ETW-2013 Amma PDF

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(Mata Amritanandamayi Math)
2003 - 2013 Mata Amritanandamayi Mission Trust, Amritapuri, Kollam, 690525, ndia. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, reproduced,
transcribed or translated into any language, in any form, by any means without prior agreement and
written permission of the publisher. Edition 13, September 2013
www.embracingtheworld.org
embracing the world
is a global network of
charitable projects
conceived by the
Mata Amritanandamayi Math
(an NGO with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations)
Amma
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Amma | 6
Disaster Relief | 16
Empowering Women | 35
Building Homes | 39
Community Outreach | 46
Care Homes for Children | 52
Public Health | 5 7
Education for Everyone | 60
Research for a Better World | 67
Healthcare | 74
Fighting Hunger | 83
Green Initiatives | 86
Amrita Institutions | 92
Contacts | 99
Amma was born in a remote coastal village in
Kerala, South ndia in 1953. Even as a small
girl, she drew attention with the many hours she
spent in deep meditation on the seashore. She
also composed devotional songs and could often
be seen singing to the divine with heartfelt emo-
tion. Despite her tender age, her compositions
revealed remarkable depth and wisdom.
When Amma was nine years old, her mother
became ill, and Amma was withdrawn from
school in order to help with household tasks and
the care of her seven siblings. As she went door
to door gathering food scraps from neighbours for
her family's cows, she was confronted with the
intense poverty and suffering that existed in her
community, and in the world beyond it.
Where Amma encountered people in need, she
brought them food and clothing from her own
home. She was undeterred by the scolding and
punishment she received from her family for
doing so. Amma also began to spontaneously
embrace people to comfort them in their sorrow.
Responding to her affectionate care, they began
to call her Amma (Mother). n turn, she naturally
referred to them as her children.
AMMA HAS NEVER ASKED ANYONE TO
CHANGE THEIR RELIGION, BUT ONLY TO
GO DEEPER INTO THEIR FAITH, AND TO
LIVE BY ITS ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES.
The world should know that a life dedi-
cated to selfess love and
service is possible. Amma
embracing the world

| AMMA | 6
Ammas Life
Amma was deeply affected by the profound
suffering she witnessed. According to Hindu-
ism, the suffering of the individual is due to
his or her own karma - the results of actions
performed in the past. Amma accepted this
concept, but she refused to accept it as a
justifcation for inaction. Amma contemplated
the principle of karma until she revealed an
even more profound truth, asking a question
she continues to ask each of us today. "f it is
one man's karma to suffer, isn't it our dharma
(duty) to help ease his suffering and pain?
With this simple yet profound conviction -
that each of us has a responsibility to lend a
helping hand to those less fortunate - Amma
moved forward with confidence in her life
of service and compassionate care for all
beings, uniquely expressed by the motherly
embrace she offers to all who seek solace
in her arms.
n Amma's community, it was not permis-
sible for a 14-year-old girl to touch others,
especially men. But despite adverse reactions
from her parents, Amma followed her heart,
later explaining, " don't see if it is a man or a
woman. don't see anyone different from my
own self. A continuous stream of love fows
from me to all of creation. This is my inborn
nature. The duty of a doctor is to treat patients.
n the same way, my duty is to console those
who are suffering.
Each of Embracing the World's projects has
been initiated in response to the needs of
the world's poor who have come to unburden
their hearts to Amma and cry on her shoulder.
More than 25 years ago, the administrators of
a local orphanage confessed to Amma that
they were out of funds. They told Amma that
before long, they would have no choice but
to turn the children out on the street. Amma
diverted the money that had been saved to
build her ashram's frst prayer hall and used
it to assume care of the orphans. With this,
Embracing the World was born.
Today, Amma's birthplace in Kerala has
become the headquarters of Amma's ndia-
based spiritual and humanitarian organiza-
tion, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM),
and the worldwide headquarters of Embracing
the World. Home to 3,000 people, thousands
more visit every day from all over ndia and
the world. The centre's residents and visitors
alike are inspired by Amma's example and
dedicate themselves to making a difference
in the lives of those less fortunate.
Throughout her life, Amma has embraced and
comforted more than 33 million people. When
asked where she gets the energy to help so
many people while also building and running
a massive humanitarian organization, Amma
answers: "Where there is true love, everything
is effortless.
embracing the world

| AMMA | 7
Ammas Darshan
Truly a citizen of the world, Amma holds free public programs
throughout ndia, Europe, the United States and Australia, as well
Japan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Africa and South
America. n her talks, she offers words of wisdom and guidance on
both personal fulfllment as well as the most pressing matters of our
time. And to this day, she concludes every program by embracing
each person attending the event.
Once asked by the BBC, "Why do you hug people? Amma replied,
"That is like asking a river, 'Why do you fow?' t simply fows
because that is its nature. n the same way, this is Amma's nature
- a mother expressing her love to her children.
This unique, extraordinary expression of universal love is known
as Amma's darshan. t can extend up to 20 or more uninterrupted
hours in a single day. This motherly embrace, repeated hour
after hour, day after day for the last 40 years, has become both
catalyst and symbol for the growing humanitarian movement that
is Embracing the World.
THROUGHOUT HER LIFE, AMMA HAS
EMBRACED MORE THAN 33 MILLION PEOPLE.
THIS SIMPLE YET POWERFUL ACT HAS BECOME
BOTH CATALYST AND SYMBOL FOR THE
GROWING HUMANITARIAN MOVEMENT NOW
CALLED EMBRACING THE WORLD.
As long as there is enough strength to reach out to those who come to
her, to place her hand on a crying persons shoulder, Amma will continue
to give darshan. To lovingly caress people, to console and wipe their tears
until the end of this mortal frame this is Ammas wish. Amma
embracing the world

| AMMA | 8
International Acclaim
For nearly 20 years, Amma has been a regular keynote
speaker at international forums concerned with world
peace and religious harmony. n 1993, the Parliament of
the World's Religions Centennial named her President of
the Hindu faith. She addressed the United Nations' Mil-
lennium World Peace Summit, and was presented with
the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence by UN Mes-
senger for Peace Dr. Jane Goodall and the late UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello.
n 2006, Amma, along with 2005 Nobel Peace Prize winner
Mohamed ElBaradei and actor/humanitarian Richard Gere,
was presented with the James Parks Morton nterfaith
Award by the nterfaith Center of New York for her role as
an outstanding spiritual leader and humanitarian. While
presenting the award, Reverend James Parks Morton said
of Amma, "You embody everything that we stand for. n
2010, the State University of New York at Buffalo presented
Amma with an honorary doctorate in humane letters in
recognition of her tireless efforts on behalf of world peace,
as well as her commitment to education and to relieving
poverty worldwide.
At each of these forums, Amma has taken the opportunity
to share her vision of the way humanity can traverse the
diffcult road ahead - navigating from interreligious discord
to harmony; from terrorism to peace; from competition
between the sexes to mutual trust and co-operation; from
war between nations to a collective war on poverty, and
from environmental chaos to the restoration of nature's
balance. Amma's observations invite each of us to refect
deeply and to get involved in the process of rebuilding a
concerned and caring society.
Taken together, Amma's speeches form a prescription for
a humanity in crisis, addressing each of the most pressing
issues of our time with clear, practical recommendations
for positive change.
embracing the world

| AMMA | 9
embracing the world

| AMMA | 10
President of India
Presents National
Award for Charity
The President of ndia Mrs. Pratibha
Patil presented the 'Dharma Khadgam'
award to Swami Amritaswarupananda
at the presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bha-
van in 2010. The award was presented in
recognition of M.A. Math's charitable activi-
ties in ndia. The Pazhassi Raja National
Royal Awards are distributed for exceptional contributors to society from all walks of life.
President of India presenting Pazhassi Raja Award to MAM
SUNY-Buffalo
Presents Amma
with Honorary
Doctorate
n May 2010, The State University of New
York (SUNY) presented Amma with an
honorary doctorate in humane letters.
SUNY bestowed the doctorate upon
Amma in recognition of her tireless efforts
on behalf of global peace, for her commit-
ment to education and for the far-reaching
impact of her charitable organizations in
relieving poverty and human suffering in
ndia and around the world. Addressing the
gathering, University President Dr. John B.
Simpson said, "Amma exemplifies the
values of international dialogue and
dedicated public service in the global
arena. These are values at the core of our
mission as an internationalized public uni-
versity seeking to prepare our students to
contribute meaningfully to the global
world.
Amma meets with President of India
Pranab Mukherjee
embracing the world

| AMMA | 11
Amma Addresses the United Nations Alliance
of Civilizations in Shanghai
n November 2012, Amma participated in the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Regional
Consultations for Asia-South Pacifc. The focus of the UNAOC is to improve mutual under-
standing and cooperation between nations, cultures and religions, while helping to counter
the forces that fuel polarization and extremism. The conference, held in Shanghai, China, was
titled "Harmony Through Diversity and Dialogue. More than 150 delegates from throughout
Asia and the South Pacifc - representing governments, academia, corporations, NGOs and
cultural organizations - took part in the two-day event. Other dignitaries participating were
Jean-Christophe Bas, Senior Advisor, Strategic Development and Partnerships UNAOC;
Ambassador Chen Jian, President of the UN Association of China and Jorge Sampaio, UN
High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations and former President of Portugal.
Amma was the only spiritual/religious leader invited to the conference. She spoke on the
subject, "Coexistence and Engagement Between Cultures.
Supporting her points with practical examples and suggestions based on decades of
humanitarian work in culturally diverse regions, Amma invited everyone to contribute to the
global conversation on coexistence by setting an example of respect and tolerance.
Amma also called for a balance of rights and respect, saying, "When we engage others with
respect, understanding and acceptance, then we will be able to communicate at the level of
the heart. This was Amma's frst visit to China.
Awards & Conferences
New York, 2010: Amma receives an honorary
Doctorate in Humane Letters from the State
University of New York at Buffalo.
New Delhi, 2009: Amma inaugurates the
Vivekananda nternational Foundation.
Jaipur, 2008: Amma is a keynote speaker at
the Summit of the Global Peace nitiative of
Women.
Paris, 2007: Amma is awarded the Prix
Cinema Verite for her humanitarian activities
and work for peace at the Cinema Verite Film
Festival.
New York, 2006: Amma receives the James
Parks Morton nterfaith Award in New York.
Pune, 2006: Amma receives the Philosopher
Saint Sri Jnaneswara World Peace Prize.
London, 2005: Amma receives the Mahavir
Mahatma Award.
Kochi, 2005: Amma receives Centenary Leg-
endary Award of the Rotary Club nternational.
Barcelona, 2004: Amma delivers a keynote
adress at the 2004 Parliament of the World's
Religions.
Geneva, 2002: The World Movement for Non-
violence confers upon Amma the Gandhi-King
Award for Non-violence at the UN in Geneva.
Geneva, 2002: Amma is the keynote speaker
at the Global Peace nitiative of Women Reli-
gious & Spiritual Leaders at the UN, Geneva.
USA, 2002: Amma receives Karma Yogi of
the Year Award from Yoga Journal.
New York, 2000: Amma is a keynote speaker
at the Millennium World Peace Summit, UN
General Assembly.
Chicago, 1998: Amma receives the Care
& Share nternational Humanitarian of the
Year Award.
New York,1995: Amma addresses the nterfaith
Celebrations at the 50
th
anniversary of the UN.
Chicago, 1993: Amma addresses the Parlia-
ment of the World's Religions' 100
th
Anniversary,
where is she named President of the Hindu Faith.
USA, 1993: Amma receives the Hindu
Renaissance Award from Hinduism Today.
TAKEN TOGETHER, AMMAS
SPEECHES FORM A PRESCRIPTION
FOR A HUMANITY IN CRISIS,
ADDRESSING EACH OF THE MOST
PRESSING ISSUES OF OUR TIME.
embracing the world

| AMMA | 12
Amritavarsham50
A Prayer for World Peace and Harmony
September 2003: More than a celebration of Amma's 50
th
birthday, Amritavarsham50 was a
prayer for world peace and harmony - an expression of Amma's power to unite humanity
for the beneft of the world. Hundreds of participants marched in procession, carrying river
water from seven continents and fags from the 191 countries of the United Nations into the
packed stadium, which reverberated with the chanting of the ancient peace prayer "Om lokah
samastah sukhino bhavantu (May all the beings in all the worlds be happy). n a prayer for
unity and world peace, Amma poured each of the waters into a single urn. nternational educa-
tors, spiritual leaders, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, ndia's foremost political leaders and
cultural artists as well as 200,000 participants packed the stadium every day.
Special Consultative Status
to the United Nations
n ndia, Embracing the World Projects are conceived and carried out by the Mata
Amritanandamayi Math (MAM). n 2005, in recognition of MAM's outstanding disas-
ter relief work and other humanitarian activities, the United Nations conferred "Special
Consultative Status to MAM, thus enabling collaboration with UN agencies. n 2008, the UN's
Department of Public nformation approved MAM as an associated NGO to help its work of
disseminating information and research into humanitarian issues.
Representatives of 191 countries and 200,000 people daily attended Amma's 4-day 50th birthday celebrations.
embracing the world

| AMMA | 13
Luminaries Speak About Amma
"Amma has done more work than many governments have ever done for their people... her
contribution is enormous. - Prof. Muhammad Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and
Founder, Grameen Bank
"Amma is truly such an enormous fountain of energy and love and compassion. think if all
of us were to get even a fraction of it within our own beings, there would be only joy in the
whole world... Whatever little can do with her inspiration, will strive my best to accomplish it.
- Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chairman, ntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (PCC
was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 while Dr. Pachauri served as PCC Chairman)
" was very struck by how much of what is generated, how much of the money that is
mobilized, actually goes and benefits directly those in need. Amma acts on the spon-
taneous and instinctive. And that has given a lot of speed and momentum, cut out the
bureaucracy, and made it possible to inspire people and to move with them to actually
provide timely and quality support to those in need. And think international NGOs and UN
agencies have something to learn from the work of Amma and what she has been able
to build. -Olara A. Otunnu, former President, UN Security Council; former Chairman,
UN Human Rights Commission
" want to share with you what have learned from Amritapuri [Amma's Ashram]: Giving. That
is the message get from Amritapuri. Go on giving. You can give. t's not only money. You
can share knowledge. You can remove the pain. And you can even go to the person who
is suffering. Every one of us - the rich and poor - can give. There is no greater message
than Amma's giving to all the people of this region, and Kerala, and ndia, and to the world.
-Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of ndia
" believe that she stands here in front of us - God's love in a human body. -Dr. Jane
Goodall, PhD, primatologist, anthropologist, UN Messenger of Peace
"When think of Amma and her life of devotion and service, see a shining example for all
of us of the spirit of reverence, compassion and care. -Dr. Steven C. Rockefeller, PhD,
philanthropist, educator, social activist
"Amma presents the kind of leadership we need for our planet to survive. This is the most heroic
person 've probably ever met. Because she is sitting there hugging people. This is the most
heroic thing that any of us could do now. Because shooting each other is not heroic. The most
heroic is caring, and she does that. -Alice Walker, Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
"By her emphasis on selfess service and charity, Amma will, believe, hugely infuence the
future world. -Brother Dr. Wayne Teasdale, PhD, Catholic monk, former Trustee, Parliament
of the World's Religions
embracing the world

