It was a gathering in honour of two embodiments of compassion and selfless service. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, a renowned scientist born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, was known as a “People’s President” when he held office from 2002 to 2007. Amma is known worldwide as an ocean of love.
The two remained close until Dr Kalam’s passing in 2015, beginning with initiatives for impoverished people in the Rameswaram district. Rising above boundaries of caste, creed, and gender, they joined hands to uplift those who were struggling, a vision which continues to spread its light.
Soon after Dr Kalam’s departure from this world, his family instituted the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation to carry his legacy forward as a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing this vision.
This year, they inaugurated The Janani Award with Amma as the first recipient. It was presented to her during an event held at Amritapuri Ashram on Thursday, July 23, 2026. It recognises Amma’s outstanding contributions to humanitarian service, social transformation, and women’s empowerment across the world. It was conferred as part of events for the 11th Remembrance Day of Dr Kalam’s passing.
Accepting the award with deep respect, Amma described Dr Kalam as a man who devoted his life to advancing India through science and technology. She said that despite occupying the country’s highest constitutional office, he remained a model of selfless service for every citizen.
“He was a brilliant scientist, a philosopher, a visionary, an artist, a patriot, a writer, and a poet—all of these combined. However, none of these are what made Shri Abdul Kalam unique, extraordinary, and unforgettable,” said Amma.
“It was his humility and love. Even after reaching great heights and holding esteemed positions, his attitude of ‘I am nothing’ and his humble approach won over everyone.”
Amma expressed her gratitude to Dr Kalam, recalling when he discreetly donated his first 10 months of salary (₹5,00,000) as President for the Mata Amritanandamayi Math’s (MAM) initiatives in Rameswaram.
Once Amma learned of the donation, she asked him during a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, “Do you have any wish for that place, son?”
He replied, “Amma, there is a hospital there, but there are no facilities for pregnant women to stay and receive treatment.” Amma responded by constructing a centre for obstetrics. The funding also went to building homes and other rural development projects in the district.
Amma concluded her address saying, “Amma accepts this award, named after him—a symbol of goodness—on behalf of all the people of India, and rededicates it to them. Shri Abdul Kalam said, ‘Let us sacrifice today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.’ May we be able to put his words into practice.”
Dr APJM Nazema Maraikayar is the Managing Trustee of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation, as well as Dr Kalam’s niece. She spoke about how the Kalam family now remains dedicated to Dr Kalam’s commitment to nation building through combining technology and economic growth with compassion, service, and education. She said it is a commitment both Dr Kalam and Amma shared.
“He often reminded us that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. These ideas are beautifully reflected in the extraordinary humanitarian work carried out by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi,” Dr Maraikayar said.
“Amma’s life is a shining example that love, kindness, and compassion are the greatest forces capable of bringing lasting change to society. Her message of embracing humanity beyond all boundaries of religion, language, caste or nationality is more relevant today than ever before.”
The award was presented to Amma by Governor of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Sri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. With great devotion, he said, “Amma’s life is for humanity. But it is up to us to learn something from that. She has given her whole life to humankind. And that is the greatness of the great souls.”
Governor Arlekar continued, “Everything that is happening wrong in our society will be made right again because of her blessings. Janani (the Eternal Mother) is with us and she will do everything for us, but we have to work as well. That is the message she has given to us. There is spirituality. There is bhakti. But action is also needed to make this country a developed nation.”
Amma’s message of embracing humanity beyond all boundaries of religion, language, caste or nationality is more relevant today than ever before.
Dr APJM Nazema Maraikayar, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s niece
Governor Arlekar also unveiled the official poster of “Kalam’s Angel,” an inspirational film being developed with the support of artificial intelligence and based on the vision and values of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. As well, he formally inaugurated Janani 2026 as a nationwide women’s empowerment initiative.
Dr. Jerry Mathew, Executive Chairman of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Ms Olivia Saira Raiju, Organising Secretary, also graced the gathering.
As the historic event came to a close, a commitment to nation building and service to the entire world shone in countless eyes across the hall. Although the world faces deeply challenging times, the understanding came that it is not too late for humankind to restore dharma by living in alignment with the values that ultimately balance the entire universe.
