Mata Amritanandamayi’s services lauded

KOLLAM: Governor R.S. Gavai has lauded the charitable services rendered to society by Mata Amritanandamayi. Inaugurating the expansion programme of Vidyamritam scholarship for impoverished children as part of the 56th birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi at Amritapuri Vidya Peeth complex on Saturday, the Governor said that Vidarbha, his native place in Maharashtra, is the place having maximum the number of beneficiaries of the charitable services rendered by the Math. The Vidyamritam scholarship programme was also launched in Vidarbha for the first time.

Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said that it is great thing that the Math is contributing a lot to the material well-being of the impoverished people along with the spiritual activities. He recalled the services rendered by the Math during time of disasters like tsunami.

Actor Mohanlal said that the Mata is attracting huge crowds as she is helping people in their spiritual purification.

Like a river which is cleaning its banks, the Mata cleans the hearts of the people through her hugging. He said that he had visited Mata for the first time 32 years ago. Pondicherry Health Minister Namasivayam offered felicitations at the function.

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, vice-chairman of the Math, welcomed the gathering. Addressing the gathering, he said, “For Amma, removing the sorrows of others is as natural as drying the tears from her own eyes. The happiness of others, this is Amma’s happiness. The security of others, this is Amma’s security.

The rest of others, this is Amma’s rest. This is Amma’s vision. And it is this vision that Amma’s life is dedicated to awakening in mankind.” Bhajan and darshan of Mata were also held after the function.

The birthday celebrations on Sunday will start at 7 a m with the satsang led by Swami Amritaswaroopananda. He will also perform the padapooja of Amma at 9 a m. She will deliver her birthday message which will be followed by bhajan and darshan.

The Amritakeerthi Puraskaram will be presented to Prof K.V.Dev at the function and the programs will concluded with cultural programmes.

Scholarships distributed to 2,000 poor children

The Mata Amritanandamayi Math provided another 2,000 scholarships to impoverished children on Saturday marking the beginning of the 56th birthday celebrations of the Mata Amritanandamayi.

Governor R S Gavai inaugurated the Vidyamrita Sanghamam-2009 by lighting the lamp, which was graced by Mata Amritanandamayi with her presence. Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and actor Mohanlal symbolically distributed the scholarships to 25 students each.

A total of 2000 students received the scholarships. The beneficiaries are from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. The scholarships are part of the Vidyamritam programme, under which 32,000 children throughout India are receiving such aid. The children will receive scholarships until they complete their education. Vidyamritam scholarships are also offered in Kenya in Africa.