| AMMA | 14
Embracing the World

International
Embracing the World is a global network of
local and regional charitable organizations and
projects which grew out of the ndia-based
charitable projects of the Mata Amritanandamayi
Math. Currently active in more than 40 countries
around the world, Embracing the World exists
to help alleviate the burden of the world's poor
through helping to meet each of their fve basic
needs - food, shelter, education, healthcare
and livelihood wherever and whenever possible.
We believe that having these needs met is the
fundamental right of any human being, and that
it is the responsibility of each of us to strive hard
to ensure that one day, every human being can
live in dignity, safety, security and peace.
Amma teaches that everyone - rich or poor
- has the power to make a difference in the
life of another, and that no selfess gesture is
insignifcant. Rather, it is the selfess actions we
perform for one another that hold the keys to true
peace - peace in the individual, peace in the
community and peace among diverse cultures,
nations and faiths. Amma's centres in many
countries contribute to this humanitarian effort by
inspiring people to serve selfessly in the building
of a better world.
ETW PROJECTS ARE SUPPORTED BY
AMMAS CENTRES AROUND THE WORLD.
PICTURED (FROM TOP): SPAIN, FRANCE,
USA, CANADA, GERMANY,
MAURITIUS, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA,
SWITZERLAND AND BELGIUM
embracing the world

