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Dalit Saints

Mata Amritanandamayi Mata Amritanandamayi Devi , widely known as Amma or the Hugging Saint , is an Indian spiritual leader, humanitarian, and global icon celebrated for her compassionate embrace and extensive charitable work. Born on September 27, 1953, in Parayakadavu, a small fishing village in Alappad, Kollam district, Kerala, she is revered as a spiritual guide and has millions of followers worldwide. Her philosophy emphasizes selfless love, compassion, and service (seva), transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Today, on her 72nd birthday (September 27, 2025), her global influence continues through her spiritual teachings and humanitarian initiatives under the Mata Amritanandamayi Math and Embracing the World. Early Life and Background Birth and Family : Born as  Sudhamani Idamannel  into a Dalit (untouchable) family, she grew up in a socio-economically disadvantaged fishing community. Her father, Sugunanandan Idamannel, was a fisherman, and her mother, Damayanti...