Through Her extraordinary acts of love and self-sacrifice, Mata Amritanandamayi, or Amma (Mother) as she is known, has endeared herself to millions of people around the world. Tenderly caressing everyone who comes to her, holding them close to her heart in a loving embrace, Amma shares her boundless love with all-regardless of their beliefs, who they are or why they have come to her.

In this simple yet powerful way, Amma is transforming the lives of countless people, helping their hearts to blossom, one embrace at a time. In the past 37 years, Amma has physically hugged more than 27 million people from all parts of the world. In India, Amma regularly gives darshan to 20,000 people in one sitting, going for 20 hours straight. Her tireless spirit of dedication to uplifting others has inspired a vast network of charitable activities through which people are discovering the beauty and sense of peace that come from selflessly serving others.

"Where there is love there is no effort. Other people's happiness is my rest." - AMMA

On July 24, 2005, the United Nations announced the distinguished award of Special UN consultative status to Mata Amritanandamayi Math (M.A.M), a leader in tsunami relief efforts and humanitarian activities in India.

Under Amma’s guidance, the Ashram and Mata Amritanandamayi Math (M.A.M) has been providing relief and rehabilitation to the victims of a series of natural disasters—earthquakes in Gujarat and Kashmir, floods in Mumbai, Gujarat and Bihar, hurricanes in the United States, the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

In the face of these tragedies, Amma’s Ashram has provided everything from food, medicine and temporary shelter to new homes, counseling and jobs. Furthermore, the Ashram’s provision of emotional succor and long-term support has carried thousands through the darkest periods of their lives into the light of a hopeful tomorrow.

The relief-and-rehabilitation work of Amma’s Ashram has been praised by government agencies, world-leaders and members of the United Nations as being something ‘above and beyond.’ A past Director-General of UNESCO, an agency of the United Nations, Mr. Felix Martin, sees in Amma the "foundations of the future world we are committed to make." 

The past few years have seen natural disasters and tragedies involving the natural elements: fire, water, wind, and earth. Amma’s helping hand reached out to those in need in these tragedies.

Bihar Flood 2008
In In August 18 Kosi river derouted through 200 k.m flooding over 1800 villages and displaing over 5 lakh people. Ashram announced 20 million rupees for relief work. Temporary shelters and quality medical care is being provided for the displaced. 

Kashmir Pakistan Earthquake 2005
In October 2005, the Indian regions of Kashmir and Jammu and Pakistan were rocked by an earthquake that claimed over 80,000 lives.

New Orleans Katrina 2005
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina submerged the entire city of New Orleans and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Mumbai flood 2005
In July 2005, almost three feet (944mm) of rain fell in 24 hours in Mumbai, resulting in massive flooding.

Asian Tsunami 2004
The tsunami that struck in December 2004 claimed countless lives throughout India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and other countries in the region.

Kumbhakonam fire 2004
In June 2004, a fire at a school in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, took the lives of nearly 100 children and left countless others injured.

Earthquake
In 2001, an earthquake destroyed many villages and killed 3,000 people in Gujarat. In 1992, an earthquake in Lathore, Maharastra, claimed 20,000 lives.