Amma expressed how humanity cannot survive when isolated as single nations, races, or religions. This Earth belongs to us all. May innumerable lamps be lit from this flame and carried across the world.
The event in Nagpur, Maharashtra was a momentous occasion with Amma as the first spiritual leader ever appointed as Chair of the G20’s Engagement Group for civil society and nongovernmental organisations.
The President also met with six members of Mexico’s Parliament who are in Amritapuri as part of Amma’s Civil 20 initiatives.
National Coordinators with the Civil 20 working group for Integrated Holistic Health (IHH) organised a meet for NGOs at this year’s globally renowned International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh.
Our Founder & Inspiration: Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma)
Spiritual leader, humanitarian and visionary Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (known to millions simply as ‘Amma’),
is a servant of the world community. Through her inspiring life of love, inner strength and self-sacrifice,
Mata Amritanandamayi has inspired people all over the planet to strive to make more and more space in the hearts
for others and to dedicate free time to social service.
At the invitation of admirers from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe and elsewhere,
Amma travels throughout the world, guiding people to emotional fulfillment as well as offering insights and solutions to
global issues such as environmental pollution, mistreatment of women, and religious disharmony.
At the center of Amma’s life is her darshan: the tender, caring embrace that has been sought out by millions.
It is in this intimate manner—a heartfelt hug—that Mata Amritanandamayi meets one and all, listens to their problems
and gives them the inspiration and knowledge to uplift themselves and, ultimately, others.
A unique feature of Embracing the World's administrative structure is that all top-level administrators at both the national and international levels are volunteers. There are also a huge number of volunteers active at every level of the organization - the vast majority of all our efforts are carried out by volunteers. This combined with an ethic of personal renunciation demonstrated by Amma and filtered down to every level of the organization ensures that the funds raised directly reach the beneficiaries of our projects, instead of being dissipated in administrative overhead.
Studies show that when governments and some organizations allocate money for relief projects, much of it is dissipated in wages. Amma points out:
“It's like pouring oil from one glass to another down a line — in the end, you don't have any oil left; it is all stuck to the inside of the glasses. This way, 1,000 dollars become 100 dollars by the time it reaches the people. Whereas if we get 10 dollars, we add our effort to it and the money multiplies.” – Mata Amritanandamayi
Amma is not blaming the government; of course, government employees need to make a living. But our army of volunteers allows us to do more with less.
We don't use contractors. All the materials-like bricks, windows, doors, tables, chairs, beds - are made in-house. The electrical, plumbing and structure is all done by volunteers. But Amma places the credit for her success squarely on the shoulders of her admirers around the world.
“It is my children who have made all this possible. My children are my wealth; they are my strength.” – Mata Amritanandamayi
