Amma’s 72nd birthday was celebrated in unity with deep devotion, drawing tens of thousands of devotees and well-wishers from across India and around the world. In her message, Amma shared prayers that the light of love and selflessness dispel the increasing conflicts and unrest humanity is facing.
“For 65 years now, Amma has been listening to her children’s grief, their small joys, their complaints and their laments. Amma intimately knows the depth of their heartaches and the pain behind their tears,” she said.
“Amma understands changing is not easy. But darkness is spreading all around, and anxiety about the future is increasing. In such a situation, each individual must become a little tree of goodness. Otherwise, the world will not change.”
Amma concluded, “May the light of love and selflessness dispel the darkness of selfishness, hatred and conflict covering the world. May a beautiful new dawn of goodness bloom. May the light of truth and dharma fill the hearts of humanity.”
The festivities for Amritavarsham 72 began at dawn on September 27th with 72 Maha Ganapati Homas (Vedic fire rituals) led by Ashram pujaris and pujarinis. This year, people from 11 tribal communities across India also arrived to perform their ancient rites. It was a deeply moving unity of prayers to invoke peace and prosperity for the entire world.
Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma’s most senior disciple, then addressed the gathering in anticipation of Amma’s arrival. He shared, “The heart of the universe—the incomprehensible heart—Amma’s heart is one. And because of that, all are her children. Not just human beings. Every living being, even insentient beings. And this is how Amma takes care of us. What else do we need?”
The grand celebration began at 9am when Amma arrived and was formally welcomed by Kerala Governor Shri Rajendra Arlekar. This was followed by the sacred Pada Puja ceremony, the worship of the Guru’s feet, led by Swami Amritaswarupananada.
Swami Amritaswarupananda conducts pada puja
India’s Health Minister, Shri JP Nadda, inaugurated the official programme. He praised Amma’s tireless dedication to selfless service, saying, “Her humanitarian initiatives have reached every corner of the world with Amma’s compassion as a beacon of hope. That is why her birthday celebrations are uniquely meaningful—because they are marked by new initiatives.”
This year, Amma’s initiatives will reach many more lives. They include:
• 300 free surgeries at Amrita Hospitals in Kochi and Faridabad
• An MoU between Amrita Hospital and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide free epilepsy surgeries for 1,300 underprivileged patients, especially from rural areas
• A commitment to construct 6,000 free toilets for impoverished families across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka
• Establishment of a new UNESCO Chair at Amrita University—the Chair for Assistive Technology in Education, making Amrita the only institution in India with three UNESCO Chairs
• Beginning of this year’s distribution of working capital for Amrita SREE’s 15,000 Self-Help Groups for women
• Mass marriage of 17 couples from impoverished families
Shri Shashi Tharoor, India’s MP for Thiruvananthapuram and member of the Congress Party, also addressed the gathering. Having held key roles with the UN from 1978 to 2007, he spoke about Amma’s historic address at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in 2020—the first and only time a speech has been delivered in Malayalam there.
“Her compassion. Her message of peace. Her spiritual vibration. All were understood by every heart present. Leaders and delegates rose in reverence, honouring Amma. And through her, honouring Malayalam, Kerala, and Bharat or India themselves,” he expressed.
In remembrance of that day, “Ammakkadal” was released—a collection of essays, articles and reflections about Amma by 72 eminent personalities from the world of art, culture, and literature.
As well, “One World, One Heart” was launched—a creative competition for school students to express themselves in Malayalam through essays, art, quizzes and more. With a total prize of ₹15 lakhs, it stands as a heartfelt tribute to celebrating Malayalam as a language of love for the entire world.
An Amritavarsham tradition, renowned Malayali literary figure, Shri P.R Nathan, was honoured with the Ashram’s prestigious Amritakeerthi Puraskaram. Since 2001, it has acknowledged distinguished personalities for their significant contributions to Indian literature, culture, and Vedic knowledge.
A Malayali writer, Shri P.R Nathan is the author of 21 novels, more than 500 short stories, and over 55 books. He has also travelled the world to deliver more than 10,000 lectures on the Vedas and Upanishads. Receiving the honour, Nathan said he was dedicating the award back to Amma, whose compassion has deeply influenced his life and work.
In another touching moment, leaders of the 11 tribal communities came to Amma with offerings of forest honey, grains, shawls and traditional art—Andhra’s Arakku Konda Dora and Kottiya; Sikkim’s Lepcha; Chhattisgarh’s Muriya; Odisha’s Gond; Kerala’s Muthuvan, Irula Mudugar and Paniya; Tamil Nadu’s Irula; Jharkhand’s Birsa Munda; Bihar’s Santhal; and the Nilgiri Hills’ Baduga from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
And then, as is her way, Amma began to embrace each and every person who arrived, listening to their sorrows and joys. Having arrived at 9am, the last darshan took place at 7am Sunday morning. Amma left the stage with a beaming smile upon her face.
