Amma's visit to Reunion and Mauritius

Amma's Prayer
Amma's program in Renunion
Amma's program in Mauritius
The Personal Mother

Amma's Prayer
- as reported by the people who travelled with Amma.

Amma's recent visit to the Reunion and Mauritius islands was eventful and memorable. After a very busy multi-city tour in Reunion, at last those around Amma finally got a moment with her in the shuttle to the airport. Those moments were fleeting but did not pass without a message from her.

After exchanging a few words with them , some people noticed Amma look out at the country and pray silently. She looked concerned and deeply indrawn in prayer they reported . Some wondered what Amma was thinking. She mentioned briefly that the volcano fumes were harmful and it would be good if people did not live close to it. After some time while in the flight to Mauritius, the passengers witnessed the erupting volcano. It was spitting out huge red flames, and the dark sky looked completely lit and in fury. "This scene prompted us to pray for the well-being of the residents of Reunion island" they said, following Amma's example.

Amma's program in Reunion

Amma arrived in Reunion after a lapse of four years. It truly seemed like a ‘Reunion’ with the residents of the island. The four day programs in four cities wasprograms in four cities were packed and the halls were overflowing.

The public program in St. Leu, Reunion's diverse culture was in full bloom for all to see at the public program in St. Leu,. Many were gathered at the hall and were entertained by traditional panchavadyam musicians. Free food, sponsored by the Amritanandamayi Mata Ashram of Reunion Island (A.M.M.A.) was distributed to all those who attended the program.

In a public function Amma was felicitated by Shri. Jean-Luc Poudroux, Mayor of St. Leu. The Honourable Mayor showed his support for Amma's mission. In his speech, the Mayor humbly declared, "I won't speak for long, because I know that you have all been waiting to see Amma for the last four years. In the name of the governing board of St. Leu, and personally as well, I am so very pleased to welcome Amma to St. Leu. In our city where people of so many diverse origins live in harmony together, I pray that Amma will help us to continue in this way long into the future."

Amma was also welcomed by Shri. Philippe Pelen, Director of the internationally acclaimed theater troupe, Talipot. Based in Reunion Island, Talipot has performed worldwide and was invited as the principal entertainers at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations UNESCO.

Though Shri. Pelen has been widely celebrated in the international community, his comments made it clear there's more to life than name and fame. He said, "In our human life, it is a wonderful opportunity and an amazing blessing to meet someone like Amma."

Mrs. Dr. Catherine Gaud, Deputy President of the Higher Assembly of Reunion Island, President of the Health, Welfare and Humanitarian Commission of Reunion Island and world-renowned specialist in AIDS prevention, treatment and hospice care, also came to share her admiration for Amma.

She said: “I thank Amma for coming to visit us bringing her message of love and peace. All those people who bring us an essential message of love and service for others to whom we should all dedicate our entire life, are welcome in Reunion Island. It is so important to love others as they are, whether they are weak or strong. We have to love them in their differences. Perhaps it is a little hope for this world which does not seem to do very well. I see you all gathered together here, all in different colors, all from different origins, and I say to myself that, yes, the world is one and only one and that we can have hope in that. What I like very much in what Amma is doing is that there is an overflow of love for every person, but there is real concrete activity behind it to those who have suffered from the tsunami, to those who are suffering from AIDS, to those who are rejected, and simply for that I wanted to tell her how much I admire her and to thank her for being so beautiful and so bright.”

His Excellency L. Sagar, General Consul of the Indian Consulate in Reunion Island, was also on hand to pay his respects to Amma. In his remarks, he said, “Amma's message to the world and her charitable activities are very beneficial for world peace and harmony.”

Amma's program in Mauritus

Mauritius’ three day programs were packed programs with thousands attending each of the two daily programs. There were two programs each day for three days! We wondered when Amma got time to eat, leave alone rest.

Amma met with Rt. Hon. Sir Anerood Jugnauth, President of the Republic of Mauritius at the State House.

Amma also met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, The Honorable Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

The Personal Mother

Let it not be thought that Amma’s focus was on politicians and dignitaries only. She had time for the small folks too. One young man had come from Australia to see Amma with numerous questions.

“In the battle between Rama (good) and Ravana (evil) within me, the evil always seems to win out,” he plaintively observed to Amma.

“For many births you had fed the Ravana in you,” Amma answered him with a smile. “And he has grown big and strong. Rama is still a baby.”
She encouraged, “Now you have started feeding the Rama in you and if you try harder he will become stronger than Ravana and will win in the battle within you.”