"Young people need to understand the purpose of life. They need courage and wisdom to face the challenges of life," says Amma.
"With that understanding, they become the light of the world. If we care for them responsibly, moulding their whole character with love, then the future of the world will be safe."
AYUDH, our youth wing, is based on Amma’s teaching that we are not isolated islands, but are linked to each other like the rings of a chain; that our lives are not meant to be lived only for ourselves. Amma says that instead, we need to set aside some time to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
AYUDH empowers young people to integrate universal values into their daily lives. Starting with themselves, the goal is to establish a future of hope, peace and social engagement. Founded in 1985, AYUDH is now active around the world in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Australia and Africa. Our main chapters are:
Every year, AYUDH youth organizers select a theme to shape their efforts worldwide. Based on the chosen idea, AYUDH groups develop volunteer initiatives, sponsor talks, and organize awareness programs worldwide. Themes from recent years have included Now is the Future (India), Celebrating Diversity (Europe) and World Peace through Inner Peace (Americas).
The highlight of the annual themes are international youth summits in each region, which draw more than a thousand young people to Amritapuri in India and hundreds to our centers in Europe and the Americas.
Political leaders, acclaimed artists, and influential leaders of the environmental movement inspire the participants through talks and debates. A broad variety of workshops provide a unique opportunity for intercultural exchange, creative expression and personal development.
AYUDH's projects help young people to express creative potential, gain self-confidence, and implement ideas for how to make the world a better place. The focus is on four areas:
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are AYUDH's blueprint for action. Ultimately, the goal is to reach a more sustainable and equitable society that will bring a future of peace and unity for our fragile planet.
AYUDH is empowering and mobilizing youth to foster a more inclusive and interconnected society through community outreach, voluntary service and social change initiatives. Some of our projects:
At work in the slums of São Paulo - Running soup kitchens and visiting city streets to deliver necessary items like clothes, shoes and blankets. There is a focus on single mothers and families in low income conditions.
Amrita Janani Jagran - In a Mumbai slum, empowering women through health care clinics with an emphasis on mother-child care, conducting public clean-up drives and installation of garbage bins, and holding value-oriented sessions for self-empowerment.
AYUDH Japan Builds Water Filters in India - Teams of students from Japanese universities visiting Kerala to help build water filtration systems in communities in need of accessible drinking water.
AYUDH is accelerating sustainable solutions at the local level by creating communities of youth that stay engaged as volunteers. We also promote clean, sustainable and ecologically sound practices to protect biodiversity, conserve the environment and build resilient economies. Some of our projects:
Swachh Bharat (Clean India) - Taking part in a Govt. of India program to clean up garbage, especially plastic pollution, in public spaces across India.
Menstrual Education & Reusable Pads - Training women in rural India to produce reusable cloth and banana-fiber pads alongside menstrual health education.
Trees for Peace - A planting campaign in Europe that combines concrete climate action with education about sustainable living.
AYUDH is transforming learning environments by providing formal and non-formal training opportunities that empower young people to identify their strengths, express their creativity and recognize their potential for effective leadership. Some of our projects:
Social Impact Leadership - AYUDH Europe’s year-long program to foster compassionate leadership, social responsibility and intercultural learning.
Integrated Amrita Meditation Technique - Using meditation to bring calm to daily life and teaching it to others, including paramilitary, navy and police services across India.
Amrita Yoga - AYUDH India members practising yoga in their own lives and teaching it in villages across rural India.
