AYUDH (Awaken Youth: Unite for Dharma) concluded its first-ever International Representatives Meet. “A Meeting of Hearts” left participants inspired and energized for the future. AYUDH is Amma’s global youth movement. They strive to build a peaceful and sustainable world together in love, compassion, and selflessness.
Held from December 29 to 31, 2024, the event brought together over 300 youth leaders from over 27 countries and more than 18 states within India. This united AYUDH representatives from Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and India. After deepening their connections with each other and Amma, they expressed union as a powerful collective.
Participants spent each day immersed in Amma’s divine presence, engaging in meditation, listening to spiritual talks, singing bhajans, and receiving Darshan. Many shared how their time in Amritapuri—a space dedicated to wholehearted love and service—renewed their confidence and inspired them to work together for a better world.
Among the most profound experiences was an interactive session with Amma, where AYUDHians were able to ask questions and receive guidance infused with her love and wisdom. Amma thanked them for travelling from so many places to join hands. She said this truly exemplified their selflessness.
“Understanding our own culture helps us to grow in self-confidence, as we are then connected to its roots. With every culture in the world, when you understand its depth, you find that love is the essence,” shared Amma.
“In a garden there may be flowers of many different kinds. But when the honeybee arrives, it’s not looking at the type of flower. It’s just searching for the nectar. In a similar way, we also need to develop such a vision where we ultimately see goodness and oneness in everything.”
Amma then asked the youth to share what they learned from each other and how this inspires them to move forward in life.
“We not only learned how important it is to give back to society, but the right ways in which to give back. We met people from many different countries and learned how they are serving their communities. In this way, we learned how to apply their experiences at home. Thank you so much, Amma,” responded Pranav with AYUDH Pune.
“This meet has truly been a meeting of hearts. It has really let us come out of our comfort zone and meet different people from different places and collaborate to work towards one goal.” expressed Amritakripa with AYUDH Dubai.
“I feel like for the future, especially our generation, we need to come together despite our differences. Despite where we come from, our background, our beliefs, our culture, to work towards making the world a better place.”
Rapahela from Germany is a new AYUDH member. She replied, “What I’ve learned is that we all speak that one language—love. So, it doesn’t make sense to reject the world. With AYUDH, now I feel like I have a family and I can go home and speak that language of love. I can stand up for it and make a change.”
The first day of the meet opened with a heartfelt message from Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma’s most senior disciple, encouraging participants to use their time in Amma’s presence to deepen their spiritual confidence and inner strength.
“I feel so assured that the future has hope because of the energy and dedication I see in the youth at this meet,” said Swamiji. His energizing message set the tone for a day filled with meaningful activities. Ice-breakers brought together young people from diverse walks of life, fostering bonds of friendship and unity.
Another highlight of the day was the alumni panel featuring speakers like Nath Andreas Hirsch, an advisor to the German government on youth participation and a founding member of AYUDH Europe; Ameya Ananth, a civil rights lawyer for the US Department of Justice; and Murali Krishnan, a senior management professional and passionate AYUDH Kerala coordinator. They shared how AYUDH shaped their personal and professional journeys.
We not only learned how important it is to give back to society, but the right ways in which to give back.
Pranav, AYUDH Pune, India
Each morning began with the Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM) technique, taught by Brahmachari Mokshamrita Chairtanya. These sessions provided a spiritual foundation of inner peace and clarity, supporting AYUDHians as they navigated the packed days of service, workshops, and cultural exchange.
And each evening culminated in amazing talent performances dedicated to Amma, followed by lively bhajan sessions, thoughtfully crafted to include voices from across the globe. A truly unforgettable start to this historic gathering.
On the second day, participants united for a significant seva event—a campaign held in towns surrounding Amritapuri. It centered on three critical themes: respecting women and addressing abuse, raising awareness about substance use and its associated risks, and promoting interfaith harmony and unity in diversity.