| AMMA | 15
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$1 million for children orphaned by the Japan tsunami/earthquake, 2011
Supplies, food and scholarships for children, Haiti earthquake, 2010
$10.7 million for survivors of Karnataka / Andhra Pradesh Floods, 2009
$465,000 in relief for survivors of Bihar Floods, 2008
$1 million in medical care for survivors of Mumbai Floods, 2005
$1 million in relief for survivors of Hurricane Katrina, 2005
$46 million in relief for survivors of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2004
1,200 new homes for survivors of Gujarat Earthquake, 2001
Andhra Pradesh food survivors receiving medicines
West Bengal cyclone refugees receive clothing
Rapid Response
Worldwide
Most well-known for our 46 million USD tsunami-
relief project, our volunteers have been at ground
zero in several of the decade's most devastating
natural disasters. n 2011, Embracing the World
volunteers were on the ground in Japan just
three days after the Tohku earthquake and
tsunami struck. n 2010, we responded to the
earthquake in Haiti by sending several shipments
of emergency relief supplies to Partners in Health,
and providing food and scholarships for children
affected by the disaster. n 2009, Embracing
the World announced a 10.7 million USD relief
package for survivors of foods that displaced
2.5 million people in South ndia. n 2005, our
volunteers responded to Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita with a multifaceted, technologically sophis-
ticated relief effort.
With a dual focus on rapid response and exten-
sive long-term rehabilitation, over the past decade
ETW has developed a reputation for being frst
on the scene and the last to leave-long after
the spotlight has faded away. Amma's empathy
and concern for the disaster survivors is so com-
plete that she responds to every aspect of their
situation-not only fulflling their material and
emotional needs, but also keeping an eye on their
future. ETW's provision of long-term support for
disaster survivors has carried thousands through
the darkest periods of their lives into the light of
a hopeful future.
embracing the world
| DISASTER RELIEF | 17
Mobile Emergency Unit operating after the
2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
Tohoku Earthquake
and Tsunami
Within three days of the disaster, Embracing the
World sent its frst group of volunteers to the affect-
ed areas to assess the situation on the ground and
to distribute food and water for the refugees. After
working near the disaster's epicenter, ETW's relief
teams soon focused their efforts on Rikuzentakata,
a remote coastal town of 23,000 people in dire
need of support.
Located more than 150 kilometers from the nearest
major city, Rikuzentakata was hit hard by the earth-
quake and tsunami but had not received suffcient
relief assistance before ETW's teams arrived.
And yet help was badly needed: about 10% of
Rikuzentakata's population died in the disaster,
and at the end of April 2011, at least 70% of the
original population was spread across 88 refugee
centres, as their households were damaged or
destroyed. After their initial visit, the city's Disaster
Relief Management Offce submitted an offcial
request to ETW to continue its disaster relief efforts
there. ETW began to organize regular relief trips
to the town, bringing food, supplies, and hands
willing to help.
ETW's work at Rikuzentakata included: supporting
the refugees in the camps by cooking and serving
food; maintenance and laundry services; removing
mud and debris from damaged houses; cleaning
up public spaces; sorting and transporting relief
supplies, and delivering tons of fresh vegetables.
The volunteers also worked to clear rubble from
farmers' felds, so they could start cultivation in
time for the growing season.
n July 2011, during Amma's visit to Japan, ETW
donated $1 million to help pay for the education of
children orphaned by the disaster.
embracing the world
ETW volunteers clearing debris after the disaster
The Governor of Miyagi Prefecture accepts ETW's
donation of $1 million for the education of orphans
ETW volunteers prepared and served food for
refugees at crisis centres
Volunteers pack staple foods for distribution
ETW sent 11 palettes of medical supplies.
Haiti Earthquake
After the catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti in
January 2010, Embracing the World immediately
joined relief efforts by fying 11 palettes of medical
supplies two weeks following the disaster. The
supplies were received by Partners n Health, a
Boston-based charitable organization that has
been working in Haiti for the past 20 years.
The supplies included assorted medications
and surgical equipment and supplies, diagnostic
supplies, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, obstetric
and infant-care supplies, wheelchairs, crutches,
braces, splints, and saline solution. n advance
of Haiti's rainy season, a truckload of high-quality
industrial tarps weighing 44,000 pounds was
also delivered to PH. Later, a 40-foot container
of sheets, blankets, towels, nutritional drinks,
wheelchairs, and medical supplies was sent. ETW
representatives also made several visits to Haiti
and distributed staple foods like rice and beans
to affected families.
Scholarships
for Children
With the help of principals at three different
schools, ETW identifed 30 children who had
been good students before the earthquake but
had since been unable to return to school. Many
of them had lost parents or other close relatives in
the disaster, and their families could no long afford
to pay for their school-related expenses. ETW is
now providing scholarships for those 30 children,
and all of them have since returned to school.
embracing the world
The Chief Minister of Karnataka,
Sri B.S. Yeddyurappa, receives the symbolic
key to the frst 100 houses.
A view of homes built for displaced food survivors in Raichur District, Karnataka
embracing the world
Relief Package for
Karnataka Floods
n September and October of 2009, the ndian states
of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were ravaged by
unprecedented foods, destroying millions of acres of
crops and displacing 2.5 million people. n response,
Embracing the World announced a 10.7 million USD
(Rs. 50 crores) relief package for the food survivors
in both states. As part of this package, food, clothing,
bedsheets, blankets and satellite-supported specialized
medical care were immediately provided, with a team
of 12 doctors and dozens of paramedical assistants
making regular rounds through the refugee camps
and affected communities, treating more than 500
patients a day.
On 17 February 2010, just 20 days after entering into
an agreement with the Government of Karnataka
to provide new homes for displaced food survivors
there, ETW had already completed 100 new houses.
ETW was the frst nongovernmental organization to
complete homes for the survivors of this disaster. The
Chief Minister of Karnataka expressed hope that ETW's
rapid progress would inspire other organizations to
move quickly in their relief efforts.
By 2012, 1,000 new houses had been completed and
handed over to the refugees.
The Mobile Telemedicine Unit went by train to Bihar
embracing the world
Flood Relief Work
Bihar
n August 2008, one million people were rendered
homeless in Bihar when the Kosi River over-
fowed its banks. Half the state was underwater.
On September 10, Embracing the World pledged
465,000 USD (Rs. 20 million) in relief. Emergency
ambulance and telemedicine units were sent to
the area via rail from Kochi, a total of almost 2,500
kilometres. AMS Hospital dispatched teams of
specialists and paramedics who treated more
than 500 patients daily. 1,500 food survivors
were housed in seven temporary shelters in
the districts of Purnia and Supaul. A temporary
hospital was maintained in Supaul for one month.
The medical team remained in Bihar for more
than two months, treating 50,000 people through
100 medical camps. 70,000 USD (Rs. 30 lakh)
in medicine was provided. Thousands of tents,
blankets and tarpaulins were distributed along
with cooking stoves and vessels, food, clothing
and school supplies.
Bihar's Minister for Labour, Avdesh Narain Singh,
expressing his gratitude, said, "The people
of MAM [Embracing the World's ndia-based
NGO] are working day and night to serve the
food survivors. n fact, wonder if they are even
sleeping at night! We are very thankful to MAM
for accepting our appeal and rushing to help us
in this time of need.
Bihar 2008 - planning the food relief work
Tutoring session at a food refugee camp in Bihar
Earthquake relief - Kashmir
Flood relief - Mumbai
Earthquake relief - Gujarat
West Bengal
n May 2009, Cyclone Aila hit West Bengal and
Bangladesh, leaving 330 people dead and one
million homeless. Medical camps ran for 10 days,
with ETW doctors treating approximately 3,000
people, dispensing more than 2,080 USD worth of
free medicine (Rs. 100,000). ETW volunteers also
distributed approximately 800 articles of clothing
and blankets, served 6,000 free meals and gave
away two tons of rice.
Kashmir
n response to the 2005 earthquake that devas-
tated areas on the border of Kashmir and Paki-
stan, ETW sent a relief team to console survivors
and distribute food, blankets and other supplies.
Mumbai
n July 2005, torrential foods affected millions,
especially slum-dwellers, whose makeshift hous-
es were washed away. ETW immediately pro-
vided food and bedding. Doctors, accompanied
by two fully equipped ambulances, attended to
about 50,000 patients and distributed medicines
worth a total of 1 million USD (Rs. 4.3 crores).
Gujarat
n January 2001, Gujarat suffered a devastating
earthquake, in which 20,000 people were killed.
Amma dispatched a disaster-relief team of 12
doctors, two ambulances and 100 student vol-
unteers from Amrita University. Embracing the
World adopted three entire villages, rebuilding
1,200 homes.
n August 2006, the city of Sura.t suffered severe
fooding. 300 people were killed. ETW sent a
medical team that attended to more than 3,000
patients and distributed 31,500 USD (Rs. 14
lakhs) in medicine.
embracing the world
Hurricane Katrina USA
Following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, more than 100 Embracing the World service groups
throughout North America responded by delivering food, clothing, school supplies and other
essential items. Extensive medical care and emotional support were also given. Volunteers
visited relief sites and helped the displaced to locate one another via a website they built for
survivors. n December 2005, on behalf of Embracing the World, the Mata Amritanandamayi
Center donated 1 million USD (Rs. 4.3 crores) to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. The dona-
tion is one of the largest the Fund - run by former US Presidents George Bush, Sr., and Bill
Clinton - received from an NGO.
Former US President Bill Clinton receives a cheque
from MA Center for Hurricane Katrina relief
Relief for Fire
Disaster Survivors in
Kerala and Tamil
Nadu
n July 2005, 92 children lost their lives and
18 more were severely burned when the
thatched roof of a nursery school caught
fre in a small village in Tamil Nadu. n
addition to consoling the survivors and
the bereaved, Amma looked for ways to help them get back on their feet. These families had
been poverty-stricken even before having had to bear the weight of this tragedy. Ultimately,
Embracing the World would build 51 houses for affected families, and provide sewing machines
for many of the affected mothers to help them earn a livelihood.
n the late summer of 2012, there were two tragic accidents in South ndia. A fre at a freworks
factory in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu killed 38 factory workers, and many more were injured. n Kan-
nur, Kerala, an overturned LPG tanker exploded and claimed 15 lives while injuring 35 more and
destroying 45 homes. ETW gave aid packages of $1,800 USD to each family who lost someone
to one of these disaster, and $900 USD in aid to each family with an injured family member.
Life-saving operations in Gujarat
2004
Indian Ocean
Tsunami
The relief and rehabilitation work conducted by
Embracing the World in the wake of the 2004
ndian Ocean Tsunami stands today as one of
the most multi-faceted, comprehensive and sus-
tained disaster-relief projects ever undertaken
by a nongovernmental organization. What made
ETW's work unique was its holistic nature-virtu-
ally every aspect of the tsunami survivors' lives
was considered and improved. n the end, many
survivors stated that in terms of their quality of
life and economic independence, they were better
off after the tragedy than they had been before.
The tsunami struck Amma's Amritapuri Ashram
and neighbouring villages on the morning of
December 26, 2004. 140 villagers were killed.
Thousands of people, including the 20,000 peo-
ple in Amma's ashram that day, were evacuated
under Amma's direct supervision. Within hours,
the nearby Amrita University was converted into
a giant relief camp. Amma personally arranged all
necessary supplies, taking into account every last
detail. ETW fed not only 2,000 village evacuees
but also 15,000 people in 12 government shel-
ters. n the immediate aftermath, volunteers con-
soled distraught villagers and helped clear away
the sludge and rubble surrounding their homes.
11 ambulances and teams of doctors and nurses
rushed to the affected areas on both coasts of
ndia and set up multiple 24-hour medical cen-
tres. The ambulance teams provided on-the-spot
intensive care, visiting all the relief camps every
few hours. Amma's monastic disciples assisted
with cremations. ETW provided counselling, edu-
cation and homes for orphaned children.
2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami as it hit Kerala, moments
before the waves washed into Amritapuri Ashram
Amma consoles distraught refugees at an ETW relief
camp in the days after the tsunami
embracing the world
Embracing the World distributed 350,500 USD (Rs.15 million) to families in the Kerala districts
of Kollam, Ernakulam and Alappuzha for replacing cooking vessels. ETW served 10,000 meals
three times a day at relief camps and at 18 food counters in the villages near Amritapuri. Within
a few weeks of the tragedy, construction of nine shelters on MAM land was complete. Each had
electricity, ceiling fans and separate bathrooms. n Alappad, Kerala and in Samanthampettai,
Tamil Nadu, Embracing the World provided shelter for 550 families. ETW connected its tempo-
rary shelters with AMS Hospital and the Amritapuri Ashram hospital via telemedicine satellite
link. During the frst three months following the tsunami, more than 20,000 ETW volunteers,
from ndia and abroad, helped with the relief work.
Ammas Pledge
n January 2005, Embracing the World pledged 23 million USD (Rs.100 crores) in tsunami-relief
aid. ETW proposed to rebuild all the homes that were completely destroyed by the tsunami
in Kerala, as well as to take up reconstruction in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and the Andaman
& Nicobar slands.
By the end of 2006, after two years of relief effort, ETW had given double its original pledge,
having spent 46 million USD (Rs. 200 crores) on tsunami relief.
Temporary shelters in Kerala
embracing the world
Counselling Service
Within a few days after the tsunami, Amma
assembled a team of psychiatrists, psycholo-
gists and social workers to begin counselling
families. Many survivors experienced symp-
toms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,
especially those who had witnessed their
children and loved ones drown. The coun-
sellors helped the children and adults to
express and cope with their pain. The children
were encouraged to draw and paint as part of
their therapy. Many drew pictures of fooded
villages and people clinging to coconut trees
to save themselves. ETW also provided
swimming lessons for the children to help
them overcome their post-trauma fear of
water. This counselling gave the families the
courage to return to their seaside villages.
Amma helps a child overcome her fear of water
A picture drawn during a child's therapy session
Cash handouts for cooking vessels
FROM COOKING VESSELS TO
COUNSELLING, AND EVERYTHING
IN BETWEEN: EVERY ASPECT OF THE
TSUNAMI SURVIVORS LIVES WAS
CONSIDERED. IT WAS THIS HOLISTIC
APPROACH THAT MADE ETWS RELIEF
WORK UNIQUE.
embracing the world
Amma with twins Eknath and Amrita Kripa
Medical Help for
Bereaved Mothers
Some of the mothers who lost their children in the tsu-
nami had previously undergone tubal-ligation as a form
of permanent contraception. With the shock of their irre-
vocable loss, some became depressed, even suicidal.
Amma offered such women the opportunity to undergo
fallopian-tube recanalisation to reverse their sterilization
surgeries. Six women underwent the procedure at AMS
Hospital. Embracing the World covered all the expenses.
As of October 2008, all six mothers had given birth, three
of whom had twins.
Childrens Camps
Embracing the World conducted special train-
ing programs in yoga, English and Sanskrit
for children from the tsunami-affected areas
of Kollam and Alappuzha, Kerala. More
than 10,000 girls and boys underwent these
courses, which were held in April and May of
2005, just months after the disaster.
On each occasion, approximately 5,000 chil-
dren stayed at the ashram. Since the tsunami
had left many children afraid of water, Amma
personally took the children to the ashram's
swimming pool to help them overcome this
fear. They were also given opportunities to
express their talents and perform cultural pro-
grams. For many children, it was the frst time
they had received any form of cultural education.
Amma with twins Eknath and Amrita Kripa
Amma addresses the tsunami-affected children from
Alappuzha District
Amma addresses the tsunami-affected children from
Kollam District
embracing the world
Amrita Setu Bridge
n the months that followed the tsunami, warnings and evacuation orders were twice issued
for another impending tsunami. While the warnings turned out to be false alarms, Amma was
concerned about the overcrowded boats and the length of time it took to evacuate the coastal
area. t was then that Amma decided to construct an evacuation bridge, connecting the pen-
insula of Alappad Panchayat with mainland Kerala.
On December 20, 2006, then-President of ndia, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, inaugurated Amrita
Setu, Embracing the World's evacuation bridge. The bridge provides a centralised escape route
allowing 15,000 people to evacuate in 30 minutes, should Alappad face another natural disaster.
The bridge, which took only one year to complete, was completely paid for and constructed
by ETW, at a cost of 1.32 million USD (Rs. six crores). Had the bridge been constructed by
an outside contractor, the cost would have been double.
May this bridge not only connect two
shores, but remain forever as a
symbol of love and brotherhood,
uniting human hearts as well. Amma
ETW's evacuation bridge, built over the backwaters of Kerala
Amma with then-President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam,
at the inauguration of Amrita Setu
embracing the world
Sri Lanka
n 2006, Amma was invited to Sri Lanka by the
government "to bless Sri Lankans of all faiths and
races and to bring peace and prosperity in their
lives. During her three-day visit, Amma visited
two relief camps in the Tamil area of Ampara,
where she distributed 15,000 saris and dhotis.
Accompanied by Prime Minister Mahindra Raj-
apaksa, Amma also visited a relief camp in the
Sinhalese area of Hambantotta.
n Ampara, both Sinhalese soldiers and LTTE
fighters came for Amma's darshan. Amma
met President Chandrika Kumaratunge and
expressed to her how pained she was by the
people's suffering. On behalf of Embracing the
World - USA, Amma initiated a 685,000 USD
(approx. Rs. three crore) relief fund for build-
ing new homes in both Sinhalese and Tamil
communities. The 96 homes were completed in
January 2007.
Amma with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahindra
Rajapaksa during a visit to a tsunami relief camp
Amma met with then-President
Chandrika Kumaratunge
This grateful husband said, "Amma paid for our
marriage, she gave us a boat with an engine, and
also this house. Now, we have a new baby.
Through Amma we can live family life again.
Vocational Training
After the tsunami, villagers asked Amma to help
them fnd employment that did not require them
to rely on the sea. n response, Amma initiated
programs for the men to learn new trades and
for women to take up employment, often for the
frst time. t was in large part this expansive view
of disaster relief that drew the praise of govern-
ment agencies, world-leaders and members of
the United Nations as being something 'above
and beyond.'
embracing the world
Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry
The tsunami devastated the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry - especially Nagapattinam
District, where 7,000 people were killed. There, Amma's monastic disciples set up a disaster-
relief operation, organising medical aid and clothing for 9,500 refugees. Over the next several
months, ETW also distributed 185 tons of uncooked rice.
Hundreds of students from Amrita University, doctors from AMS Hospital and volunteers helped
and consoled people in the affected areas. ETW established seven relief camps, built shelters
for 100 families and adopted entire villages, reconstructing thousands of homes and com-
munity facilities. ETW also provided education and vocational training for children and adults.
n February 2005, Amma visited the region and the families living in ETW's temporary shelters.
Thousands came to her, still in distress. Amma lovingly reassured them and calmed their fears
about living next to the sea.
Amma at a key distribution ceremony with then- Chief
Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr. M. Karunanidhi
Temporary shelters in Nagapattinam
Boats and engines in Tamil Nadu awaiting distribution
Amma giving new clothes to a tsunami survivor
embracing the world
Tsunami Housing:
6,296 Homes
Completed
The core of Embracing the World's massive
tsunami-relief project was the construction of
6,296 houses in the ndian states of Kerala and
Tamil Nadu, as well as in the Andaman & Nicobar
slands and Sri Lanka. n both Tamil Nadu and
Kerala, ETW was the first non-governmental
organization to complete tsunami-relief houses
according to government standards. As of Octo-
ber 2008, all 6,296 houses had been completed
and turned over to the recipients.
Out of his admiration for Embracing the World's
work, ndia's then-President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam, visited both a housing construction site in
Tamil Nadu and Amma's main ashram in Kerala,
where he met with tsunami survivors and person-
ally handed them the keys to their new homes,
built by ETW. (A long-time admirer of Amma and
her humanitarian achievements, upon initially tak-
ing offce in 2003, President Kalam had donated
the frst ten months of his salary to fund Amma's
charitable initiatives.)
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Vadakku Vanchiyoor, Kairakal, Pondicherry
Ernakulam, Kerala
Typical tsunami-relief house, Kerala
ETW WAS THE FIRST NGO IN INDIA TO
COMPLETE TSUNAMI-RELIEF HOUSES
ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT STAN-
DARDS. AS OF OCTOBER 2008, ALL
6,296 HOUSES HAD BEEN COMPLETED
AND TURNED OVER TO THE RECIPIENTS.
embracing the world
Tamil Nadu
n the districts of Cuddalore, Kanyakumari and Nagapattinam, ETW built entire villages,
complete with electricity, sanitation and clean drinking water, roads, buildings for childcare
and other amenities.
Kerala
Many houses constructed along the backwaters or on islands were inaccessible to supply
trucks. Ashram residents and volunteers from around the world helped carry bricks, sand and
gravel from supply stations. Houses were constructed in the districts of Kollam, Alappuzha
and Ernakulam.
Samanthampettai, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu Pudukkupam, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu
Mela Pattinacherry, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
embracing the world
Tsunami Housing:
Sri Lanka & South Andaman
96 homes were constructed in the Sinhalese-
populated village of Thekkawatta (Kalutara
District, Western Province) and in the Tamil-
populated village of Periyanilavanai (Ampara
District, Eastern Province). The housing
colonies in each place consist of three-storey
buildings, each containing 12 apartments.
Situated 1,000 kilometres off the east coast
of ndia, the Andaman and Nicobar slands
bore the brunt of the tsunami. Embracing the
World built 200 homes in Bamboo Flat and
Austinabad in South Andaman. As all the
building materials, an estimated 1,000 tons,
had to be shipped from mainland ndia, the
cost amounted to 4.8 million USD (Rs. 20
crores). The houses are duplexes, with each
half measuring 500 square-feet and having
an attached bathroom with toilet. The steel-
framed structures are earthquake-resistant.
The houses were completed in September
2008.
Apartments in Thekkawatta, Kalutara, Sri Lanka
Duplex houses in Bamboo Flat, South Andaman
Apartments in Periyanilavanai, Ampara, Sri Lanka
embracing the world
Long-term
Tsunami
Relief Projects
By October 2008, each of the 6,296 pledged homes
in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andaman &
Nicobar slands and Sri Lanka had been completed
and distributed. n two villages in Tamil Nadu and
in the area around the Amritapuri Ashram, women
who had been widowed by the disaster were
given lifetime monthly pensions. ETW donated 700
fshing boats, engines and fshing nets, at a cost
of 1 million USD (Rs. 4.3 crores), to disaster-hit
communities in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On
average, each boat supports seven families. Free
education and vocational training was provided
for more than 2,500 young people, including 800
nursing assistants trained at AMS and 1,000
automobile drivers and security guards trained at
ETW's vocational-training centre. Seven women
were trained as teachers at the Amrita School of
Education in Mysore, and more than 700 women
were trained in tailoring and handicrafts.
Women training to become tailors in Kerala
Tsunami-affected fshermen ready to set sail in their new boats
Distribution of monthly pensions
embracing the world
empowering more than 100,000 women from impoverished
communities with vocational training, start-up capital, microcredit loans
and microsavings so they can start their own home-based businesses
%!1)2%$'*(
2)!%*
Amrita S.R.E.E.
Self-Reliance, Education & Employment
Embracing the World's Amrita SREE program, born in the aftermath of the 2004 ndian Ocean
Tsunami, was formally launched in 2006 with a goal of aiding 100,000 women through the
development of 5,000 self-help groups. In 2010, that goaI was surpassed. There are now
more than 6,000 ETW seIf-heIp groups, with more than 100,000 women participating
across India. n the neighboring Andaman slands, we have established an additional 1,000
self-help groups.
n providing vocational education, start-up capital, marketing assistance and access to micro-
credit loans and microsavings accounts from government-regulated banks, ETW is working
to equip unemployed and economically vulnerable women with the skills and means to set up
small-scale, cottage-industry businesses. Research has shown that empowering women with
equal economic opportunity is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty throughout
entire communities.
ETW's self-help groups are based upon a formula established by the Reserve Bank of ndia
and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. Volunteer program coordinators frst
identify each targeted community's particular needs and existing skills and resources before
launching a phase of vocational training. Courses are selected from proposals that emerge
from the targeted communities and offered at reputed vocational institutions. Finally, self-help
groups are formed according to geographic proximity, each consisting of approximately 20
women. (Men who are family members of the women in the group are also eligible to receive
vocational training.)
While the self-help groups operate autonomously, ETW nurtures them towards successful
independence. n addition to providing vocational training, ETW helps each group come up
with a viable business plan and assists in packaging and marketing the group's retail products.
embracing the world
| EMPOWERING WOMEN | 36
Microfnance
Embracing the World provides each self-help
group with a grant in start-up capital. n order
to maximize the groups earning capacity,
ETW also helps each group to open a bank
account upon its inception. Each group
member is required to deposit a minimum
of Rs. 10 each week. When a group's bank
balance reaches Rs. 1,000, the group can
begin to withdraw money and commence
internal lending with a minimal interest rate.
During the frst six months of the group's account activity, the bank assesses the group's
fnancial management capacity so that eligible groups may apply for venture-capital loans.
Additionally, any money deposited during the group's frst six months is matched by the bank
at a ratio of four to one - thereby increasing the group's initial investment by 400%. So
far, ETW has heIped 4,000 groups to receive microcredit Ioans to expand their busi-
nesses; more than 60,000 famiIies have beneted. To ensure that microcredit works in the
group's favor, ETW works only with banks managed by the Government of ndia's Reserve
Bank of ndia. These banks' microlending policies are subject to governmental oversight.
Economic Independence
Once vocational training is complete, the group transitions into a more autonomous, income-
generating company of its own. ETW assists the group in locating a common facility centre,
where the group will carry out their work, Some groups opt to use a group member's home as
the facility centre. While ETW provides training and raw materials, the groups are encouraged
to take a majority of the initiative to jumpstart and sustain their respective ventures. Accordingly,
the group members receive total profts from products sold. ETW receives no compensation
or fnancial return at any time for its work with the self-help groups. ETW self-help groups
are currently operating their own businesses in a wide range of felds including handicrafts,
accounting, female hygiene products, stationery, bakeries, tailoring, culinary products and more.
ETW IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING
VOCATIONAL TRAINING & START-UP
CAPITAL FOR 100,000 WOMEN.
RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THIS WAY
IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE
MEANS TO REDUCE POVERTY
THROUGHOUT ENTIRE COMMUNITIES.
embracing the world
embracing the world
Life-, Accident Insurance for
100,000 Women and Their Families
As part of Embracing the World's Empower-
ing Women project, every member of the
Amrita SREE self-help groups-more than
100,000 women as of March 2011-has
been enrolled in a subsidized insurance plan
with the Life nsurance Corporation of ndia.
The plan will protect their family's future in
the event that the policyholder is injured or
passes away. As part of the agreement,
the Life nsurance Corporation is also pro-
viding scholarships to the children of 15%
of the policyholders. ETW plans to rotate
these scholarships on an annual basis so
that every family will receive scholarship
benefts.
Amrita Vocational
Training Center
n partnership with the Government of ndia, Embracing the World launched a new Vocational
Training Center for Women at its Amritapuri headquarters. Both 45-day and 120-day courses
are offered. The women receive a stipend to cover their living expenses during the course,
and upon completion of the course are qualifed to begin a career in tailoring. 110 women per
year will graduate from these courses, which are offered free.
building not just 100,000 homes for the homeless
but whole communities complete with town halls, roads, wells,
electricity, sewage systems and clean drinking water
more than 1,600 families relocated from slums into new apartments
34'&-'*(
5)!%+
Homes for the Homeless:
Amrita Kuteeram
One in six people alive today lacks adequate shelter. As a result of poor shelter, polluted water
and inadequate sanitation, 50,000 people - mostly women and children - die each day. The
problem is disproportionately concentrated in the developing world. n ndia alone, there are
more than 2.3 million homeless - and that fgure doesn't include the 170 million slum-dwellers.
But homeless does not have to mean hopeless. n 1997, Embracing the World launched the
Amrita Kuteeram project, an initiative to build 25,000 homes for the homeless throughout ndia.
n 1998, Atal Behari Vajpayee, then-Prime Minister of ndia, handed over a symbolic key for
the frst 5,000 free homes to benefciaries in Kerala. By 2002, the initial target of 25,000 homes
throughout ndia had been met. With an average of six people living in each ETW-built house,
that meant 125,000 people had moved from the streets or inadequate shelters into the safety
and comfort of their own home. Upon completion of the project, Amma immediately announced
a second goal to build a total of 100,000 homes for the homeless throughout ndia. To date,
more than 45,000 homes have been constructed in more than 75 locations across the length
and breadth of ndia.
Kolkata, West Bengal
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
HOMELESS DOES NOT HAVE TO
MEAN HOPELESS: SINCE 1998,
ETW HAS BUILT MORE THAN 45,000
HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS AND
SLUM-DWELLERS THROUGHOUT INDIA.
embracing the world
| HOMES & SLUM RENOVATION | 40

