13 Dec 2008, Amritapuri
CHANGE! The regular visitors to Amritapuri would certainly vouch for that. Amritapuri has been adorned with a number of new modifications over  the past couple of  months.

The holy cows of Amritapuri have been put up in a new home. A new, more spacious cowshed has been constructed by the backwaters near the garbage incinerator. If first impressions are anything to go by, the cows look extremely blissful in their new surroundings as they contentedly munch their way through the grass in (and around) their new quarters.

The old cowshed has given way to the new Indian canteen. The address might have changed but certainly not their expertise. They still offer wonderful treats(or even better). Although, the western palates might not find it very ‘cool’ at times !

The Amritapuri hospital is being appended with a much needed Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The building is ready and it would start its services very soon. Well… you may ask – why would Amritapuri need an ICU?  – when Amritapuri IS an ICU in itself (complete with the best surgeon around!).

The Amrita University students of Amritapuri have got a new dining hall exclusively for themselves. This new construction is on eastern side of the Bhajan  Hall.

A new building of the Amrita Offset Printers has come up – housing the latest Heidelberg 4-color printing machine. From henceforth, all of Amma’s colour printing and publishing would be carried out here. It was inaugurated yesterday by Swami Amritageetananda Puri. It is situated near the Amritapuri hospital.

A structure  has come up behind the kitchen. It is proposed to be used for accommodation purposes – especially for the western visitors – as they gather here in an ever increasing number – pulled by the irresistible  power of Amma’s Love.

Another change this year has been in Amma’s tour schedule. She generally does a week long circuit of North Kerala in this month. This December, Amma would be here in Amritapuri the entire month. Merry Christmas!

A lot of changes for sure – on the outside. The real change that Amma is bringing about here and everywhere – is that within each one of us. Unceasingly trying to shift, transform, create  – the energies within us into something even remotely beautiful and useful – the Divine Sculptor at Work. We wish Amma the best, in Her onerous  undertaking.

– Mukesh