It was a moving expression of love and gratitude to Amma for uplifting them as the world’s future leaders. Members of AYUDH, our international youth movement, waved flags from across the world to welcome her during her programs at the MA Centre Germany in Brombachtal.
On the final day, they sang with all their hearts and released red, pink, and white heart-shaped balloons as Amma arrived in the morning. With endearing smiles upon their faces, they expressed how she has been encouraging young people across the continent and all over the world to bring light, peace and compassion into the lives of others.
“It is something very special for us to receive you here. Every year, the AYUDH European Youth Summit takes place at this very place—with inspiring talks, practical workshops, intercultural exchange and shared spiritual practice,” said Samira with AYUDH Europe.
“Each year, we have been able to welcome around 250 young people from more than 25 countries here. Through your inspiration, Amma, they experience a sense of community, deepen their values and discover the strength they have to create something positive in the world.”
AYUDH Europe came into being in 2005, five years after Amma’s historic address at the Millennium World Peace Summit held at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York City. As part of her vision, she said society should try to build an international group of young volunteers who are ready to love and serve selflessly, inspiring them to spread human values. Today, AYUDH has become active in over 50 countries with more than 10,000 participants.
My dear children, you should find the light within. In truth, you are that light.
Amma
Samira also expressed gratitude to the European Union for its support of more than 20 projects. AYUDH is also a member of the annual Youth Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations and has carried out many initiatives in partnership with UN bodies. With this level of support, the youth are realising their dreams.
She then shared an inspiring creation of devotion to Amma. Every year, AYUDH members compose, record and produce a song to illuminate her message of hope, selfless service and spirituality. This year’s tune is Du bist das Light – You Are the Light.
“Amma, you fill our hearts with joy, lightness and light. In your love, our hearts are lifted – and so are the hearts of all the people you touch. Today we express our love, our gratitude and our promise to carry your message forward,” she concluded.
The True Hope for the Future
Responding to their love and commitment, Amma shared how AYUDH can continue to move forward, despite the challenges society is facing:
“We live in a world where gadgets play a major role. They are useful—yes—but we must distinguish between need and want. Sadly, many are confined to their gadget-world. We don’t help a fallen person up, lend a hand, or listen to another’s sorrow.
“From this selfishness spring many other negativities that lead to crime and violence. So many young people are becoming addicted to drugs, and this is more terrifying than war.
“Many young buds never blossom into flowers. These are the very flowers meant to offer fragrance, love, light, and service to the world. Instead, they are eaten away by the worms of addictions at the bud stage and wither, leaving sorrow for their families and society.
“My dear children, you should find the light within. In truth, you are that light. There is infinite potential in each of you. You are not candles to be lit by someone else—you are self-effulgent like the Sun.
“Do not whimper like kittens; roar like lion cubs. All the potential is already within—awaken to your true Self. The scriptures proclaim, ‘Uttiṣṭhata, Jāgrata’—Arise, awake! Amma prays that you have the strength to do this.
“When today’s world has young people like AYUDH, we can bring real change. You are the true hope for the future. If you live these values, society will be uplifted.
“There are two kinds of poverty. The first is the lack of food, clothing, and shelter. The second is the lack of love and compassion. If the second is removed, the first will automatically be taken care of.
“Let love and compassion grow—especially in the young. If they awaken at a very young age, it will be a great blessing for the world.
“This human birth has a higher purpose. If life is only to eat, drink, sleep, and procreate, how are we different from an earthworm? An earthworm does these things too, yet it doesn’t harm nature; it enriches the soil.
“Humans only take from nature in life—and even after death, through chemicals in burial or the resources used in cremation. This life is meant for a higher goal, and the young should awaken to it from an early age. When a turtle moves across the sand, it leaves a mark. Likewise, we must leave a trail of goodness to guide future generations on the right path.
“Amma prays that more and more youth cultivate a mindset to serve society and that they have the strength to serve the world, be filled with selfless love for all, grow in their lives, and spread the fragrance of love and light. Amma prays to the Paramātman that such a generation continues to evolve in this world.”
With heartfelt applause, the hall echoed Amma’s call to “find the light within.” With sincerity, the AYUDH youth pledged themselves once more to love, service, and responsible leadership.
What is now a beautiful, colourful memory expressed the essence of Sanatana Dharma—unity in diversity, seeing the one all-pervasive consciousness in everything, beyond all boundaries of nationality, culture, and language.