Mangalore, Karnataka
Jaipur, Rajasthan Satyamangalam, Tamil Nadu
Hassan, Karnataka
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu Mysore, Karnataka
embracing the world
| BUILDING HOMES | 41
Building
Communities
State governments throughout ndia provide
the land for Embracing the World to develop.
Amma's monastic disciples supervise the
construction of the houses, the building of
roads, the provision of electricity, the drilling
of bore wells and the installation of water
tanks. Houses commonly have two rooms, a
verandah and separate bathrooms.
For each development, ETW builds a com-
munity centre where residents celebrate
festivals and public holidays. Since the ETW
community residents no longer need to pay
rent, they have more money to buy the essen-
tials they previously had to go without. Local
branch centres of the Mata Amritanandamayi
Math support the ETW communities in their
area by providing informal schooling and
helping the adults fnd jobs. ETW communi-
ties are thus instrumental in providing people
with a whole new start in life.
Ernakulam, Kerala
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh
Durgapur, West Bengal
embracing the world
Gujarat: Adopted Villages
The earthquake that struck Gujarat in 2001 claimed the lives of almost 20,000 people. Amma's
response was immediate: AMS Hospital dispatched a disaster-relief medical team and monas-
tic disciples who remained long after the crisis, working tirelessly to help rebuild the people's
lives. ETW constructed three villages - a total of 1,200 earthquake-proof houses, as well as
community centres, a school, several temples and a mosque. Amma's support made such an
impact on the people that four years later the village leaders made the three-day journey to
Kerala to help Amma rebuild houses for tsunami survivors.
Relocating Slumdwellers
n 1999, the Hyderabad government requested Amma to complete 20 blocks of fats and provide
homes for 900 families. Many had earlier been living in a slum that had been destroyed by a
fre, and had been waiting years for new homes, living in makeshift huts. After receiving the
government's request, Amma visited them and promised she would help. Their new homes
were completed in 2002. Also in 2002, in Ajanta Nagar, Pune, ETW rehoused 700 families
who had been living in a slum that sprawled across eight acres. The project was a joint venture
with the government. ETW built 11 new blocks of fve-storey apartments. During construction,
families stayed in adjacent temporary housing that was also built by ETW. Amma's Pune Ash-
ram provides free medical camps every week inside the new complex. Today, ETW volunteers
continue to serve the residents of Ajanta Nagar. The Amrita Chetana project is dedicated to
reducing drop-out rates by providing school supplies as well as free tutoring and other extracur-
ricular activities for the children of the former slum as well those still living in slum settlements.
Pune, Maharashtra Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
embracing the world
A new village for earthquake survivors in Bhuj, Gujarat
Clean Drinking
Water
Amrita Watoto Boma
Nairobi, Kenya
The new bore well at the Amrita Watoto Boma
Care Home for Children in Nairobi, Kenya will
provide clean drinking water daily to residents of
the nearby Jam City slum as well as members
of the Masai tribal community. Until now, these
people were forced to walk long distances and
pay for clean water. n reality, most people
drank and cooked with water from the nearby
river. 80% of diseases in this community are
caused by consumption of unsafe water.
Kollam, Kerala
n May 2007, ETW gave 85,000 USD (Rs. 33
lakhs) to sponsor the provision of clean water
to 7,100 families living beneath the poverty line
in Chavara and Panmana Panchayats, Kollam
District, Kerala. The water is taken from the
Shastankotta Backwaters and purifed.
Vocational Training
Centre for
Slumdwellers
Amrita Watoto Boma
Nairobi, Kenya
The Amri ta Vocati onal Trai ni ng Centre,
equipped with 35 computers, was built to
serve the population of the nearby slum settle-
ment Jam City. n the Centre's frst course, 50
young adults, who had been forced to leave
school at a young age, received training in basic
computing. Beyond the training itself, course
participants say the Centre has become like a
second home for them.
Residents of Jam City using the new water tap
Athi River, Outside Nairobi, Kenya: Until now, this
river water has been the
primary source of drinking water in the area.
Students at the Vocational Training Centre
embracing the world
RAJASTHAN Sanghaneer, Jaipur
UTTAR PRADESH Telibagh (Lucknow-New Brindavan Yojana Dt.); Koraon
(Mirzapur Dt.); Pratap Nagar (Ghaziabad Dt.)
MADHYA PRADESH Piplani, near SOS Village (Bhopal Dt.)
GUJARAT Dagara, Mokhana & Modsar (Bhuj, Kutch Dt.)
MAHARASHTRA Ajanta Nagar (PCMC, Pune Dt.)
WEST BENGAL Puljour Amaravathi & Bidhan Nagar (Durgapur Dt.)
Panihatti (Kolkata Dt.)
ANDHRA PRADESH Gudimalkapur (Medipatnam, Hyderabad Dt.)
Filim Nagar (Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad Dt.)
Amrita Nagar (Pradhatur, Cuddapah Dt.)
ORSSA Baleshwar, Bhubaneshwar
PONDCHERRY near Deepak Cables, Pondicherry Taluk
KARNATAKA Hirisave (C.R. Pattana, Hassan Dt.); Mulki (Mangalore Dt.);
Hosahalli (Mandya Dt.); Madhuvanahalli (K.R. Taluk, Mysore Dt.);
Gandhi Nagar (Mysore Dt.); Gokulam (Mysore Dt.)
TAML NADU Amritapuram (Rameshwaram, Ramanathapuram Dt.)
Panagudi (Rosmiyapuram, Valliyoor, Tirunelveli Dt.)
Amirpalayam (Sattur, Virdunagar Dt.)
Scavanchers Colony (Sivakasi, Virdunagar Dt.)
Aruppukkottai (Virdunagar Dt.)
Kollencode, Kaliyakavila, Marthandam, Kuzhitturai, Kulachel &
Kanyakumari (all in Kanyakumari Dt.)
Ettimadai, Nallampalayam & Madukkarai (all in Coimbatore Dt.),
Arikkambedu & Vellanur, Ambathur, Avadi, & Maduravoyal
(all in Tiruvallur Dt.)
Karikattukupam, Ernavur & Kovalam (all in Chennai)
Ramabelur, Pinjumedu, Satyamangalam, (all in Erode Dt.)
Kumbakonam
KERALA Thousands of individual houses spread throughout the districts
of Alappuzha, Ernakulam, dukki, Kannur, Kasargode, Kollam,
Kottayam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta,
Trissur, Trivandrum and Wayanad. Village colonies in the cities
of Trivandrum (Airport Colony) and Kochi (Ambulangal)
KERALA Villages and individual houses in the districts of Ernakulam,
Alappuzha and Kollam
TAML NADU Villages in Cuddalore, Kanyakumari & Nagappatinam Districts
PONDCHERRY Kairakal
ANDAMAN SLAND Bamboo Flat and Austinabad, South Andaman
SR LANKA Thekkawatta (Kalutara District, Western Province)
Periyanilavanai (Ampara District, Eastern Province)
embracing the world
HOUSING PROJECTS BY LOCATION
6,296 HOMES FOR TSUNAMI SURVIVORS
lifetime fnancial aid for more than 55,000 widows
and victims of poverty and disability throughout India
care homes for the elderly
sponsored weddings for the poor
international service-oriented youth movement
free meditation courses for soldiers, prisoners and the general public
6)!!4*'/"
)4/$%.65
Care Homes
for the Elderly
The elderly come to Amma's homes for refuge
or to spend their fnal years in a tranquil spiritual
ambience. The care homes have a family atmo-
sphere, and residents regularly participate in
activities around the home.
The care homes are located in Sivakasi, Tamil
Nadu; Kottayam, Kerala (managed by AMS
Hospital), Bangalore and Karwar, Karnataka.The
care homes have prayer halls where community
functions and cultural programs are held. Neigh-
bours and friends also participate.
Hospital Visits
and Meals on Wheels
Embracing the World volunteers throughout the
world visit hospitals, nursing homes and the
elderly and infrm in their own homes. Volunteers
also write letters of support to those battling
serious illness.
embracing the world
| COMMUNITY OUTREACH | 47
Sponsored
Wedding Ceremonies
n ndia, marriage is essential for the stability of the entire family. For decades, Amma has
sponsored the weddings of impoverished couples. Each year, during her birthday celebra-
tions, Amma conducts sponsored weddings. n 2012, free marriages were conducted for 59
couples who could not have affored at traditional wedding. Embracing the World provides
all the items necessary for a traditional ceremony, including the bride's wedding sari, new
clothes for the bridegroom, gold ornaments, and a feast for all the wedding guests. After the
2004 ndian Ocean Tsunami, Amma conducted free weddings for hundreds of poor couples
affected by the disaster.
Prisoners Welfare Project
n North America, Embracing the World runs a program called "Circle of Love nside, through
which volunteers write letters of hope and solace to people serving prison sentences in the
US. Books of Amma's teachings are sent free of charge to inmates and prison libraries. Cur-
rently, the program is active in 18 states. Upon request, prisoners are taught Amma's simple
Ma-Om Meditation by mail. ETW volunteers teach Amma's AM - ntegrated Amrita Meditation
Technique
in youth and adult correctional facilities.

Womens Hostel
Trissur, Kerala
This hostel is owned and managed by ETW to provide
a secure, peaceful abode for 100 women working in
government and private institutions, as well as for
female students and travellers.
embracing the world
Youth in Action
AYUDH (www.ayudh.org) is a youth movement empowering young people to integrate univer-
sal values into their daily lives. Starting with themselves, AYUDH wants to help establish a future
of hope, peace and social engagement while maintaining an awareness of spiritual principles.
AYUDH stands for Amrita Yuva Dharmadhara, which is Sanskrit for "youth perpetuating the
wheel of dharma (righteousness). n Sanskrit, ayudh also means 'peace.'
Since its launch in 1985, AYUDH has initiated youth projects in ndia, Africa, Europe, the
United States, Australia and Japan. These include social-service activities such as caring
for the elderly, homeless and handicapped and empowering young people living in slums to
change their environment.
AYUDH also organizes charity concerts and environmental activities. Annual retreats in Europe,
America and Australia provide unique opportunities for intercultural exchange. Through talks
and discussions, spiritual practices and creative workshops, the youth explore, develop and
express their personal potential and become active members of society. n Europe, many of
AYUDH's projects and camps are supported by the Youth in Action program of the European
Commission for Education and Culture. n ndia, AYUDH has been widely involved in the ABC
nitiative to clean public areas, spread awareness about public health and the conservation
of Nature.
n Mumbai, AYUDH holds weekly classes for children from slum areas. Every Sunday, around
80 children receive free food served by the youth volunteers. AYUDH - Mumbai volunteers also
conduct regular classes in organic farming. n Delhi, AYUDH members distribute free blankets
and clothing to the poor, and have planted more than 300 trees at the Amrita Farmhouse near
the Amma's ashram in New Delhi.
"Grown' - One Seed at a Time (www.ayudh.org/growin) is an international green initiative
by AYUDH to encourage youth to cultivate their own food.
Kenyan members and local teenagers work
together to clean-up a slum in Nairobi
American members volunteer at a soup kitchen
embracing the world
Meditation
for Everyone
IAM-Integrated Amrita Meditation Techique
AM-ntegrated Amrita Meditation Technique

is a
powerful meditation technique synthesised by Amma
to help people fnd fulfllment in life. The technique
refnes one's mind - bringing relaxation, concen-
tration, a more expansive sense of self and greater
awareness.
A fve-year study published in 2010 by the interna-
tional journal Evidence-based Complementary &
Alternative Medicine found that practitioners of the
AM Technique experience a reduction in stress
hormones adrenaline and cortisol, and also experi-
ence immunological benefts. Embracing the World
volunteers teach the technique free of charge in all
parts of the world, not only to individuals but also
to corporations and universities. n both the United
States and in taly, the AM Technique has been
offered to prisoners in correctional institutions.
Currently, Embracing the World is undertaking the
massive project of teaching the technique to ndia's
1.3 million (13 lakh) paramilitary personnel. ETW
has not accepted any remuneration for its work with
the soldiers. Classes have been given to the Border
Security Force (next to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tibet,
China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangla desh and Myanmar),
the Central ndustrial Security Force, Sashastra
Seema Bal, the Central Reserve Police Force and
the ndo-Tibetan Border Police. Classes have also
been taught to soldiers of the ndian Army and Navy.
Indian paramilitary soldiers practicing
IAM Meditation, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu
IAM Meditation course in USA
Students of Amrita University practicing
IAM Meditation
AMMA SAYS THAT SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE
IS THE BIRTHRIGHT OF HUMANKIND, AND
THAT TO CHARGE FOR MEDITATION CLASSES
IS LIKE CHARGING A BABY FOR BREASTMILK.
THATS WHY AMMAS MEDITATION
TECHNIQUE IS ALWAYS TAUGHT FOR FREE.
embracing the world
Financial Aid for Life
Since 1998, Embracing the World has provided
monthly pensions for widows, as well as the physi-
cally and mentally challenged and others living
below the poverty line. On Amma's birthday in
September 2012, 3,000 additional recipients were
enrolled in the program. n early 2013, an addi-
tional 1,000 were added to the rolls, bringing the
total number of recipients to 59,000. Ultimately,
ETW will provide monthly pensions for 100,000
impoverished men, women and children who are
struggling to make ends meet.
Recognizing that disability and/or the loss of a
family member can consign those in the develop-
ing world to a lifetime of hardship, our pensions
have no expiration date-they are given for life.
n inaugurating the expansion of the program,
K.M. Mani, Kerala's Minister for Finance, Law &
Housing, remarked, "Amma's service activities
are unparallelled even by the government.
Seed Distribution
n 2006, ETW launched a homestead organic
vegetable gardening project, encouraging people
throughout Kollam District to grow their own
vegetables. Seeds were distributed to to 5,000
families.
Amma blessing seeds for distribution to poor families Distribution of monthly pensions
embracing the world
Paripally, Kerala: orphanage for 500 children
where the children consistently win awards in music, sports and dance
and more than 1 in 3 go on to earn college degrees

Nairobi: care home for children
from impoverished communities across Kenya
6.$% 5)!%+
0)$ 65'&-$%*
Amrita Niketan
Orphanage
Paripally, Kerala
n 1989, Amma took over an orphanage and
school whose owners had gone bankrupt.
The children were in an extreme state of
neglect and malnutrition, and the buildings
were in a deplorable condition. Embracing
the World immediately set about caring for
the children, rebuilding the orphanage and
re-establishing the school.
Today there are 500 children living at Amrita
Niketan. Half of them are from poor tribal
communities. With the nourishing food and
loving care and encouragement they receive
from Amrita Niketan's dedicated staff, the
children gain the confdence and the strength
to move forward in life.
Children from Amrita Niketan orphanage with Amma at Amritapuri
Orphanage children perform panchavadyam
At Amrita Niketan, girls are encouraged to participate in
art forms traditionally reserved for boys
embracing the world
| CARE HOMES FOR CHILDREN | 53

