Amma arrived in Chicago for the final stop of this year’s US Tour. The three-day program was held at MA Center Chicago from August 9-11. The joy of devotees, seeing Amma after a five-year hiatus, was clearly visible on their faces. It was a vast spectrum of events, from local community level to international research collaboration.
The Ashram is located in Elburn, a Chicago suburb. Jeffrey Walter, the Mayor of the village, officially declared August 10th as “Amma Day” in the community. The proclamation honoured her extraordinary contributions to humanity and her unwavering commitment to fostering peace and unity.
A key event was the launch of the Amrita Institute of Advanced Research (AIAR). In another expression of boundless compassion, it is the first research institute being started by Amma in the United States.
Dr Bharat Jayaraman is the President of AIAR. He and Dr Venu Govindaraju, both with the University at Buffalo, State Univeristy of New York (SUNY), felicitated the event. In 2010, Amma received her first honorary degree from SUNY. Dr Jayaraman is Professor Emeritus, Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Dr Venu Govindaraju is the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.
They expressed gratitude to Amma for her commitment to humanitarian-based research that uplifts all socio-economic levels in our world.
“The energy, the focus on holistic development, and the profound sense of purpose embodied by Amrita are truly inspiring,” said Dr Govindaraju.
“I’m confident AIAR will lead the way in addressing the most pressing societal challenges with compassionate solutions where research is not just about discovery, but about transformation.”
In another milestone, Dr Shashank Priya, Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Minnesota, announced the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Amrita University and the University of Minnesota. As Chancellor of Amrita, Amma blessed the new joining of hands.
And, of course, Amma delivered satsangs, sang bhajans, and conducted guided meditation and prayers for world peace throughout the three days. She gave darshan to thousands, blessing them with her divine, solace-giving embrace.
We can never quantify those she has inspired, who have gone on to share Amma’s love with others. For me, this is the greatest miracle.
Devapriya Marks
“I think that none of us will ever truly know the ripple effect of Amma’s effort. We can count how many people Amma hugs or how many have benefited from her charities,” shared Devapriya Marks in a spiritual talk. She first met Amma in 1996.
“But we can never quantify those she has inspired, who have gone on to share Amma’s love with others. For me, this is the greatest miracle. Because right now, what could the world need more than Amma’s love?”
The Chicago stop marked the end of Amma’s US 2024 tour. She is now in Japan for a program in Tokyo, after which she will return to Amritapuri.
Find out more about Amma’s free public programs in Tokyo – amrit.am/japan2024
