Amma's program in Chicago started on July 9th at the Indian Lakes Resort Hotel at Bloomingdale, Chicago. Many prominent members of the Chicago community were present to welcome Amma into Chicago. One of them was Mr. Arun Kumar, Consul General of India in Chicago and career diplomat for more than 30 years. After garlanding Amma and receiving her darshan, Mr Arun Kumar welcomed Amma to Chicago and remarked, "Today is a great day for Chicago to have such a holy person among us. I have always dreamt of meeting her. That desire has been fulfilled today." Consul General Arun Kumar spoke about Amma's compassion and how she has been a guiding force in disaster relief; both, in the aftermath of the massive Gujarat earthquake of 2001 and the tsunami of 2004. "Anyone concerned about the poor is truly great," he said praising Amma's exemplary charitable work. He concluded his speech by saying, "I am sure that with her great presence today, we will all be blessed."

Another dignitary who came to receive Amma's darshan was well known businessman and entrepreneur, Niranjan Shah. Niranjan Shah is the owner of Globetrotters International and Globetrotters Engineering of Chicago.

Dr. Dipak Jain, Dean of the Kellogg School of Management, also came to receive Amma's darshan in Chicago. Dr. Jain also serves as a member of the board of directors of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Hartmarx Corporation, John Deere and Company, Northern Trust Corporation, Peoples Energy and United Airlines

Vice President of the World Parliment of Religions in Chicago, Mr. Mazher Ahmed,was another dignitary out of many others who came to see Amma and receive her blessings.

- tour update

Tsunami Relief Efforts

Amma in the west

Meeting Amma

Events Calendar