Daily assembly at the orphanage
WERE PROUD OF OUR KIDS: AMRITA
NIKETANS CHILDREN CONSISTENTLY
WIN AWARDS IN SANSKRIT, MUSIC,
SPORTS AND DANCE AND MORE
THAN ONE IN THREE GO ON TO
EARN COLLEGE DEGREES.
During holidays, many of the children visit Amma's ashram. They have developed a deep bond
with Amma and say that they feel she is their own mother.
The children excel in music, sports and dance. They are well-known for their talents in pancha-
vadyam, Kerala's traditional temple music. Though generally taught only to boys, the orphanage
also encourages girls to learn this art form. The children also study traditional dance dramas
like koodiyattom, poorakkali and kolkali, as well as musical instruments like the veena and
tabla. n state and local cultural competitions, the children often win frst prize.
The children attend the Amrita Sanskrit Higher Secondary School, run by Amma's Ashram,
which is located next to the orphanage. More than 35 percent of them go on to pursue higher
educations, all of which are fully sponsored by ETW.
embracing the world

Amrita Watoto Boma
Care Home for Orphans and
Disadvantaged Children
During Amma's visit to Nairobi in April 2009, she
officially inaugurated Amrita Watoto Boma, a
care home which will ultimately be home to 108
children. Ground had only recently been broken
on the site, and the care home would not offcially
open its doors until 2011. However, as a sign of
her commitment to the children of Kenya, during
her visit, Amma met personally with 54 children
in need, giving each of them new sets of clothing
and school supplies, and initiating scholarships
for them.
Spread across 11 acres on the banks of the Athi
River, Amrita Watoto Boma provides shelter, food, education and healthcare in a loving envi-
ronment, managed and run by ETW volunteers. Facilities include dormitories, classrooms, a
playground, sports facilities and a medical clinic. The children are either orphaned or living
beneath the poverty line, in vulnerable families where the parents have diffculty providing for
them. The children come from across Kenya, identifed with the help of the Kenyan Govern-
ment's Children's Offcers as well as social workers, village chiefs from poor slums and refer-
ences from local church pastors.
During her visit to Kenya, Amma presented the children with sets of new clothes and school supplies.
A Kenyan child after receiving school
supplies and a new uniform from Amma
embracing the world

embracing the world

Children at Amrita Watoto Boma A view of the grounds at Amrita Watoto Boma
n April 2011, during Amma's visit to Nairobi, the
Vice-President of the Republic of Kenya, His
Excellency Kalonzo Musyoka opened the Amrita
Watoto Boma Care Home for Children, built by
Embracing the World's representative organiza-
tion in Kenya, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math
Charitable Trust - Kenya. Amrita Watoto Boma
has been formally registered as a children's care
home with the Government of Kenya. nitially, the
children's home is accommodating 50 children.
improving public health and restoring Indias natural beauty
cleaning public areas, constructing public toilets
and spreading awareness about the proper way to dispose of trash
more than 1,000 clean-up drives have already been undertaken
personal handkerchiefs for one million schoolchildren
143&'6
5%.&/5
Amala Bharatam Campaign
Clean India, Beautiful India
The Amala Bharatam Campaign (ABC) is a program aimed at
improving public health and at restoring ndia's physical beauty.
Through this campaign, Amma is calling on all citizens of ndia to
embrace practical new initiatives to clean ndia's public spaces,
promote health through hygiene, sort garbage, recycle, and
properly dispose of waste. The campaign is also working to
make people more aware of the need to avoid littering, spitting
and urinating in public, and to maintain environmental cleanli-
ness. This awareness campaign is ongoing in every language
and every state in ndia, and has already reached millions of
people nationwide.
Through ABC, volunteers are cleaning public areas, constructing
public toilets and spreading awareness in schools regarding the
proper way to dispose of trash. n Kerala, where the campaign
was frst launched, clean-up drives have been conducted in
every major town and city. The campaign has already spread
throughout ndia. n New Delhi, several high-ranking government
offcials, including the Chief Minister of New Delhi, Mrs. Sheila
Dixit, as well as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
and the Union Minister for Agriculture personally participated
in clean-up drives.
ETW is also distributing handkerchiefs to more than one million
school children and educating them to use them instead of spit-
ting on the ground.
CHAIRMAN OF THE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL
PANEL ON CLIMATE
CHANGE, DR. RAJENDRA
PACHAURI, PARTICIPATES
IN AMMAS CAMPAIGN
TO DISTRIBUTE HAND-
KERCHIEFS TO ONE
MILLION SCHOOL-
CHILDREN.
embracing the world
| PUBLIC HEALTH | 58
Nationwide Public Health Initiative
Environmental Awareness Campaign
More than 1,000 clean-up drives have been undertaken. The fourth Sunday of each month has
been designated as Clean Sunday, with clean-up drives to be held on this day every month.
The campaign is intended to ultimately spread throughout ndia, with Amma calling upon
citizens to form small committees, each responsible for a stretch of two kilometers. "A chain
of such committees could really bring about a massive transformation, she has commented.
"These committees should ensure their localities have trashcans in various places as well as
signs telling people not to throw trash on the roadside or to spit. The waste should be collected
regularly and properly disposed of.
Amma has also stated that the Mata Amritanandamayi Math is ready to take up the responsibil-
ity of constructing toilets and installing trash cans in government schools and along roads all
over ndia, if it has the support and cooperation of state and local governments.
Amma is also calling upon all citizens of ndia to take to recognize in principle that the earth is the
mother of humanity and that cleanliness is godliness, and to pledge to work with dedication for
the realization of environmental cleanliness and
hygiene. This pledge has been taken by more than
one million people throughout ndia.
The AmaIa Bharatam Campaign has the
potentiaI to have a powerfuI impact on India`s
pubIic heaIth goaIs. Lack of sanitation is the
worId`s Ieading cause of infection.
embracing the world
| PUBLIC HEALTH | 59
100,000 scholarships for children
from desperately impoverished agricultural communities
special schools for the hearing-impaired and mentally challenged
award-winning literacy and vocational training
for Indias indigenous tribal population
%-46./')*
0)$ %,%$")*%
Amrita Speech- and
Hearing-
Improvement School
Trissur, Kerala
ASHS is one of the few schools in Kerala that
scientifcally teaches hearing-impaired children to
speak. More than 120 children attend the school,
which provides hostel accommodation for boys
and girls. The students work hard to overcome the
limitations created by their speech and hearing
disabilities. The children have a 100 percent pass
rate in the Secondary School Leaving Certifcate
Exam, and do very well in obtaining employment.
They are also encouraged to develop through
dance, art and handicrafts.

Projects for
Tribal People
Attappadi, Kerala
Idukki, Kerala
n the rural district of Attapadi, ETW is working to
empower tribal people to build informal schools.
Three schools have already been constructed.
n dukki, ETW has established a number of
afterschool centres to complement the regular
schooling of the tribal children. These children are
not supported at home by their illiterate parents,
and the dropout rate is high after the 3rd standard.
At ETW's centres, they are given supplementary
tutoring to ensure they get the support they need.
Hearing-impaired students give a dance performance
Amrita Speech and Hearing Improvement School
Afterschool tutoring for tribal children
ASHIS students learning to speak
embracing the world
| EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE | 61

100,000 Scholarships
for Children of
Farmers in Crisis
n recent years, suicide has been spreading like an epidemic among farmers in ndia who suf-
fer from debt and crop failure. Experts say that more than 200,000 farmers have committed
suicide in ndia since 1997. Often, seeing no hope for themselves or their future generations,
whole families commit suicide together.
n 2007, Sri Vlasrao Deshmukh, then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the state worst-hit by the
suicide epidemic, reached out to Amma for a solution. Amma responded with Vidyamritam,
a project to provide scholarships for children in the affected communities. Four years later,
Deshmukh observed, "Amma has created new hope for the farmers.
Through providing scholarships to 100,000 children of farmers living below the poverty line,
Embracing the World aims to lay a stronger economic foundation upon which these families
can base their lives. Through the program, called Vidyamritam, ETW is already providing
scholarships to 41,000 students from the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
and Kerala. Many of the benefciaries are children who have lost one or both parents to suicide.
The children (ages 10 to 15) receive a monthly stipend until they fnish their education, subject
to their scholastic performance. Vidyamritam is a permanent humanitarian program of ETW,
with new students taking over the scholarships of graduates.
As an extension of this project, ETW is conducting camps and seminars for Vidyamritam
benefciaries in order to help inculcate values and a sense of empowerment. One such camp
- for 10,000 Vidyamritam benefciaries - was held at Embracing the World's headquarters
in Amritapuri, Kerala in September 2009. Symposiums on environmental preservation are also
being conducted. Further, ETW is providing alternative employment for members of agricultural
families in AMS Hospital in Kochi. n 2009, the scholarship program was expanded to beneft
children affected by ADS.
62
Scholarship distribution in suicide-wracked Washim Scholarship recipients await their bus to school
Amrita Sanskrit Higher
Secondary School
Kollam, Kerala
The Amrita Sanskrit Higher Secondary School has 4,000 students and is the largest school in
Kerala where Sanskrit, the language of ndia's cultural heritage, is taught. Through a satellite
link with Amrita University, the school operates an e-learning resource centre. This provides
video-conference-style lectures with teachers from the university campuses. The facility is open
after school and on Sundays, for use by students, teachers and the general public.
The school is also attended by the children residing at ETW's orphanage in Paripally, ensuring
that the orphans receive a high-quality education. More than one in three of the orphanage
residents go on to earn college degrees.
Amrita Sanskrit Higher Secondary School, Kollam, Kerala Class of Attappadi tribal children, Kerala
School for
Differently-Abled Children
Kozhikode, Kerala
n December 2009, ETW launched a new institute for the differently-abled, the Amrita nstitute
for Differently Abled (ADA), dedicated to the welfare of differently-abled children, including
those with Down's Syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and intellectual developmental disability. 23
children attend the day-care centre. Proper developmental therapy incorporating daily skills,
early social integration and schooling are provided. Personalised therapy is provided based
on each individual's mental and physical abilities. These programs provide these children
with basic life skills and fundamental concepts that will help them function as independently
as possible on a day-to-day basis.
embracing the world

Award-Winning
Adult Education
Idukki, Kerala
Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
n order to best confront the unique challenges associated with providing adult education for
South ndia's indigenous population in remote areas lacking even basic infrastructure, MAM,
Embracing the World's ndia-based NGO, has engaged in a partnership with the Government
of ndia under the Government's adult-education grant program (JSS). Under JSS, the Govern-
ment funds NGOs all over ndia who are working in the feld of adult education. JSS is funded
with government grants recommended by UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Literacy
Mission. n 2008, Embracing the World's project in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu won the UNESCO /
NLM national award for being the most effective and effcient administrator of JSS funds in ndia.
With the support of JSS funds, ETW runs literacy and vocational training programs serving
the poorest tribal communities in dukki, Kerala and Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. ETW offers a range
of more than 100 courses in occupations varying from candle-making to computer science.
Graduates receive assistance in learning how to package, market and distribute their products
through suitable outlets. ETW also encourages participants to "pay it forward by going on to
volunteer in their own communities. For example, participants in ETW's school-uniform tailoring
program always donate their frst uniform to a child who cannot afford one. Participants also go
on to teach neighbors, friends and family how to read and write. Participants also volunteer their
time in ETW's suicide-prevention program. After completion of a training program with support
of ETW volunteers, counselors go door to door in their own villages, working to counter-act
Kerala's rising suicide and drug abuse rates. And every year, the program's staff and students
work together to provide 1,000 packages of dried foods to the elderly, homeless and neglected.
Literacy training in the tribal district of Idukki
Having been trained to manufacture pappadam,
these tribal women started their own business
Industrial Training Centre
Karunagappally, Kerala
Founded in 1989, Embracing the World's ndustrial Training Centre (TC) provides training for
500 teenagers in 11 trades. The institution strives to build the confdence of the adolescents,
giving them a sense of self-reliance so that they can take up their trade in a wide range of work
environments or become self-employed. The centre has more than an 80 percent graduation
rate and is highly regarded by employers. n 2001 and 2005 students gained frst rank in the
All-ndia Trade Test in two vocations.
After the 2004 ndian Ocean Tsunami, TC opened its doors, free of charge, to hundreds of
local youths in order to help them rebuild their lives after the disaster.
UNIVERSAL EDUCATION HAS PROVEN
TO BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF
ELIMINATING ENDEMIC POVERTY, AND ON
AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL HAS BEEN SHOWN
TO BE THE MOST SUSTAINABLE ESCAPE
FROM POVERTYS CLUTCHES. FROM THE
PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED, TO THE ADULT
WHO NEVER FINISHED SCHOOL, TO
THE CHILDREN WHO CANNOT AFFORD
SCHOOL SUPPLIES ETW IS WORKING
TO HELP ENSURE THAT EVERYONE WHO
WANTS TO GO TO SCHOOL HAS AN
OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO.
embracing the world

Amrita Silpa Kalakshetra
School for Traditional Arts
n June 2009, Amrita University launched an institute
dedicated to reviving the traditional craft of wood carving,
as part of a broader mission to help preserve ndia's cultural
heritage. The institute is intended to serve as a model for
additional schools, each of which will aim to preserve a
selected traditional ndian handicraft through the training of
talented craftsmen.
The school's courses have been specially designed to address
issues that have plagued the handicrafts industry in recent
years. n order to raise quality standards while simultaneous-
ly increasing output capacity, the courses incorporate modern
machinery-based sculpting skills. The school also trains its
students in negotiation as well as how to work effectively
with fnancial institutions. The school intends to train 1,000
students over the next five years, taking care to select
students who have a natural aptitude for the craft. 30-day
as well as six-month courses are offered. Each student
receives a monthly stipend to cover living expenses dur-
ing their studies. The school is also working with some of
Embracing the World's women's self-help groups.
embracing the world

Free Online Classes
for College Students Nationwide
Amrita University's Amrita E-learning Research Lab (AERL) is pioneering an online education
initiative - Free Online Tuition Program, for all college students. The online program is being
developed with funding from the Government of ndia's Ministry of Human Resources Develop-
ment's National Mission on Education through nformation and Communication Technology
(NME-CT). An initial market survey found that students are highly interested in learning career
opportunities in their respective felds and enhancing their soft skills. On that basis, to begin
with, AERL decided to conduct free tuition classes for Career Development (more than 32
live sessions have been conducted so far). Subsequently, other subjects will be added. The
classes are transmitted through Amrita University's award-winning e-learning platform A-VEW
(Amrita Virtual nteractive E-learning World).
For more information, please visit: onIinegurukuI.in/index.htmI
FOR A BETTER WORLD
worlds frst-ever wireless sensor network system for landslide detection
virtual reality systems to bring vocational training into remote areas
satellite-enabled telemedicine network
breaking new ground in nanotechnology
state-of-the-art, cost-effective, automated biomedical devices
virtual laboratories, distance learning and
cutting-edge educational technologies
$%+%.$65
0)$ . 3%//%$ 2)$&-
Wireless Technologies for Humanitarian Relief
Amrita Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (AmritaWNA) is a cutting-edge research
center focused on the emerging felds of wireless networks, wireless sensor networks (WSN),
wireless communication, 3G, 4G, and LTE technologies. AmritaWNA develops scientifc and
technological applications for practical humanitarian beneft. AmritaWNA integrates interdis-
ciplinary research areas such as computer science, electronics and communication, electrical
engineering, mechanical engineering, information technology, geology, hydrology, and envi-
ronmental engineering to develop low-cost systems for disaster management, healthcare for
the rural population, smart energy distribution systems, environmental monitoring solutions,
low-cost cyber-physical systems for surveillance and security, and improved educational
technologies for the poor.
n 2009, Embracing the World researchers at Amrita University deployed the world's frst-ever
wireless sensor network system for landslide detection in Munnar, Kerala, an area prone to
fatal landslides. The system uses wireless sensor technology to provide advance warning of
an impending landslide, allowing for early evacuation and disaster management. This project
was awarded the ndian Government's NABARD nnovation Award in Technology for Rural
ndia in October 2012.
The center is also developing wireless robots to assist in search and rescue operations, surveil-
lance, and for victim assistance as well as help with care of the elderly; delivery of improved
healthcare through the development and implementation of wearable wireless sensors to
provide real-time monitoring and diagnosis of rural and elderly patients; environmental moni-
toring (quality water, water wastage, air, wind, soil quality, climate changes); energy solutions
(smart grid to minimize energy wastage in electrical transmissions, detection and monitoring
of power theft, line fault detection, automatic supervision, notifcation, and billing); MicroGrid
Systems that can harness renewable and green energy sources to provide a self-suffcient
and sustainable power source for the rural population; global classroom systems that aid in
harnessing the faculties of leading universities to help train students in other newer institu-
tions, especially in rural areas; and a Remote Triggered Virtual Wireless Network Laboratory
to enhance learning availability and to provide research facilities for students and researchers
who don't have access to appropriate resources.
Munnar, Kerala: Amrita's detection system monitors soil conditions and sends an alert when landslides are imminent
embracing the world
| RESEARCH FOR A BETTER WORLD | 68

