Amma at International Forums
Los Angeles Commends AMMA
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."
picture
right: Joe Matthews, the Field Deputy of Los Angeles, receives blessing
from Amma, after officially welcoming her on part of the city. Standing
to his side is LA's Deputy of Health, Richard Espinosa.
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 aloud: "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."
pictured above: Amma was welcomed to Los Angeles with the presentation
of an official commendation signed by the city's Mayor and the City
Council.