Violence confers upon Amma the "Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence" at the UN headquarters

• 2002, Geneva: Amma delivers the keynote address at the Global Peace Initiative of Women Religious & Spiritual Leaders at the UN

• 2000, New York: Amma delivers the keynote address at the Millennium Peace Summit, UN General Assembly

• 1995, New York: Amma addressed the Interfaith Celebrations at the 50th Anniversary of the UN.

• 1993, Chicago: Amma speaks at the "Parliament of the World Religions" 100th Anniversary