Human-Computer Interaction for Everyone
AMMACH Labs is working to provide innovative, affordable technological solutions designed to
improve quality of life for the least fortunate among us. Using human-computer interaction technol-
ogy, powered by the modalities of multimedia and haptics and with a focus on improved accessibil-
ity and scalability, AMMACH Labs aims to provide skill development, life enrichment education,
healthcare, disaster risk reduction and much more.
The goal of AMMACH Labs' SAVE Project, funded in part by the Ministry of Human Resources
Department of the Government of ndia, is to foster technological innovation in vocational training
to help alleviate poverty and to preserve traditional skills. SAVE has developed educational appli-
cations using multimedia, virtual reality and haptic technologies to enrich the individual's learning
experience by simulating real-life situations and providing portable, cost-effective, scalable and
standardized vocational education and training courses.
Through their Women Empowerment (WE) project, funded in part by the United Nations Democracy
Fund, AMMACH Labs is working to innovatively empower 3,000 disadvantaged women utilizing
SAVE's computerized, university-certifed Vocational Education and Training, complemented by
Life Enrichment Education. Women from Kerala made global headlines recently when they broke
through many barriers to successfully take on the challenging profession of plumbing. n addition
to plumbing, the women will have the opportunity to choose from tiling and installation of solar
panels for their vocational training. Non-technical trades such as fabric painting, vegetable cultiva-
tion, soap making, ornamental jewelry making and artifcial fower making are being taught as well.
As of 2012, 1,000 women predominantly from impoverished communities have received training
through this project.
AMMACH Labs' MoVE project (Mobile Vocational Education) is a mobile school on wheels that
delivers vocational and life enrichment education to remote communities. 70% of ndia's popula-
tion resides in rural and tribal areas where lifestyles are intertwined with the land and the seasons.
ndustrial development is changing the landscape faster than the communities can adapt, adversely
impacting lives on multiple dimensions. For these remote communities to survive and thrive, educa-
tion, which is sustainable for livelihood is crucial. So, AMMACH Labs designed and implemented
the MoVE mobile van, which utilizes fully equipped vehicles powered by solar energy to provide
vocational education for sustainable development in logistically and geographically diverse areas.
MoVE has increased outreach, reduced operating cost, and helps in teaching at multiple locations.
The mobile school currently serves remote communities in support of the Women Empowerment
Project and has so far been instrumental in training over 400 benefciaries in various vocational
trades.
embracing the world

Empowering women plumbers MoVE Mobile Educational Van Haptic device for vocational training
Education Everywhere:
A-VIEW Distance Learning
n 2003, in the early days of the Amritapuri campus of
Amrita University, there was a shortage of experienced
faculty in certain subjects. However, these teachers were
available at other campuses of the university. Based on
the advice of Amma (Amrita University's Chancellor), a
project was created to allow teachers to teach across
multiple campuses. This was the genesis of the Amrita
E-learning Research Lab, launched in 2004.
n 2009, the former President of ndia, Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam inaugurated A-VEW (Amrita Virtual nteractive
E-learning World), a versatile e-learning tool for enabling
distance education. A-VEW is funded by the Govern-
ment of ndia's MHRD, and developed by Embracing
the World researchers at Amrita University. t enables
distance education using basic communication modules
like audio/video, whiteboard, document-sharing and chat,
as well as advanced features like animation and a quiz
mode. (www.aview.in)
A-VEW is also being used for large-scale teacher training
programs, thereby raising the standard of education on a
broad scale. Users can view previously recorded A-VEW
classroom sessions. A-VEW runs on Windows, Mac
and Linux operating systems and also runs on desktops,
laptops and Android smartphones and tablets.
n 2011, A-VEW won the Jury Award for Best nnovation in Open and Distance Learning
at the World Education Summit in New Delhi. Computer World Magazine (USA) recognized
AERL with the Computer World Honors Laureate (under the Training Education Category)
and Educational Award in the feld of Educational Technology at the ndo-Global Education
Summit and Expo, in 2012
A-VEW has so far been installed in more than 2,000
higher educational institutions across ndia and is gradu-
ally being extended to schools and vocational centres.
A-VIEW at the 2011 World Education Summit
A-VIEW allows a professor at one location
to teach students at another location.
embracing the world

SPANNING A DIVERSE ARRAY OF DISCIPLINES,
ETW RESEARCH PROJECTS SHARE A SINGLE
GOAL: TO HARNESS THE POWER OF MOD-
ERN TECHNOLOGY TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE,
TARGETED AID TO COMMUNITIES AND
INDIVIDUALS IN NEED.
Virtual Labs
To help bridge the gap between institutions and
industries that can afford high-budget physical
laboratories and educational institutions with fewer
resources, Amrita University's VALUE (Virtual and
Accessible Laboratories Universalizing Education)
project are developing virtual laboratories with
state-of-the-art computer simulation technology.
The virtual labs simulate real-world scientifc labo-
ratory environments. With funding from the Gov-
ernment of ndia's Ministry of Human Resources
Development, VALUE is pioneering virtual labs in a
broad range of felds ranging from biotechnology and mechanical engineering to the chemical
and physical sciences. Web-based graphical user interfaces ensure global accessibility to high-
quality educational resources, regardless of geographic location. As lower-budget institutions
typically cater to the needs of those in the lower end of the income spectrum, these virtual
labs can help to eliminate the educational handicaps that have typically served as obstacles
to higher education for the poor.
embracing the world

Educational Technologies
CREATE @ Amrita
With the goal of designing accessible and affordable edu-
cational technologies, the Amrita Centre for Research in
Advanced Technologies for Education, or CREATE, conducts
research initiatives in areas such as personalized and adap-
tive learning, online science labs, mobile learning, tabletop
technologies for collaborative learning, and computer assisted
language learning labs. Social and educational systems for
young children are designed in such a manner that creativ-
ity and values are nurtured along with knowledge. Over
27,000 students in rural schools are using ndia's frst-ever
computer-aided adaptive assessment and learning program.
n partnership with ntel, the centre provides free CT training
to women teachers in the use of computer-aided teaching-
learning methodologies.
CREATE has built a simulation lab for STEM skills to develop
and deploy immersive educational experiences using
2D and 3D simulations. t works as a consortium partner in various research projects with
renowned nternational institutions such as the ndian nstitutes of Technology, C-DAC,
Carnegie Mellon University, UC-Berkeley, HP Global Social nnovation and under research
grants from the Government of ndia. (www.amrita.edu/create)
Biomedical Devices for
Affordable Diabetes
Management
For an ndian living with diabetes, as much as
25% of family income is spent on diabetes care. At
Amrita University, Embracing the World research-
ers at the School of Biotechnology are developing
state-of-the-art biomedical devices specifcally
geared toward providing high-quality, low-cost,
precise and personalized care for the burgeon-
ing diabetic population of ndia. The School is
currently working on ndia's first indigenously
designed (US patent # 8,034,019 B2, Oct 2011)
automated insulin pump and glucose sensor.
When introduced into the feld, these devices will
allow for diabetic patients to monitor and regulate
their blood glucose levels in an easy and afford-
able manner.
Use of automated insulin pump is demonstrated
to patient at AIMS Hospital
National Research Award for
Amrita Universitys Dean
of Research
Marking a notable achievement in the history of Amrita Univer-
sity, its Dean of Research, Dr. Shantikumar Nair, received the
prestigious National Research Award from the Ministry of Science
and Technology in New Delhi on February 28, 2011. This award,
given to just one scientist in ndia every year, was bestowed upon
Amrita's Dr. Nair for his spectacular contributions to the emerg-
ing field of nanosciences and nanotechnology. The award was
handed over to Dr. Nair by Professor C. N. R. Rao, Honorary President of the Jawaharlal
Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientifc Research (JNCASR) and Scientifc Advisor to the Prime
Minister of ndia. Dr. Nair is also the Director of the Amrita Centre for Nanosciences, which
recently began a successful foray in investigating nanotechnology applications for solar
photovoltaic cells.
embracing the world

Medical Research
AMS has an extensive research capability with projects supported by the ndian Council
of Medical Research, the Department of Science & Technology, the Department of ndian
System of Medicine & Homeopathy and other national and international research bodies.
The Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine
The Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine was established in 2006 at the
Kochi campus of Amrita University. The focus of the Centre was to explore applications of
nanotechnology and nanomaterials in biomedical and energy areas. These have included
nanomedicine, tissue engineering, solar cells, supercapacitors and batteries. Currently the
Centre has 20 PhD faculty with post-doctoral training from all over the world. The Director
of the Centre is Professor Shantikumar Nair, PhD (Columbia University), recipient of the
Presidential Award (United States) and a recipient of the National Research Award from the
Government of ndia. The Centre was the very frst nanotechnology centre funded by the
government of ndia in the biomedical area. n 2008, a major new program was established
at this centre in the feld of solar photovoltaics using nanotechnology as an enabling technol-
ogy to enhance effciency. This new program is also supported by the Department of Science
and Technology. A large program in energy storage devices supported by the Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy (MNRE) followed this. Also in 2008, a major initiative in the toxicity
of nanomaterials has been initiated at this centre with funding from the Department of Bio-
technology, the Government of ndia. n 2011, the Nanomission of the Government of ndia
designated the Centre as a Thematic Unit of Excellence in Tissue Engineering and Medical
Bio Nanotechnology. This is only one of nine Thematic Units of Excellence in the country. n
addition to the nano programs, the Centre has also active programs in molecular medicine with
a focus on cancer biology, neurodegenerative diseases and infectious diseases. The Centre
has a very active academic program with three MTech programs - one in Nanoscience and
Technology (biomedical applications); one in Nanotechnology (energy applications) and one
in Molecular Medicine (clinical applications). n addition, the Centre is fully supporting about
75 PhD students in various areas of research.
Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for viewing structures inside
cells by optical sectioning
Raman Confocal Microscope for Raman
imaging of cells and their internal structures
embracing the world

FOR A BETTER WORLD
more than 2.6 million patients treated for free
more than $70 million in charitable medical care since 1998
outreach programs bringing cutting-edge technology
to remote tribal areas with more than
100 free medical drives every year
5%.&/5
6.$%
Amrita Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIMS)
AMS Hospital (www.aimshospitaI.org) was created out of Amma's desire to provide out-
standing medical care in a spirit of compassion to all, regardless of one's ability to pay. AMS
is dedicated to the service of humanity, and the institution offers charitable care to the fullest
extent possible to those in need. Most patients receive free or subsidised care.
The 1,300-bed tertiary care hospital houses 51 departments and 12 centres of excellence.
The hospital has 24 operating theatres, 210 intensive care beds and a 240-bed extended care
facility. An attached medical college hospital has a 500-bed facility.
Patient care is enhanced by state-of-the-art diagnostic clinical laboratories and body-scanning
facilities. The fully computerised Hospital nformation System ensures rapid transmission of
diagnoses to surgeons and physicians. AMS also has extensive
paramedical-outreach and support services.
Since opening its doors in 1998, AMS and its satellite hos-
pitals and clinics run by Embracing the World treated more
than 7.6 million patients. During that time, they have provided
more than 70 million USD (Rs. 380 crores and 80 lakhs) worth
of charitable medical care; more than 2.6 million patients
received completely free treatment. Over and above its existing
charitable care, in September 2009 AMS announced it would
provide 200 heart surgeries and 50 kidney transplants free of
charge for patients living below the poverty line.
AMS is the frst university teaching hospital to be accredited
by NABH, NAAC, NABL and SO.
embracing the world
| HEALTH CARE | 75
Patient Care
AMS offers sophisticated and compassionate care in a serene and beautiful atmosphere.
The hospital is recognised as one of the premier hospitals in South Asia. The institution has
attracted a highly qualifed and dedicated team of medical professionals with international
experience. Patients come to AMS from all over ndia and the world.
Outpatients have rapid and easy access to a wide range of medical departments at a very low
cost. Cross-specialty consultation assures thorough, outstanding treatment for each patient.
The AMS Centre for Holistic Medicine offers integrated treatment for various diseases, com-
bining modern medicine with yoga, ayurveda and naturopathy.
Special Outreach
Projects
Diabetes is a major life-threatening disease in Kerala. AMS' Dept of Endocrinology set up
the Amrita Diabetes Welfare Society to increase awareness of the disease and to provide
free insulin for poor patients. The association organises regular medical camps to promote
preventive measures.
Cleft palates and lip-palate defects are the fourth most common deformities in the world.
35,000 babies in ndia are born with such conditions every year. The AMS Head and Neck
Department provides reconstructive surgeries and runs regular free screening camps to locate
and treat new cases. n 2010, AMS performed 42 free cleft-palate surgeries for poor patients.
Monitoring diabetes
Before and after cleft-palate surgery
embracing the world
| HEALTH CARE | 76
Pediatric intensive care
Pain and Palliative
Home Care
Started in 1999, this department has provided loving medical care and psychological support
to impoverished patients with terminal diseases. Doctors visit patients in their homes, supply
drugs, counsel the families and supervise nursing care. 75,000 patients are treated annually
- all free of charge.
Telemedicine
n 2002, AMS established the frst Telemedicine
Centre in Kerala in partnership with the ndian
Space Research Organisation (SRO). The centre
allows highly trained doctors at AMS to guide
doctors at remote locations through complex
procedures via satellite video feed. Telemedicine
was used extensively to facilitate Embracing the
World's relief work following the 2004 ndian
Ocean Tsunami. As of January 2011, the AMS
Telemedicine Centre serves more than 40 hos-
pitals throughout ndia, as well as Embracing the
World's own Village Resource Centres in remote
tribal areas, the popular pilgrimage sites of Amri-
tapuri and Sabarimala, and the Andaman slands.
AMS also operates a Mobile Telemedicine Unit,
the size of a city bus, which brings sophisticated
medical care to remote areas. The Mobile Tele-
medicine Unit was sent to Bihar by train to assist
ETW's food-relief operations there in 2008. As of
November 2011, the mobile unit has been used to
treat more than 500,000 patients throughout ndia.
n 2009, AMS Telemedicine Centre became part
of the ndia's PAN-African telemedicine network.
Through this telemedicine network, AMS pro-
vides e-health services to Benin, Burkina Faso,
Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mauritius,
Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Seychelles. The
network makes medical consultation in various
medical specialties available to care centres and
hospitals in these rural areas.
The Mobile Telemedicine Unit
Palliative home care for the terminally ill
embracing the world
| HEALTH CARE | 77
Free Medical Camps
in Remote Areas
Every year AMS conducts more than 100 free health camps in remote, impoverished areas.
Eye camps screen for cataract conditions. When necessary, patients are sent to AMS for free
operations. n 2010, AMS performed free cataract surgeries for 726 patients.
AMS Hospital Mobile Medical Assistance provides free medical care to remote tribal villages.
The villagers are screened for serious diseases and given free medicines. Serious cases are
referred to AMS.
AMS disaster-relief teams have conducted hundreds of medical camps during disasters such
as the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, the 2004 ndian Ocean Tsunami, the 2005 Mumbai foods,
ndia's 2006 Chikungunya epidemic, the 2008 Bihar food and the 2009 West Bengal cyclone.
Dental and eye camps in remote villages
A patient receiving a consultation via telemedicine link
embracing the world
| HEALTH CARE | 78
Community Medicine
Department

