On July 2, 2025, Amma was conferred with the Vivekananda International Relations (VIR) Peace Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to global peace, compassion, and humanitarian welfare. The award honours individuals from Bharat who have had a transformative impact on the world, embodying the spirit of selfless service.
Amma bows down to all of you—all of whom are embodiments of divine love and the True Self.
First and foremost, I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers of this award, instituted in the name of Swami Vivekananda.
Amma is like a postman
Whenever there is success or achievement—in any sphere of action, anywhere in the world—it is never only due to the effort of a single individual. Countless people have selflessly contributed, and behind the scenes many invisible factors have played their role.
When a beautiful song receives an award, often it is only the singer who is recognised. We forget the others who helped to make the song beautiful: the poet who wrote the meaningful and poetic lyrics, the composer who created the melody, the musicians who played the instruments, the harmonising backing singers and, above all, the grace of God.
It is only when all these elements come together that a great song is born.
Similarly, if Amma has been able to do anything beneficial for the world, it is only because she has been blessed with so many good children. These children come from every walk of life and every nation.
The children listen to Amma, and Amma listens to the children. That is how it works. Therefore, Amma would like to dedicate this award to all of them.
Amma is only like a postman. The letters do not belong to the postman, but using discernment and sincerity the postman ensures each letter reaches its correct address. Amma is the same.
All oceans are one
The responsibility for any action—be it good or bad—lies with everyone who contributed to it, not just with one individual. This idea of collective responsibility is also extremely relevant when it comes to matters of world peace.
Be it on the level of the family, the level of the nation, or globally, each of us bears moral responsibility for all the good and bad taking place in the world. Becoming aware of this truth is the first step towards world peace.
From a geographical standpoint, humans have conveniently divided the ocean into multiple bodies of water: the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, etc. But in truth, the ocean is one.
The earth we live on and the air we breathe are one. All living beings live under one and the same sky. Everyone all over the world uses the sunlight and energy from the same Sun. When we awaken to this understanding, we will never again do anything that harms the world, our fellow beings, other species, or nature. This is the path to peace.
When we divide ourselves into many levels and work separately, it only increases our selfishness, hatred and desire for revenge.
When we abandon dharma, dharma abandons us
Our ancient sages prayed collectively: “May everyone be happy. May no one suffer from illness. May everyone see auspicious things. May no one experience sorrow.”
We have learned to soar into the sky like a bird and dive deep into the ocean like a fish, but have forgotten how to walk and live like human beings.
Even an earthworm takes birth, procreates and dies. What are we doing that is any different, even though we have this higher human birth? At least during its life, an earthworm fertilises the soil. We, on the other hand, leave this world only after exploiting it and polluting the environment.
We need to reflect on what we are able to give the world, rather than focus on what we can take from it.
Wherever a turtle crawls, it leaves a trail in the sand. Similarly, we should strive to leave a mark—good memories—before we depart from this world.
A diabetic cannot be cured by medicine alone—dietary discipline is also required. In the same way, awareness is also essential.
Once, a man went to the doctor because his stomach was hurting and he was having trouble with his vision. The doctor prescribed one medicine for his vision and another for his stomach. But the man mistakenly drank the eyedrops and poured the stomach medicine in his eyes. Naturally, his ailments only worsened.
Today, the world is in a similar predicament. So we cannot blame God for the current state of the world. When human beings abandon dharma, dharma also abandons them.
An epidemic more dangerous than war
We have to recognise that the global illicit drug epidemic is even more dangerous than war. In the past, international relations were focused on mutual cooperation and development for the overall growth and prosperity of the global community.
Unfortunately, today, this has changed into an attitude of, “I need more for me, even at the cost of another.” As a result, wars have broken out all over the world. Large amounts of money are spent on producing weapons of mass destruction. This is the reality of our present day.
However, of the millions and billions being spent, if even a small portion of that budget could be allocated to employing volunteers, individuals who could be assigned to every 100 households—to monitor illicit drug use and spread awareness about moral values among the youth, this could actually bring peace and stability to society.
In the epics, we hear of cruel people like Jarasandha. Today, some youngsters addicted to drugs behave like modern-day Jarasandhas—demons. Tragically, in that altered state, many do not even recognise their own family and parents.
Many parents tell Amma that when their child hasn’t come home at night, they go to their neighbours house and sleep because they are afraid to sleep in their own home. Their fear is that if their child comes home intoxicated, then he may not even recognise them and even attack and kill them.
Illicit drugs permanently affect our brain cells and, unfortunately, till now, we have not discovered how to do a brain transplant. And it’s doubtful we ever will. This is why it is essential to instil moral value in our youth and guide them towards a better path.
Selfishness is like an autoimmune disease wherein our cells attack and destroy our own body. Our ability to consider the feelings and rights of other people is being destroyed. People have started feeling no remorse when it comes to harming their neighbours or Nature for their personal gain.
Mother India as a guiding light
We are not candles dependent on others to be lit. We are the self-effulgent Sun. We are not helpless kittens; we are all powerful lions.
The scriptures say, “Awaken! Arise!” We have infinite potential within. But we need spiritual knowledge to unlock this potential. The source of true happiness is not outside of us—it lies within.
Take smoking, for example. Some people find pleasure in it. Yet, others react negatively, covering their nose at the mere smell of a cigarette. If happiness truly existed in external objects, then the same objects would bring joy to everyone equally. But clearly that’s not the case.
May we walk along the path revealed to us by our ṛṣis, so that Bharat may once again rise to the status of viśva-guru—the spiritual teacher of the world. May Bharat be a model and guiding light for the world.
With loving gratitude to the organisers for bestowing this award in the name of Swami Vivekananda who dedicated his life to raising the glory of Mother India—Amma once again offers this award to all her children.
॥ ॐ लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु ॥
Om Lokah Samasthah Sukhino Bhavantu
May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