As part of the campaign, the young people visited significant places of worship, including the church where Amma spent time as a child, a local Ahmadiyya mosque, and a Hindu temple. Delegates paid their respects, engaged with religious leaders, and sang Amma’s bhajan “Only Love” in a heartfelt gesture of peace and unity. Amma’s senior sannyasins gave inspiring talks, emphasizing love as the unifying thread connecting diverse religious traditions.
The heart of the campaign unfolded at a Hindu temple in Oachira, five kilometers from Amma’s ashram. Delegates from around the world marched alongside Swamiji, carrying the campaign’s message of love, unity, and harmony. Local residents joined in with vibrant dances, further enriching the event.
Participants collectively pledged to refrain from substance abuse, to respect and honor women, and to foster interfaith harmony. Male AYUDH members honored women from various walks of life, including janitors, doctors, nurses, public safety officials and community leaders, underscoring inclusivity and respect. This powerful event brought together people from diverse backgrounds, united by shared values and a vision for a harmonious world.
Another highlight of the gathering was a deeply insightful panel moderated by Brahmachari Ramanandamrita Chaitanya, featuring Swami Dayamritananda Puri and Swami Shubamritananda Puri. They explored the roots of AYUDH and its vision for the future.
Swami Shubamritananda shared his experiences of working with youth since 1989, recounting how AYUDH began as a small initiative and grew into a global movement. Swami Dayamritananda reflected on his journey of guiding youth to embrace Amma’s vision of compassion and service.
Both emphasized the importance of cultivating compassionate mindsets, building leadership skills, and paving the way for future generations. The session concluded with a standing ovation as the audience expressed gratitude for the Swamis’ mentorship and inspiration.
The meet also featured a series of workshops designed to inspire and empower AYUDHians with practical skills and creative insights:
- Ethical Use of Social Media: Aparna Mulberry guided participants on creating authentic and impactful content while fostering positive digital communities.
- Leadership Development: Prana Thoppil and Ameya Ananth facilitated training on empathetic and effective leadership.
- Theater Workshop: Led by Vivekji & AYUDH Kerala, role-playing exercises helped participants build confidence, self-expression, and communication skills for social change.
- Happiness Workshop: Shankar Kumaran explored the foundations of joy and balance in life.
- Music Creation: Tony Jarvis and Vivek Bhurtun led participants in crafting music from everyday objects, fostering creativity and collaboration. They composed a song focused on self empowerment and service and then passionately performed it for Amma on New Year’s Eve.
- Upcycling Workshop: Led by Nadasree, one of the leaders of Amritapuri Waste Management, participants learned to transform waste into useful or artistic creations, promoting sustainability.
- Cognitive Distortion Workshop: Radhika Shetty guided participants to recognize and overcome cognitive distortions, enhancing mental resilience.
- AI Workshop: “The Two Faces of AI: Understanding the Power to Guide the Future,” led by Amar Gressel, explored AI’s potential and pitfalls, combining hands-on demonstrations with discussions on ethical and practical applications to shape an AI-enabled future.
The meet culminated on New Year’s Eve with a spectacular dance offering of “Only Love” for Amma. As the clock struck midnight, participants, dressed in traditional attire, joined hands and danced as one, embodying the unity and joy cultivated throughout the meet. Amma’s divine presence made the moment unforgettable, leaving participants inspired to carry this spirit of love and service forward.
The closing ceremony was filled with heartfelt reflections on how the event transformed perspectives, deepened connections, and strengthened participants’ commitment to Amma’s vision of selfless service.
Brahmachari Ramanandamrita Chaitanya shared: “I definitely feel a sense of contentment organizing the International AYUDH Representatives Meet, as I witnessed the commitment of AYUDH members to discipline, values, and a broad heart carrying Amma’s message of love and service to society.”
AYUDH’s “A Meeting of Hearts” was more than a gathering, it was a historic milestone embodying the transformative potential of youth united in Amma’s vision for the world. Participants departed with cherished memories and a renewed resolve to lead with compassion, courage, and purpose in shaping a better future.