Amrita School of Medicine
This department provides family-oriented health education, training doctors in the art of com-
munity medicine with a strong emphasis on feld experience and on-the-ground training. The
department manages a rural health centre in Njarakkal, 25 kilometres from AMS, and an urban
health centre in Kaloor. The centres serve 200 people daily.
For government agencies, the department has trained health-workers who work in the com-
munity, counselling thousands of impoverished mothers. t has also trained 200 tribal villagers
in basic nursing, enabling them to promote health and hygiene in their villages. AMS students
play an active role. They also conduct seminars in schools and colleges focusing on reproduc-
tive health, HV/ADS, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Health awareness camps at rural and urban health centres in Njarakkal and Kaloor.
NOT EVERYONE CAN MAKE THE TRIP
TO AIMS, AMMAS TERTIARY CARE
HOSPITAL IN KOCHI. THATS WHY
ETW HAS ESTABLISHED SATELLITE
HOSPITALS IN REMOTE AREAS AND
CONDUCTS MORE THAN 100 FREE
MEDICAL CAMPS EVERY YEAR.
embracing the world
| HEALTH CARE | 79
AIMS
Charitable Hospitals

Kalpetta, Kerala
Most patients belong to tribal communities. As many as 200
people visit the outpatient clinic daily. Out of deep concern
for the indigenous population, the doctors also make rounds
to remote tribal hamlets.

Amritapuri, Kerala
This hospital provides care to the residents of eight coastal
villages, as well as to Amritapuri's residents and visitors.
Nearly 10,000 people are registered as out-patients.

Pampa, Kerala
This hospital offers 24-hour free medical service near
Sabarimala, a popular, remote hilltop temple. The 25-bed
hospital provides for the hundreds of thousands who make
the pilgrimage every year. t has two fully equipped ambu-
lances and a 15-member medical team, including cardiac
specialists.

Mysore, Karnataka
The 20-bed hospital serves the needs of more than 100 poor
villages in Bogadi.
Charitable hospital in Kalpetta. Charitable hospital in Amritapuri.
Charitable hospital in Pampa.
Charitable hospital in Mysore.
embracing the world
| HEALTH CARE | 80
Amrita Kripa Sagar
HIV/AIDS
Care Centre
Trivandrum, Kerala
Amrita Kripa Sagar is a Community Care Centre
dedicated to the economically challenged HV
infected and is situated at Nedumangad, Thiruva-
nanthapuram in Kerala. The centre has a 25-bed
inpatient facility, a physical rehabilitation depart-
ment and a general OP which also caters to the
healthcare requirements of the locals. Placed in
a serene rural setting, the care home provides
a total comprehensive rehabilitation for persons
living with HV and ADS (PLHAs). Apart from
quality healthcare, services include psycho-social
and spiritual counseling, group therapy, home
care, educational support for PLHAs' children
and vocational training. A nearby government
clinic provides anti-retroviral drugs, allowing
ETW's care centre to focus on providing material
and psychological support for people living with
HV and ADS in a culture where the disease still
carries a strong negative stigma. An outpatient
clinic, open daily, provides free medicines for the
poor and is particularly geared toward supporting
people with HV/ADS.

Amrita Kripa Sagar
Cancer Hospice

Mumbai, Maharashtra
Since 1995, this hospice has been providing free
care and spiritual solace to patients suffering from
terminal cancer. t also provides free medicine,
rice and other food items to the poor. Books
are also regularly distributed to impoverished
children.
Cancer Hospice, Mumbai
AIDS Care Centre, Trivandrum
embracing the world
| HEALTH CARE | 81
AIDS Care Centre, Trivandrum
Amrita Health Centre

Port Blair, Andaman
After the 2004 ndian Ocean Tsunami, the
islanders requested Amma's help to establish
state-of-the-art medical facilities. The centre
provides the specialist services of cardiology,
pediatrics and general medicine. The centre is
equipped with fully computerized Lab, digital
X-ray, ECG, TMT Colour Doppler, a telemedi-
cine unit and ambulance services.
School of Ayurveda,
Hospital & Research
Centre
Vallikkavu
Amritapuri, Kerala
The Amrita School of Ayurveda was estab-
lished to revitalize ndia's traditional medical
heritage. The school runs a 160-bed hospital
equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, includ-
ing X-ray, ECG, ultrasound, CU, operating
theatres and a fully equipped pathology
laboratory. There is also a casualty section, a
labour room and a pharmacy that dispenses
400 types of natural and allopathic medicines.
The hospital offers traditional panchakarma
(ancient purifcation treatment) for inpatients
and outpatients.
The hospital's fve-acre herbal garden main-
tains more than 750 species of medicinal
plants. n addition, the hospital accommo-
dates a drug-manufacturing unit, Amrita Life,
where medicines are prepared according to
traditional texts. At the Amritapuri Ashram, an
ayurvedic clinic also provides panchakarma
treatment for visitors.
Amrita Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital
Ayurvedic herb nursery
Manufacturing traditional ayurvedic medicines
embracing the world
| HEALTH CARE | 82
Health Centre, Andaman Islands
feeding more than 10 million people every year throughout India
distributing uncooked rice, milk and other staples to remote tribal areas
serving more than 100,000 meals to the homeless and hungry
internationally, including more than 75,000 people
in 47 cities throughout North America
0'(5/'*(
54*(%$
Street children receive regular meals in Mumbai
Palakkad ashram, Kerala, hot meal service
Staple foods are regularly distributed to
remote locations accessible only on foot.
Anna Danam:
the Gift of Food
When the majority of ndia's people earn less
than Rs. 80 (1.66 USD) a day, and the price of
a kilo of rice ranges between Rs. 20 and Rs.
80, it is no wonder that nearly 50 percent of
ndia's population suffer from malnourishment.
Through Amritapuri, Amma's main ashram, and
its branch centres, Embracing the World feeds
more than 10 million poor people every year
throughout ndia.
The centres welcome people as their guests
and serve them hot meals. n this way volun-
teers also get to know the people and their
needs. At the Mumbai ashram this service has
been running for 15 years.
n the frst six months after the 2004 ndian
Ocean Tsunami, ETW provided more than six
million free meals to disaster survivors, as well
as more than 185 tons of uncooked rice to help
the survivors make ends meet.
Along with food distribution, the ETW centres
often provide a free medical camp with several
specialist doctors in attendance providing free
medicines.
For longer-term provisioning of people in more
remote areas, ETW centres also distribute
uncooked rice, milk and clothing.
embracing the world
| FIGHTING HUNGER | 84
Mothers
Kitchen
n the United States, one in eight Americans (more than
35 million) don't have dependable, consistent access to
food due to limited money and resources, and nearly 60
percent of Americans between the ages of 25 and 75 fall
below the poverty line for at least one year.
Embracing the World is committed to making a difference
wherever and whenever possible. Through a program
called Mother's Kitchen, volunteers provide more than
75,000 meals a year for the homeless in 47 cities through-
out North America. Mother's Kitchen volunteers support
social-service groups using their in-house kitchen facilities
to provide meals: e.g. in soup kitchens, women's shelters,
old-age facilities, half-way houses etc.
On a regular basis the volunteers take over the shopping,
cooking and serving of a meal, providing much needed
support for the full-time staff. n this way they serve the
hungry and also those who serve the hungry. This project
builds long-standing bonds between volunteer organiza-
tions, and between the volunteers and those they serve.
Some Mother's Kitchens are now 10 years old.
n Spain, Amma's centre collects donations of staple
foods such as vegetables, fruit, bread, milk, yogurt, and
regularly redistributes them to more than 200 families
in need. All together, our international volunteers serve
more than 100,000 meals to the homeless and hungry
around the world.
ETW VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN SERVING THE
HOMELESS AND HUNGRY IN CITIES ACROSS
NORTH AMERICA FOR MORE THAN 10
YEARS. IN 2009, AMMAS CENTRE IN SPAIN
LAUNCHED A PROGRAM TO PROVIDE REGU-
LAR DONATIONS OF STAPLE FOODS TO MORE
THAN 200 FAMILIES IN NEED.
embracing the world
| FIGHTING HUNGER | 85
using permaculture, eco-friendly buildings, and
recycling projects to create exemplary
sustainable living communities at Ammas centres worldwide
member organization of the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign
promoting local participation in conservation efforts worldwide
more than 1 million trees planted globally since 2001
($%%*
'*'/'./',%+
GreenFriends
GreenFriends, the environmental branch of Embracing the World, is a rapidly growing inter-
national movement to foster lifestyles that respect nature. GreenFriends encourages us to
reawaken our awareness of the unity between nature and humanity, and to cultivate love and
reverence for nature. Throughout the world, Amma's main centres are working to become
exemplary, educational ecological sites. Through their examples, they promote the principles
of self-sustaining eco-communities. By encouraging sustainable living principles in all Amrita
institutions, Amma and her volunteers are sowing the seeds of a better future.
GreenFriends is also a key actor in developing informal education models in the feld of
sustainable living. Several of our projects and events have been formally recognized by
UNESCO as part of the UN Decade on Education for Sustainable Development. Through
concrete projects, participants can develop knowledge and skills in the felds of permaculture,
tree-planting, organic gardening and the restoration and preservation of wildlife sanctuaries.
GreenFriends also conducts nature retreats and group meditations in forests and other natural
settings. GreenFriends volunteers also build eco-friendly dwellings, promote the use of Effec-
tive Microorganisms (EM) as a sanitizing agent and develop recycling projects and ways to
preserve land and water. A member organization of the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign,
GreenFriends has planted more than one million trees globally since 2001.
Earth Charter
n New York in 2009, Amma endorsed the Earth
Charter, a declaration of fundamental principles for
building a sustainable and peaceful world. The draft-
ing of the Earth Charter was coordinated by renowned
philanthropist and activist Dr. Steven C. Rockefeller,
who was on hand to witness Amma's endorsement.
Amma endorsed the Earth Charter in 2009
THROUGHOUT HER LIFE, AMMA HAS BEEN
EXPRESSING DEEP CONCERN FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT. SHE HAS PUBLICLY CALLED
ON ALL OF HER ADMIRERS AND DEVOTEES
TO TAKE CONCRETE STEPS TOWARD THE
RESTORATION OF NATURES DELICATE
BALANCE, INCLUDING CONSERVATION
OF RESOURCES, REFORESTATION EFFORTS,
AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES.
embracing the world
| GREEN INITIATIVES | 87
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SMALL THINGS
YOU CAN DO
RIGHT NOW
6
TO MAKE A BIG
DIFFERENCE
ITS AMMAS IDEA. LETS EMBRACE IT.
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embracing the world
Organic Farming
Initiative
More than 10,000 members of Embracing
the World's women's empowerment self-help
groups are being supported to grow organic
vegetables on their own land. ETW is distrib-
uting free seeds to all the participants, and
is arranging free training and demonstration
classes by traditional farmers and agricultur-
alists adept in organic farming.
naugurating the initiative, the Chief Minister of Kerala Sri. Oomen Chandy remarked, "The
social-service activities executed by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math are always conceived
with foresight. Assisting these 10,000 people to cultivate organic vegetables on 1,000 acres,
[Amma's organization] is becoming a role-model for society.
n announcing the project, Amma said, "The goal of this initiative is to sustain the tradition of
organic farming and to revive the culture of growing vegetables that one consumes, without
using chemicals and pesticides. Everyone should be able to eat vegetables grown organically
at least once in a week... Even if a person is able to do organic farming in one cent (1100 acre)
of land, it is a big step in restoring the lost harmony of nature. We have not inherited the land
from our ancestors; we have borrowed it from our children. We have to return this land to the
coming generations without allowing even the slightest damage to happen to it.
Chief Minister Oomen Chandy distributing the
seeds to program participants.
InDeed Campaign for Nature
Online, Grassroots and Worldwide
Embracing the World's nDeed Campaign for Nature is an online framework built by ETW
volunteers to support people all over the world in putting Amma's practical suggestions -- about
the way we might use the earth's remaining resources, and the way we interact with the natural
world -- into practice in our own lives and our own communities. The volunteers have identifed
six simple, concrete actions each of us can take, based on Amma's recommendations - con-
serve water, reduce your carbon footprint, plant a tree, grow your own vegetables, carpool,
and help preserve biodiversity by creating sanctuaries for birds and insects.
When you make a personal commitment to do any of these actions at embracingtheworld.
org/indeed, you receive a free nDeed Guide (PDF) packed with helpful information about
why these actions are so important and practical tips to get started. So far, we have already
garnered more than 15,000 commitments to make a difference for nature.
Amrita Recycling and
Composting Center
n order to provide an educational model of pro-
fessional waste management designed to meet
the needs of ndia's rapidly increasing popula-
tion, the Amrita Recycling Center at Amritapuri
Ashram has been developing techniques to
effciently clean, compost and recycle the waste
of its 3,000 ashram residents, 2,000 students,
and countless annual visitors.
All ashram waste is picked up from specially
designed waste-stations around the ashram
which demonstrate basic segregation of bio-
degradable waste from non-biodegradable
waste. The four main segregations of waste
include food waste, paper, soft plastic, and hard
items such as metal, glass and hard plastics.
More extensive waste sorting is conducted at
the Amrita Recycling Center, where over 70
categories of waste are designated for shipment
to recycling plants in ndia. 80 percent of all
ashram waste is successfully recycled. Every
day, efforts are made to fnd more re-uses for
the waste.
Educational courses are being developed on
the importance of proper waste management.
The waste management compound serves as a
tour model for visiting groups of schoolteachers
and children, businesspeople, political offcials,
and others.
The composting team processes over 1.5 tons
of food waste daily and produces about 30
tons of compost every month. Worm compost,
frst- and second-quality composts are sold to
local agricultural projects and provide organic
relief to agriculturists who would otherwise have
limited access to organic resources. (Across all
Amma's institutions in ndia, 8 tons of organic
waste are processed each day.)
The labor involved in the total waste manage-
ment efforts of the ashram volunteers adds up to
approximately 4,000 hours per month. No paid
labor is involved in the pickup, sorting, cleaning,
or composting of the ashram waste.
embracing the world
Case Studies
n Kerala, ndia, ETW maintains three medicinal
plant gardens that conserve coastal, midland and
forest ecosystems and provide employment for
local women. The Coimbatore campus of Amrita
University maintains an Environmental Studies
Centre, which conducts research on eco-friendly
techniques, manages an organic farm and has
implemented the use of Effective Micro-organisms
for recycling the university's wastewater.
n France, in a project supported by the European
Commission DG Education and Culture, Amma's
volunteers built a walk-in bee sanctuary that offers
the educational experience of living with bees.
(www.greenfriends-france.org)
Throughout Europe, Greenfriends is using organic
cultivation methods and developing seed banks to
preserve local, ancient and/or endangered seeds.
n 2007, Amma asked that 1,000 fruit trees be
planted at M.A.Center, San Ramon (USA). Today,
with rolling hills of fruit trees, GreenFriends Farm
has blossomed into an educational center for
ecologically conscious agriculture. t is a desti-
nation for enjoying nature, and a vibrant spot for
volunteers of all ages.
The Plastic
Project
This project utilises simple tools and traditional
weaving techniques to recycle plastic packaging.
Soft plastic yarn is made for crotcheted items and
stiff plastic strips are woven. Production includes
shopping bags, purses, sandals, hats, mobile
phone covers, etc. The Plastic Project is active
in ndia, America, Japan and Europe. n ndia,
volunteers from all over the world are using oth-
erwise nonrecyclable hard plastic packing straps
to weave bed bases for metal-framed foldaway
beds for disaster survivors.
Building an educational bee sanctuary
in France
Eco-friendly waste-water management
(Amrita University)
Recycling plastic to produce beds for
disaster survivors
Seeds collected for a seed bank in France
embracing the world
Amrita University, one of the fastest-growing universities in India
with 16 schools across fve satellite-linked campuses
working in partnership with 30+ leading universities worldwide
57 primary and secondary schools throughout India
with more than 100,000 students across all institutions
Amritapuri Ashram and branch centres throughout India and worldwide
.!$'/.
'*+/'/4/')*+
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham - Amrita University
Under the enlightened leadership of Chancellor Amma, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita
University) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing institutions of higher learning in ndia.
Headquartered at Coimbatore, the university also has campuses at Amritapuri, Kochi, Bengaluru
and Mysore. (www.amrita.edu)
With a focus on inculcating values such as compassion, kindness, and service to those in need,
the university offers 150+ undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in Engineering,
Business, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Journalism, Biotechnology, nformation Tech-
nology, Arts and Sciences, Health Sciences, Education, Microbiology, Hospital Management,
Communication, Social Work, Nanosciences and Ayurveda.
Based on evaluation of all campuses and programs by a peer review committee, the university
has been accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an 'A'
grade. Amrita has a student population of over 17,000 and faculty strength of 2,000, including
over 300 faculty members with PhD/DM qualifcations. The university also has 25 research
centers and 300 projects that have yielded more than 2,500 journal publications, 300 awards,
125 books, 250 book chapters, and 50 patent flings in recent years.
Research at Amrita is focused on societal beneft. Professors are encouraged to come out of
the lab to deploy their research and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The
preeminence of the schools of engineering, medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology, manage-
ment and sciences has brought an inter-disciplinary fair into all of Amrita's research projects.
The Amrita Center for nternational Programs actively promotes student exchange programs
with universities across the world. Through the semester exchange program, Amrita aims to
provide students with a meaningful overseas experience, incorporating study, which counts
toward their degree.
International Alliances with USA, Europe and Asia
More than 30 leading universities worldwide, including the UC Schools in California, Stanford,
USC, MT, University of New Mexico, the UT Schools in Texas, SUNY Buffalo, Carnegie Mellon,
University of Michigan, NYU, University of Maryland, Mayo, EPFL in Switzerland, VU in Amster-
dam, TU Munich, Roma Tre, ETH Zurich and the University of Tokyo are working together with
Amrita University to enhance higher education and research in ndia. ndustry partners include
nfosys, BM, Phillips, NSN, Bosch, National nstruments, Qualcomm, HP, SRO, and TCS. Amrita
University is also a partner in the Erasmus Mundus exchange program between nine European
and seven Asian universities.
embracing the world
| AMRITA INSTITUTIONS | 93
AMRTAPUR: School of Arts & Sciences amrita.edu/asas
School of Engineering engineering.amrita.edu
School of Ayurveda ayurveda.amrita.edu
School of Biotechnology biotech.amrita.edu
School of Business amrita.edu/asb
Department of Social Work amrita.edu/msw
Amrita Research
Amrita Center for nternational Programs
amrita.edu/research
amrita.edu/global
BANGALORE: School of Engineering engineering.amrita.edu
COMBATORE: School of Engineering engineering.amrita.edu
School of Communication amrita.edu/ascom
Department of Social Work amrita.edu/msw
Amrita Research amrita.edu/research
KOCH: School of Medicine aims.amrita.edu
School of Dentistry aims.amrita.edu
School of Nursing aims.amrita.edu
School of Pharmacy aims.amrita.edu
Centre for Nanosciences amrita.edu/acns
Amrita Research amrita.edu/research
MYSORE: School of Arts & Sciences amrita.edu/asas
School of Education amrita.edu/ased
Schools of Amrita University
embracing the world
This is not just another university, but a very high-quality, world-class university...
focusing on technology and research, dealing with very concrete issues which have
immediate applications. 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus
Amrita Vidyalayam
Schools
MAM has established 51 Amrita Vidyalayam
English-medium schools throughout ndia, as
well as fve Malayalam-medium schools and one
Sanskrit-medium school. Amrita Vidyalayams
have state-of-the-art learning facilities. They use
'Amrita Learning', an educational software devel-
oped by Amrita Technologies and inaugurated by
former President of ndia Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
A phonics-based program grounds children
in language skills. Broadband nternet allows
investigation of approved educational websites.
All Amrita Vidyalayams boast a 100 percent pass
rate in board examinations.
Values play a central role. Children are encour-
aged to develop both head and heart and to
practise selfessness, compassion and respect
for others in all activities. Students are exposed to
ndia's rich, ancient culture through the arts, yoga,
meditation and chanting Sanskrit prayers. Ample
opportunities are provided for participation in a
variety of sports, martial arts and environmental
activities.
Amrita Vidyalayam students and schools regularly
garner national awards and even international
attention. Most recently, our schools won 16 out
of 100 national sanitation and environmental con-
servation awards, with more than 10,500 schools
competing. Two Amrita Vidyalayam students
were among 10 students nationwide selected to
represent ndia at the nternational Science and
Engineering Fair held in May 2013, in Phoenix,
Arizona, USA. (www.amritavidyaIayam.org)
Amrita Vidyalayam students interact with
then-President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
embracing the world
Amritapuri: Ammas Ashram
Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM)
Vallikkavu, Kerala: International Headquarters
Amritapuri Ashram is the headquarters of Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), Amma's ndia-
based spiritual and humanitarian organization, and the international headquarters of Embracing
the World. t is also home to an international community of more than 3,000 people. Permanent
residents include monastic disciples and families from all over ndia and abroad. nspired by
Amma, they have dedicated their lives to attaining the goal of Self-realisation and serving the
world. t is here that they live with Amma, imbibing her teachings, practicing meditation and
participating in selfess service.
Amritapuri is also an international pilgrimage centre for people searching for solace, inspiration
and inner peace. Thousands of people come to the ashram every day to experience Amma's
boundless love. Amma makes herself available day and night to meet everyone who comes,
and to advise the disciples and volunteers managing the many humanitarian projects of
Embracing the World. Daily, Amma leads the evening prayers and devotional singing. Several
times a week, she sits with all the residents in meditation and holds open question-and-answer
sessions on spiritual topics.
Embracing the World nternational was conceived by MAM, and in ndia, Embracing the World
projects are conceived and carried out by MAM. t is from Amritapuri that Amma's disciples
and volunteers are instructed to go out to manage MAM's institutions and branch centres, and
to conduct public programs in ndia and abroad.

