Lack of unity, equality and deterioration in values puts the world in trouble

Amma's 58th Birthday Celebrations
27 September 2011 – Amritapuri

Amma's 58th Birthday Celebrations began at 5:00 a.m. on the program grounds at Amritapuri campus of Amrita University. This was followed by chants for world peace.

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri delivered a satsang in the early morning about Amma's life and teachings as thousands upon thousands of people poured into the special tent erected for the birthday functions.

Around 8:50 a.m., Amma started from Amritapuri Ashram to the program site, crossing the backwaters on a boat. Admirers lined the bridge connecting Alappad Panchayat and Vallikkavu as well as the roads leading to the Amrita University.

Amma then delivered her 58th Birthday Address. She began by saying, "The world in which we live in today has become so divided and filled with conflict. Seeing my children happily sitting together here, with unity and enthusiasm, as children of one mother, touches Amma's heart." Amma went on to explain that the state of the world today was deeply troubling, due to lack of unity and equality and a general deterioration in values. "In fact, even when Amma is amongst you children, her heart is crying," Amma said. "When we consider the state of the world today, is there anything about which we can rejoice?" Amma said the solution to the world's problems began with people introspecting, realizing their shortcomings and putting sincere effort to rectify them.

Many charitable programs were launched duringthe birthday function. Afterwards Amma began receiving the people present for darshan which continued till 8 am next day morning. Hundred of thousands of people who participated in the function were all given free food. More than 45,000 visitors from all around the globe logged into the live webcast of the celebrations.