Old Age Home, Kottayam District, Kerala

As a child, Amma cared for the elders of Her village who had been rejected by their families. Amma would regularly bring food to these lonely, ill-treated ones, bathe them and provide fresh clothing. The care homes of Mata Amritanandamayi Math are an extension of this boundless compassion of Amma. The Math built its first care home for the aged in 1998 in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu. Now, during Amritavarsham50, it inaugurated its first such home in Kerala.

On 27 September, 2003 - Amma's Birthday - Smt. K.R. Gouri dedicated and declared open Amma's new care home for the aged in Thaliyolaparambil, Kerala. Sri Nagamishi Setsuko, a 96-year-old spiritual leader from Japan, rendered a short prayer to the Buddha for world peace. The prayer was conducted in her native language, but the spirit of compassion with which it was uttered was conveyed to all.

The care home rests amid an expanse of paddy fields, a beautiful and serene setting for senior citizens to spend their final earthly years. As the residents have no family to look after them, an appointee of the Math will live with them, providing the care, love and respect they so rightfully deserve. As in the care home in Sivakasi, the residents will remain active, participating in spiritual practices and light but valuable and productive jobs, such as gardening. Next to the care home is space for community gatherings and spiritual programmes.

From orphanages and schools for the youth, to hospices and old age care homes for the elders, Amma is providing for all of Her children's needs.