About Us
We are global. We are diverse. We are inspired by Amma.
Whether we volunteer, explore Amma’s teachings, spend time in local groups, coordinate humanitarian projects or want to practice yoga and meditation—we are all part of this incredible network of love and compassion. Everyone is welcome.
“We are all beads strung together on the same thread of love.”
- Amma
Our Story & Mission
Our story is the story of what happened when one person decided to offer her life wholeheartedly for the sake of others, creating a ripple effect for our thousands of volunteers & beneficiaries.
From Amma’s example, our mission is to:
- Awaken love, peace and joy within
- Act with compassion, loving and caring for others as ourselves
- Love and respect nature and the planet
Milestones
1970
Having consoled her neighbors from a young age, Amma . becomes known for her selfless love and compassion. People come to stay with her as her disciples, and her family house becomes home for the first residents.
1981
Amma’s India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (M.A. Math) is officially registered.
1987
Amma goes on the first of her annual world tours, beginning with Singapore, the United States, and Europe.
1989
Amma diverts funds raised for her ashram’s first prayer hall to take on an orphanage in India, laying the basis for her humanitarian initiatives.
1995
Amma addresses the Interfaith Celebrations at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in New York.
1998
Amma’s first multi-disciplinary, tertiary care hospital opens its doors in Kochi, Kerala, India.
2002
Amma receives the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence at the United Nations in Geneva.
2003
Amma’s 50th birthday celebrations welcome 500,000 people in Kochi, Kerala, India
2005
Amma’s humanitarian organization receives Special Consultative Status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
2014
Amma is invited by Pope Francis to the Vatican to co-sign the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery.
2016
The first-ever UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment is established at Amma’s Amrita University.
2018
Amma is honoured with an award by Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, the largest contribution to India’s environment cleanliness campaign (Swachh Bharat Kosh).
2021
40 years after its inception, Amma’s organization has provided aid for more than 30 million people in 48 countries. Amma has personally embraced more than 40 million people throughout her life.
2023
Under India’s presidency of the G20 Summit, Amma is the first spiritual leader to serve as chair of the Civil 20 (C20), the civil engagement group for civil society organizations. Under Amma’s leadership, Civil 20 India reaches out to the highest number of people in C20’s history.
Our Voices
Swami Amritaswarupananda
Amma’s most senior disciple and vice-chairman of Amma’s foundation
Matti
AYUDH Member
Mathieu
GreenFriends member
Deborah and Mario
Volunteers
Vivek
Volunteer
How We Are Run
Leadership
When people pour out their hearts to Amma, she offers them emotional solace, spiritual guidance, and concrete solutions to their problems. Many of our projects have been initiated as Amma’s direct responses to these conversations. After meeting Amma, many are inspired by her example, initiating service activities in their local community.
The vast majority of our efforts are carried out by volunteers, with zero paid administrators at the national and international levels. Projects are coordinated by one of Amma’s disciples or another volunteer. Coordinators seek Amma’s guidance in how to shape projects and carry out their efforts.
Legal
Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), Amma’s India-based humanitarian and spiritual organization, was founded in 1981.
Embracing the World is a global network of local, regional, and national not-for-profit associations and informal volunteer groups inspired by the India-based humanitarian initiatives of MAM. Embracing the World is active in 48 countries.
Our Impact
All data is based on worldwide estimates as of 12/31/2021
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