Kollam: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday attended the Vishwa Seva Dinam celebrations at Mata Amritanandamayi Math in Amritapuri, Kollam, marking the 73rd birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.
During the programme, Radhakrishnan launched several humanitarian initiatives of the Math, including handing over ₹2 crore for Nepal flood relief to Nepal’s Ambassador to India Surender Thapa. He also distributed certificates for free surgeries for underprivileged beneficiaries at Amrita Hospitals in Kochi and Faridabad, besides providing financial assistance to fishermen’s families.
The Vice-President also released the 30th anniversary souvenir of Amritakuteeram, marking the completion of 50,000 homes in India and Sri Lanka. Three publications — The Hanuman Chalisa, The Ocean of Grace and Satyam Shivam Sundaram — were also released.
Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan described Mata Amritanandamayi’s life as a message of “love, compassion and selfless service”. He said the scale of the Math’s work was significant, but the real value of seva lay in the transformation it brought to people’s lives.
According to him, the Math has provided charitable medical care worth more than ₹890 crore since 1998, benefiting over 64 lakh people. More than 55,000 scholarships have also been provided globally.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, he said around 2.5 lakh women from vulnerable communities had benefited through AmritaSREE, supported by vocational training, microfinance and start-up assistance. The programme has more than 15,000 self-help groups.
Radhakrishnan also highlighted the Math’s relief efforts during natural disasters, the Covid-19 pandemic and other emergencies, besides its environmental initiatives, including tree plantation and cleanliness drives.
“Humanity needs compassionate advancement along with technological progress,” he said, stressing that India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat must combine development with its civilisational values.
He called for an inclusive Viksit Bharat where no one is left behind and said “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” should guide the country’s development.
The event was attended by several Union and state ministers, legislators, diplomats, judges, Swamijis, devotees and volunteers.