The humanitarian activities in Mauritius are simple in form but profound in spirit because they have emerged wholly from the initiative, resources, and compassion of the Mauritian community itself, guided by the teachings of Amma on love and selfless service.
“I have been fortunate enough to see how Amma’s grace has silently taken roots in this island country of Mauritius through the sincere seva of the local devotees,” said Swami Yogamritananda Puri, one of Amma’s senior disciples. Amma Centre Mauritius is located in Quatres Bornes, a township in the island country that is off the southeast coast of Africa.
Seva there began with the necessities—food, education, and emotional support for vulnerable groups—and has gradually grown into a sustainable community-driven service model. Food support has become the backbone of this work. Every morning, approximately 35 men at the local shelter home receive breakfast prepared and distributed by devotees.
This is not a one-time drive, but a daily commitment that has continued year after year—a reflection of the resolve to stand by those who are all too often forgotten. Along with this, every Sunday, Annadaanam (free meal distribution) at the Ashram forms a natural extension of the spiritual gathering. People come for satsang and bhajans, and they also share a meal together, embodying that worship and service should go hand in hand.
During one planned initiative, the volunteers went to a residential settlement with utmost sensitivity to offer help to around 30 to 40 children.
“Our volunteers regularly visit shelter homes for the elderly, the homeless, and people with disabilities. I have seen teams of 15 to 20 devotees bring not just material assistance—essential kits, bed linens, frequently used items, and study materials—but also warmth through music, dance, and heartfelt conversation,” Swamiji added.
In old-age homes, including people with dementia, the gift is dignity and companionship. Birthdays and festivals become occasions to remind every person that they are visible, noticed, and loved. Most times, the seniors share, “You have become like our family,” and this feels as though Amma herself is connecting with the residents.
Initiatives related to education too are included under a joyful tradition. As a token of celebration of her 70th birthday in 2023, devotees donated 70 school bags with stationery items to students at a selected school; in a subsequent year, they donated 72 school bags to students at another school. In this way, many children are supported while at the same time honouring Amma’s love for all.
Even the younger ones, the pre-KGs, receive the simplest of things like color pencils and learning materials, and thus every small gift becomes a spark of inspiration. The older students too have actively participated in the seva activities by visiting old-age homes, so that seva and values become a single continuous education of the heart.
It was estimated that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 50 families that were receiving monthly ration kits as a result of the efforts of the Ashram. The outbreak of the pandemic saw the number of families increase while the attitude of giving did not change. They were consistent with their efforts even after the outbreak of the pandemic, although around the world it caused fear in many.
Besides all these, there are attempts to address the bigger social issues. Organized anti-drug awareness meetings in association with the local bodies, the police officers themselves talk to the children at the schools about the perils of drugs and the need to make the right decisions. Such activities are a kind of preventive humanitarian work.
The environmental issues are addressed by planting trees, cleaning of garbage from the streets which serve the mother earth and conducting yoga classes are some of the other activities towards creating a responsible attitude to the environment that we live in.
It is during such major spiritual events that our seva is even more enhanced. On Amma’s birthday, Guru Purnima, and the Ashram’s Brahmasthanam Temple anniversary days, we increase the provision of food and ration kits. We extend an invitation to leaders in health and social development to join us. These days do not just herald celebrations; they bring forth gatherings of upliftment. Spirituality is inbuilt.
One of the most touching annual attempts in Mauritius is the seva during Maha Shivratri. Close to half a million pilgrims make a long journey to the 108-foot-high Shiva statue. For two nights, the ashram opens its doors to all who pass through that sacred area.
Devotees and volunteers labor unendingly to serve night-long shelter, resting space, and constant food service into the night for the pilgrims. It is one of the most resource-heavy projects, but it is likewise one of the most heart-expanding-to see hundreds find a moment of rest, a warm meal, and a smile on their arduous pilgrimage feels like serving Lord Shiva himself in every devotee.
The years of service in Mauritius bear witness to the fact that the strength of this work is essentially its sustainability and rootedness in the local community. Projects are conceived, funded, and executed by Mauritian devotees themselves, while the Ashram extends Amma’s vision and guidance. Food, education, emotional support, caring for the environment, and social awareness are interwoven into a single fabric of seva wherein the giver and receiver grow together.
Amma also reminds us that “pure service cleanses the heart of the one who serves as much as the one who is served.” These humanitarian activities in Mauritius are a living embodiment of these words: modest scale, indeed, for the global stage—but limitless depth of heart. As these activities expand and develop, may Mauritius become a beacon of an enlightened seva community, sustained by the infinite compassion of Amma for all of life.
