In 2013, Amma launched Live-in-Labs®—a unique program at Amrita University born from her deep compassion to bring solace to the suffering of India’s rural poor. It immerses youth in village life—where staying with communities and understanding their struggles inspires empathy and a spirit of selfless service.
Through Amma’s guidance, students with Amrita and over 30 international universities travel to some of the most impoverished villages across 25 states. There, they live among the people. This allows them to truly understand the hardships faced—shortages of food, clean water, healthcare, education, sanitation, and electricity.
What they experience becomes the basis for meaningful, interdisciplinary, solution-driven research that is grounded in real-world needs.
Working hand-in-hand with communities, students design and implement practical, affordable, and sustainable projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The result is a powerful model of compassion-driven science:
Live-in-Labs® has received global recognition for redefining how experiential learning can uplift society. The honours include the prestigious Times Higher Education Asia Awards and the International Green Gown Awards.
Above all, its greatest success lies in the inner transformation it brings—within the students and the rural people alike.
Amma offers us the possibility to connect online with her on a daily basis. During these livestreams, we can meditate with Amma, chant bhajans (devotional singing) and hear spiritual teachings.
Registration is required to access these livestreams:
