Speaking at Amritapuri during Vishwa Seva Dinam, organised on the occasion of the 73rd birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday (September 27, 2026) said that India’s march toward a Viksit Bharat must blend modernity with civilisational values.
Addressing global challenges like conflicts, humanitarian crises, and loneliness, he noted that technological progress must be paired with compassionate advancement.
Praising Mata Amritanandamayi, Mr. Radhakrishnan noted that her life embodies love and selfless service, reflecting India’s timeless ethos that views service as a way of life and an expression of oneness. He added that true Seva transcends caste, creed, and nationality to recognise only humanity—the core philosophy underlying Vishwa Seva Dinam.
Earlier on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah formally inaugurated the Vishwa Seva Dinam celebrations during his visit to Keralam. At the event, he praised Mata Amritanandamayi for unifying society through love and defining her life as a continuous stream of selfless service. Speaking at the ceremony, the Union Minister added that her global humanitarian endeavours provide relief to thousands worldwide and bring profound honour to the nation.
‘Ocean of compassion’
Addressing the event on Sunday, Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said that Mata Amritanandamayi proves through her actions rather than words that deeds truly matter, describing her as an immense ocean of compassion whose kindness radiates across the globe. The Chief Minister also praised the profound inspiration and encouragement Amma provides for achieving good governance.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar called Mata Amritanandamayi a supreme preceptor guiding society on the righteous path, highlighting that her teaching that service is the highest duty is synonymous with Sanatana Dharma.
Financial aid
During the ceremony, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math handed over a financial aid of ₹2 crore to Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Surendra Thapa, for relief operations in areas devastated by flash floods. Financial assistance was also distributed to the families of victims from the Thrissur fireworks disaster, as well as fishermen who lost their lives in boat accidents at Neendakara in Kollam and Muthalappozhi in Thiruvananthapuram.
Additionally, certificates for free organ transplant surgeries and other medical aid provided by Amrita Hospital, financial support for self-help groups under the Math, and gold ornaments for participants of the mass wedding held as part of the birthday celebrations were also distributed.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism Suresh Gopi, Dr. Thapa, Keralam Legislative Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Deputy Speaker Shanimol Osman, Ministers M. Liju, P.C. Vishnunadh, Bindhu Krishna, Mons Joseph, Members of Parliament N.K. Premachandran, Shashi Tharoor, and MLA C.R. Mahesh were among those attended the event.
Following the function, a mass wedding of 25 couples was solemnised. Three books, including Shivam Sundaram authored by Swami Turyamritanandapuri, were released during the event, and a special postal stamp issued by the Postal department to mark Amritanandamayi’s 73rd birthday was presented by Postmaster General Amitabh Singh.
Health-care initiative
As part of the proceedings on Saturday, a major health-care initiative valued at ₹20 crore was launched across the Amrita Hospitals located in Kochi and Faridabad with eligible beneficiaries receiving official certification from Mr. Shah. The scheme will provide fully subsidised specialized medical care to 1,000 patients and will also facilitate Keralam’s inaugural uterine transplant surgery.
Demonstrating continued support for disaster relief efforts, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math presented a financial assistance sum of ₹2 crore to Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu to aid flood-affected regions in the State.
During the event, the prestigious Amritakeerti Puraskaram was bestowed upon former Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai by the Union Home Minister. The award carries a purse of ₹1,23,456, a citation, and a Saraswati sculpture crafted by the renowned artist Namboothiri.
Published – September 27, 2026 07:55 pm IST
