Celebrations in Auckland and Wellington
Venkat Raman
Auckland, September 14, 2018
Devotees and Volunteers of ‘Amma New Zealand’ will mark the great woman’s birthday in Auckland and Wellington over the next two weeks.
Auckland events
The Auckland branch of the Organisation will celebrate her birthday on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn.
The event will commence at 645 pm and would include Multifaith Prayers, a cultural programme and dinner.
Amma New Zealand President Simi Sethu said that anyone can offer prayer and donation towards the Kerala Flood Relief Fund and that details can be obtained from Amma New Zealand website www.embracingtheworld.org
Y G Mahendran Drama in Wellington
In Wellington, Volunteer and Wellington Mutamizh Sangam former President and Current Advisor and Amma New Zealand Volunteer Dr Siva Kumar is organising a Tamil Drama in homage to ‘Amma.’
Called, ‘Ragasiyam, Parama Ragasiyam’ (‘Secret, Top Secret’) starring famous Tamil actor Y G Mahendran, the play will be staged at The Little Theatre, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt for residents in the Wellington region on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 7 pm. A detailed story has been posted in our web edition and social media today.
About Mata Amritanandmayi Devi
Everyone may not accept her as a Deity to worship, but to millions of people around the world, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi is ‘Amma’ or Mother, whose love, care, affection and compassion transcend religions, faiths and ethnicities.
People afflicted by physical ailments, disabilities, mental depression and a host of other problems would be at huge gatherings in villages, towns and cities, hoping that Amma would set her eyes upon them. Invariably she would do so and with a single smile and embrace, cure them of their afflictions.
More than the proverbial Midas touch, her compassion heals people. It is little wonder that their initial awe and admiration make them a follower and soon they begin to consider her as a Supreme Being, worthy of worship.
Source of endearment
With her charming smile and humility, ‘Amma’ has endeared herself to millions of people around the world, starting from her native ‘Parayakadavu,’ a village in the Quilon district in the South Indian state of Kerala, where she was born on September 27, 1953 and named ‘Sudhamani.’
Even as a child, she displayed a distinct compassion towards the poor, the needy and the downtrodden and wanted to do her best to alleviate their pain and suffering.
She was also known for her famous hug that cured people of stress, illnesses and suffering and was affectionately called, ‘The Hugging Mother.’
Amma’s following is said to be growing in New Zealand and each year her Birthday celebrations witnesses increasing number of people dedicated to spreading her concept of social service and community care.
Ms Sethu said that since its establishment in 2007, Amma New Zealand has been actively spreading her teachings to the communities in the country.
“Among our activities are conducted regular spiritual meetings including Meditation, Satsang and Kirtans; organising fundraising programmes to support Amma’s humanitarian activities and organising community services such as flood donation, feeding the homeless and tree plantation,” she said.
“We are trying our best to bring Amma for first time to New Zealand and to provide you with this unusual heart filling experience. We appeal to people to support us by filling up the form available on our website www.amma.org.nz,” Ms Sethu said.
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