17 June 2008 — Los Angeles, California, USA
Amma was welcomed to Los Angeles with the presentation of an official commendation signed by the city’s Mayor and the City Council. She was also officially welcomed by the Deputy of Health, Richard Espinosa, and the Field Deputy, Joe Matthews. Addressing Amma on the dais, Mr. Espinosa said, “On behalf of the city of Los Angeles and its 10 million residents, I would like to welcome you to Los Angeles County, to welcome you to our homes and to our hearts. … Please come back very soon and very often, because this is your home.”
The commendation—signed by Bill Rosendahl, Council Member of the 11th District, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; and Eric Garcetti, Council Member and President of the City Council—was then read allowed:“The City of Los Angeles, State of California, hereby presents this resolution to Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Amma Devi… Whereas Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Amma Devi is respected throughout the world for her tireless charitable efforts to benefit women, the poor, the homeless and the destitute… And whereas in 2005 Amma and her organizations worked hard to rebuild the areas affected by the tsunami in India, Sri Lanka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Over 5,300 homes were built in India and Sri Lanka at that time.
Today, Amma’s organizations continue to rebuild dozens of villages, orphanages and boats… And whereas Amma’s charitable projects in Los Angeles area include Mother’s Kitchen, Circle of Love, Green Friends, Disaster and Emergency Preparedness… And whereas Amma was presented with the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, given in recognition of her lifelong work in furthering the principles of non-violence… And whereas Amma has been invited by international organizations to address issues of religious differences, environmental concerns and establishing peace… Now, therefore, be it resolved that, by the adoption of this resolution, the Los Angeles City Council, along with the Mayor, City Attorney and City Controller, do hereby commend Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Amma Devi for her service and dedication to humanity. Her selfless service has crossed all barriers of religion, race and nationality.”
Amma is in Los Angeles for her annual programs there, from June 17th through 21st. —Tulasi