Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on 27 September 2026 described Mata Amritanandamayi Devi as an embodiment of universal love, praising her decades of charitable work for reaching people across communities and addressing both material hardship and what he called 'inner poverty.' The remarks came during the Vishwa Seva Dinam celebrations at Amritapuri in Kollam, Kerala, held to mark her 73rd birthday.

Key Announcements and Charitable Initiatives

Charitable programmes worth ₹50 crore were launched during the celebrations, consolidating the Mata Amritanandamayi Math's healthcare, disaster relief and community support activities. Among the major distributions, the Math handed over ₹2 crore for relief work in Nepal following flash floods there. Nepal's Ambassador to India, Surendra Thapa, received the assistance at the function.

Financial aid was also extended to families of those killed in a fireworks accident at Thrissur's Pooram grounds, and to families of fishermen who died in accidents off Neendakara in Kollam and Muthalapozhi in Thiruvananthapuram. Beneficiaries received certificates for free medical assistance — including organ transplant surgery — provided through Amrita Hospital. Financial support was additionally distributed to self-help groups working under the Math.

What the Vice President Said

Radhakrishnan said money, food and other assistance could relieve material poverty, but that overcoming 'inner poverty' required love, trust and human values. He noted that Amritanandamayi's work addressed both dimensions, calling her a great spiritual figure. He further described Amritapuri as having grown into a centre for service with global reach, commending the Math for supporting disaster survivors and those in need of medical or financial assistance.

Dignitaries and Cultural Highlights

The event drew senior officials from across the political spectrum. Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and Ambassador Surendra Thapa attended the programme.

A mass wedding ceremony for 25 couples was held in Amritanandamayi's presence; the brides and grooms were also presented with gold ornaments. Three books, including Shivam Sundaram by Swami Turiyamritananda Puri, were released at the function. Postmaster General Amitabh Singh presented Amritanandamayi with a special postage stamp issued to mark her 73rd birthday.

Scale and Context of Vishwa Seva Dinam

Vishwa Seva Dinam — observed annually around Amritanandamayi's birthday — is centred on large-scale service activities coordinated by the Math. This year's edition combined cross-border disaster relief, healthcare outreach and community welfare under a single observance, reflecting the organisation's expanding international footprint. The Nepal flood relief disbursement, received by a sitting ambassador, underscores the diplomatic recognition the Math's humanitarian work has come to attract.

All initiatives announced on 27 September will be implemented through the Math's existing programme framework, with individual beneficiary distributions already completed at the Amritapuri event itself.