Category: MediaReports
what media writes about Amma around the world
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25 million hugs
from SeattlePI.com Mata Amritanandamayi opens her arms to anyone. Estimates are that India’s “Hugging Saint” has hugged more than 25 million people of every race on almost every continent. Amma (“Mother”), as she also is known, added more embraces to that total when she hugged over 3,000 people at Seattle Center’s Fischer Pavilion on Friday. Some people cried as she embraced them, some smiled. All waited in a line that often stretched across the room. As a young woman in impoverished India, Amma received people with their problems. She offered food, help and a hug. She took her embrace outside…
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She hugs tens of thousands of strangers
Indian ‘hugging saint’ won’t leave till everyone in queue has been embraced By Hedy Khoo, The Electric Newspaper March 31, 2009 SHE waited 16 hours for a hug that lasted mere seconds. But for Filipina Evangeline Alivio, it was worth the long wait. The 36-year-old civil servant flew here from the Philippines with 20 friends just to see the ‘hugging saint’ and to be embraced by her. Said Madam Alivio: ‘I don’t mind the wait.’ Mata Amritanandamayi, the ‘hugging saint’ who is popularly known as Amma, which means mother in several Indian languages, is here to spread her message of…
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Millions flock to India s hugging guru
By Matt Sedensky AMRITAPURI (India): The droves who come here leave with no souvenirs, no memories of posh hotels, nothing more than they brought. All they came for was a hug. The woman offering the soft embrace is considered a guru, and her tender approach and simple message have galvanised followers to amass in crowds thousands deep at stops around the globe. Part of the appeal of Mata Amritanandamayi, or Amma, as she is universally known, are teachings she says transcend any single faith, let alone simply her Hindu upbringing. “My message is not unique,” she says through an interpreter.…
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The Amma Will Hug You Now
RELIGION By Grace Wyler | NEWSWEEK Last week a Manhattan convention center was the scene of a literal love-in when an estimated 15,000 people lined up to get free hugs from Mata Amritanandamayi, better known as “Amma” or the “Hugging Saint.” The 54-year-old native of India has hugged 27 million people worldwide, say her followers, and has gained a fan base in the West, where she’s wrapping up a 10-city North American tour. Accompanied by white-robed groupies who caravan behind her tour bus, Amma, considered a saint by her acolytes, spends upwards of 18 hours a day giving hugs. “I…
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Hugger of Unlimited Capacity
By APRIL DEMBOSKY Published: July 10, 2008 Mata Amritanandamayi, 54, known to her followers as Amma, or Mother, has hugged 27 million people so far. A native of India, Amma is now on a three-day hugathon in New York. see the link Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times Tour of Embraces Makes a Stop in Manhattan The line started outside on 34th Street, entered the lobby and snaked up the stairs to the balcony. It veered left at the aisle, then downstairs again to the rear orchestra section. “Stay to the right-hand side,” one of the line controllers said, kindly…
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Hugging Saint embraces New York City
‘Hugging Saint’ embraces New York City BY JENNY MERKIN, DAILY NEWS WRITER New York Daily News Wednesday, July 9th 2008, 4:00 AM Amma, whose given name is Mata Amritanandamayi, has been hugging people for nearly 30 years. Amma’s back – and not a moment too soon. New Yorkers lined up by the hundreds Tuesday for the warm embrace of the spiritual leader they lovingly call the “Hugging Saint.” And with the heat stifling, gas prices rising and the economy tanking, who doesn’t need a hug? “Her hug is not an ordinary hug,” said Ila Campbell, 51, of South Manor, Long…
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One hug at a time
Spiritual leader spreads message one hug at a time Daily Herald.com By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff Writer Published: 7/6/2008 12:03 AM Thousands flocked to Lombard Saturday to feel the power of a single embrace. Humanitarian and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi of India, also known as Amma, spent hours giving out her signature hugs to those who knelt before her. Some went to her Saturday with specific concerns they hoped she could ease for them. Others said they simply wanted to feel the sense of peace that comes from her touch. Shirley Bremer of Wilmette has visited Amritanandamayi for…
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Amma hugs way through Coralville
Humanitarian Amma hugs way through Coralville By: Melissa Brownrigg – The Daily Iowan Hundreds of Iowa City residents and travelers sat cross-legged, patiently waiting their turn to embrace Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, or Amma, “the Mother of All.” Amma, a world-renowned humanitarian from India, embraces people of all backgrounds to spread her message of unconditional love and compassion. Amma estimates that she has hugged more than 26 million people, said Toni Rubin, Amma project coordinator for Iowa and an Iowa City resident. Over the years, Amma has created one of the largest disaster-relief programs, helping victims all over the world.…
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Seek happiness from within
10 minutes with…: Seek happiness from within, says Amma Amritanandamayi Devi believes one can get only traces of happiness by looking at the exterior. 2008/04/01 She is known as the ‘hugging saint’ the world over. Amritanandamayi Devi or simply ‘Amma’ of Kerala, whose hugs are treasured by many, is in Kuala Lumpur. DHARSHINI BALAN speaks to the globe-trotter on her signature style which has won followers everywhere. Q: How extensive are your charitable activities in Malaysia? A: There is a lot being done in Malaysia. The Amriteswari Foundation of Malaysia (AFM) has set up three community centres at Enggang Apartments…