Amrita Families
People whose lives have been touched by Amma keep in touch with one another through
'Amrita Families,' or 'satsang groups.' Through their local satsang group, families and friends
come together regularly to chant, sing devotional songs, meditate and engage in service
projects. These gatherings create peace and harmony within the family, within the community
and in society as a whole. Today, there are thousands of such satsang groups throughout
ndia and hundreds abroad.
NOW HOME TO MORE THAN 3,000
PEOPLE, AMMAS BIRTHPLACE HAS
GROWN INTO AN INTERNATIONAL
PILGRIMAGE CENTRE AND THE
HEADQUARTERS OF AMMAS WORLD-
WIDE SPIRITUAL AND HUMANITARIAN
ORGANIZATION.
embracing the world
Branch Centres
MAM has established hundreds of branch centres and service groups throughout ndia and
abroad. Many centres include temples and schools. The monastic disciples in charge conduct
public programs and organise selfess-service activities in response to the needs of their area.
Major centres exist in USA, Europe, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Reunion
sland and Mauritius as well as throughout ndia.
Brahmasthanam
Temples
n 1989, Amma began consecrating Brahmasthanams, temples that emphasize the essential
unity underlying the different forms of God. Besides being places for prayer, their purpose is
to re-educate people in the true principles of temple worship. Amma personally consecrates
these temples. She was the frst spiritual leader in Kerala to appoint women as temple priests.
As of May 2011, there are 20 Brahmasthanam temples throughout ndia and one in Mauritius.
Amrita Keerti Award
MAM initiated this award in 2001 to encourage and support ndian culture. t is conferred on
distinguished persons making signifcant contributions to ndia's heritage and to those engaged
in national or social service. The award is given at the state and national level.
embracing the world
Publications
MAM has published more than 30 books detailing Amma's teachings. There are also scrip-
tural commentaries, books of devotional songs, poetry and Sanskrit mantras. The books are
available in 25 languages.
Two magazines, Matruvani and mmortal Bliss, present Amma's teachings, inspiring articles and
the multifaceted experiences of people whose lives have been touched by Amma. Matruvani
is available in English, French, German, talian, Spanish, Finnish and Japanese, as well as in
Malayalam, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil.
Audio-Visual Products
Amma's soul-stirring devotional songs and other spiritual music are available on a wide range
of CDs. MAM also produces a number of educational CD-ROMS that explain the principles of
dharma and spirituality. Amma's ndian and world tours, her speeches at international forums
and her humanitarian projects are presented on DVDs.
!" $%& '( )**"
vol. xl - n 2 | ulclembre 2010
embracing the world
m
a
i
n

c
o
n
t
a
c
t
s
INDIA - THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
Mata Amritanandamayi Math
Amritapuri P.O., Kollam District,
Kerala, 690525, ndia
Ph: (int+91) (0)476 289 6278, 289 5888
E-mail: inform@amritapuri.org
Website: www.amritapuri.org
USA MAIN CENTRE
MA Center, P.O. Box 613, San Ramon,
CA 94583-0613, USA
Phone: (int+1) 510 537 9417
Fax: (int+1) 510 889 8585
E-mail: macenter@amma.org
Website: www.amma.org
CANADA
Amma Foundation of Canada
9158 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown, ON
L7G 4S5
Phone: (int+1) 289 344 0840
E-mail: info@ammacanada.ca
Website: www.ammacanada.ca
MEXICO
Amma Center Cancun
Plaza Comercial Zona Zentro.
Av. Kabah Esq. Con Calle Holbox - SM 13
Mz 1 - Lote 22 - 2do Nivel
Phone: (int+52) (998) 1 85-30 21
E-mail: info@ammamexico.org.mx
Website: www.ammamexico.org.mx
AUSTRALIA
MA Centre Australia, 842 Dandenong
/Frankston Road, Carrum Downs,
Melbourne, Victoria, 320, Australia
Phone: (int+61) 3 9782 9927
Fax: (int+61) 3 9782 9032
E-mail: info@ammaaustralia.org.au
Website: www.ammaaustralia.org.au
JAPAN MAIN CENTRE
MA Center Japan, 206-0804 Tokyo-to,
nagi-shi, Momura, 1620-1 Japan
Phone: (int+81) 42 370 4448
Fax: (int+81) 42 370 4449
E-mail: info@amma.jp
Website: www.amma.jp
SINGAPORE
Amriteswari Society, MA Center, No. 3,
Hindoo Rd., (off Serangoon Rd.), Singapore
Phone: (int+65) 6234 3132
E-mail: amrita@amma.org.sg
Website: www.amma.org.sg
FRANCE
Centre Amma, Ferme du Plessis
28190 Pontgouin, France
Phone: (int+33) (0)2 37 37 44 30
E-mail: france@amma-europe.org
Website: www.amma-france.org
GERMANY
MA Center Germany, Hof Herrenberg 1,
64753 Brombachtal, Germany
Tel. (int.+49) (0) 6063 57 99 33
Fax: (int.+49) (0) 6063 57 99 53
E-mail: germany@amma-europe.org
Website: www.amma.de
SPAIN
Centro Amma, Can Creixell, 08784,
Piera-Barcelona, Spain
Phone: (int.+34) (0) 931 022043
E-mail: spain@amma-europe.org
Website: www.ammachi.es
BELGIUM
Amma Center, Broekstraat 6
9140 Tielrode, Belgium
Phone: (int+32) 3 771 5227
Fax: (int+32) 3 771 3034
E-mail: belgium@amma-europe.org
SWITZERLAND
M.A. Center Switzerland / Seminarzentrum
Ziegelhuette, 8416
Flaach, Switzerland
Phone: (int+41) 52 318 1300
E-mail: macenter@amma.ch
Website: www.amma.ch
KENYA
Amrita Centre Kenya
P.O. Box 39712
Nairobi 00623, Kenya
(int+254) 731 226 622, 717 226 622.
E-mail: info@amritakenya.com
Website: www.amritakenya.com
MAURITIUS
MA Center, St. Jean Rd.
Quatre Bornes, Mauritius
Phone: (int+230) 466 2718
Fax: (int+230) 454 5031
E-mail: macmru@intnet.mu
www.embracingtheworld.org
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| HOMES & SLUM RENOVATION | 40

in youth and adult correctional facilities.

AM-ntegrated Amrita Meditation Technique

| CARE HOMES FOR CHILDREN | 53

| CARE HOMES FOR CHILDREN | 54

| CARE HOMES FOR CHILDREN | 55

| CARE HOMES FOR CHILDREN | 56

| EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE | 61

| EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE | 63

| EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE | 65

| EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE | 66

| RESEARCH FOR A BETTER WORLD | 68

| RESEARCH FOR A BETTER WORLD | 69

| RESEARCH FOR A BETTER WORLD | 70

| RESEARCH FOR A BETTER WORLD | 71

| RESEARCH FOR A BETTER WORLD | 72

| RESEARCH FOR A BETTER WORLD | 73

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