Empowerment Programs

Food

Amma’s food program is called “Narayani Seva” (Service to Narayani.)  All those who come to the Peedam and participate in the daily spiritual activities are provided with meals.  Currently an average of 1,000 people are served each day.  On festival days this figure easily grows to 10,000.  A large hall and kitchen is currently under construction to feed 2,000 people at one sitting because of the rapidly increasing number of people who need to be fed on a daily basis.  Unless people are provided with this basic essential, it will be impossible for them to learn about spirituality.  Visitors who come to the Peedam are invited to participate in this project, and it is considered a privilege to share in this service.

Marriage

Many of the people find marriage expenses to be prohibitive, resulting in some men and women being unable to afford to get married.  Amma says that the stream of life must continue to flow.  Amma conducts mass marriage ceremonies, taking care of all the arrangements and costs.  Amma also provides each couple with the basic essentials:  pots and pans, mats, pillows, umbrellas and some cash to take the next step for them to set up a home.

People with Disabilities

Every year several hundreds of disabled people benefit from Amma’s generosity.  Semi-ambulant people receive wheel chairs, tricycles, calipers, crutches, and artificial limbs.  Those with hearing and vision disorders, receive hearing aids and glasses.  Some of them receive financial assistance so that they will be able to attend special schools.