The season's first flurries fell from the sky, bathing the city in pristine white as Amma stepped out of her car and was welcomed warmly into the program at Detroit, Michigan. Children bearing trays of lit lamps and flowers lined the walkway as Amma walked through the corridor into the hall. It was Thanksgiving Day - a holiday in the United States set aside for gratitude, a day to be spent in the company of near, dear and loved ones. So it was little wonder that Amma's children came in greater numbers to be with her on this special day.

In her talk, Amma acknowledged the American holiday and spoke thus:

"As you all know, today is Thanksgiving day. Thanks is the principle of giving. Taking is natural to both humans and animals. But giving shows that our discriminative intellect has developed.

Today is that day when we have to say thanks to all those who have helped us grow physically, mentally and intellectually. However this should not be a one day affair. We should always remember this and say thanks to everything.

We should always remember our indebtedness towards individuals, nature and above all, God - remaining ever thankful. Only then will our growth be complete".