22 March 2008, Andaman
One of the most striking aspects of Amma’s recent visit to the Andaman Islands was the overwhelming open-hearted hospitality and warmth expressed by the local devotees and islanders. Many of the people on the Andamans are still struggling to recover and rebuild after loosing their homes, loved ones, and livelihoods in the Tsunami, yet you would almost never realize it upon a first impression given the warmth and welcome they exude. Many of us traveling with Amma were also deeply touched by the local devotee’s devotion for and desire to serve and welcome Amma especially considering it was the first time many of them had met her! Over 250 local volunteers, with roots from all over India and speaking many different languages including Malayalam, Telegu, Tamil, and Hindi, formed an incredibly organized team that had been working for months to prepare for Amma’s visit. From program set-up to food preparation to crowd control, they tirelessly organized and executed their seva.

While visiting the Andamans, many of us toured the new homes that were being constructed by the Ashram. Ashramites and locals have been working together for over 2 years to construct the beautiful homes. Perched high on a hill, the steel frame houses are built to resist earthquakes measuring up to 9.5. Many of the construction materials have had to come from the mainland traveling by boat from Calcutta or Chennai. The careful craftsmanship of the homes made it obvious that they were constructed with love and devotion New infrastructure for transportation, education (schools), and common spaces for agriculture are also being created, all of which also enables the possibility for new jobs. The Tsunami Relief Homes on Andaman Islands are a testament to the hope that Amma brings to the world and the endlessly loving way in which She does so – it’s not just the houses, but a community and people’s hope for the future that is being rebuilt. Amma is the inspiration for a new future and the opportunity for a new life to many of the residents of the Andaman Islands and beyond.

Sugandhi, USA