70th birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi celebrated

The 70th birth anniversary of spiritual leader, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi was celebrated in a grand manner at the Amrita university campus on October 2 and 3.
Lakhs of people including representatives from 193 countries, Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan, union cabinet minister Mahendra Nath Pandy, union ministers Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Muraleedharan, deputy speaker Chittayam Gopakumar and Kerala opposition leader Satheesan attended the celebration.
She was bestowed with the ‘world leader for peace and security award’ by the Boston Global Forum and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation.
In her birthday message, she focused on the importance of love, selflessness and unity and emphasized the need for good actions, living in harmony, and respect for nature. She encouraged individuals to recognize their inner potential, control their thoughts and actions, and cultivate patience and expressed concerns about youth’s exposure to negative influences and stressed the role of parents in imparting values.
She said, every calamity urges humankind to cultivate three things – cooperation, companionship and communion.
In a video address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “For more than three decades, I have cherished a close bond with Amma, particularly during significant moments such as the earthquake in Kachchh, Gujarat. 
I am deeply grateful for the moments I have shared with Amma, notably during her 60th birthday celebration in Amritapuri.”
“Amma’s compassionate smile and affection, then and now, continue to bring me immense joy. Moreover, over the past decade, Amma’s initiatives and influence have expanded globally, enriching the lives of countless individuals, and empowering them. In August of the previous year, I had the privilege of inaugurating Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, Haryana. Words alone cannot adequately convey the profound impact of Amma’s presence and benevolence; it must be experienced 
first-hand.”He further added, “I pray that Amma’s boundless compassion and unwavering dedication, which have positively impacted lives worldwide through her tireless service and humanitarian endeavours, may continue to flourish.”