Amma arrived in Chicago for the final event of this year’s US Tour. The three-day program was held at MA Center Chicago from August 9-11. The joy and gratitude of devotees, seeing Amma after a five-year hiatus, were clearly visible on their faces.
The Ashram is located in Elburn, a Chicago suburb. Jeffrey Walter, the Mayor of the town, officially declared August 10th as “Amma Day” in their community. The proclamation honoured Amma’s extraordinary contributions to humanity and her unwavering commitment to fostering peace and unity.
In another milestone, 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.
“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?”
Among other VIPs who graced the occasion was Raja Krishnamoorthi, US Congressman for Illinois’s 8th Congressional District. It was his second time meeting Amma. At the 2019 program in Chicago, he honored her with a congressional commendation for her outstanding humanitarian initiatives and global conservation efforts. The document was entered into the United States congressional record to recognise Amma’s contributions to peace, understanding, and ecological protection.
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
Throughout the three days, Amma delivered satsangs, sang bhajans, and conducted guided meditation and prayers for world peace. She gave darshan to thousands, blessing them with her divine, solace-giving embrace.
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
