Report by Viju Mangalore
Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje and Viju Mangalore
For Daijiworld News Network

Mangalore, Feb 13 [10.30pm, IST]: An ocean of people gathered on Monday evening to take the darshan of Mata Amritanandamayi, popularly known as Amma, who visited the city.

Amrita Sangama-2006, a programme organized by the Mata Amritanandamayi Seva Samiti at Mangala Stadium on Monday brought to the city the revered Amma for the second time. Amma, who was expected at 6 pm, entered the stadium only at 7 pm accompanied by a colourful procession.

Thousands flocked to get a glimpse of the hugging saint amidst tight security.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda also participated in the programme along with deputy commissioner DK district H V Parshwanath, former tourism minister D T Jayakumar, Mangalore MP Sadananda Gowda and Chairman of NMC Group UAE  B R Shetty.

Jyotirgamaya, a book based on the life of Amma was released by the DC, while B R Shetty released the souvenir on the occasion.

In her message to the people Amma said that concentrating on God through dhyana and singing bhajans brings joy into life and relieves tension. Praying for global peace, she said “Let us hear the chirping of the birds instead of the roaring guns and let us hear the joyful burst of laughter of a child instead of the painful cries of distress and suffering.”

Learning lessons from Amma’s last visit to Mangalore, the organizers had made intense arrangements to conduct the programme peacefully.
The band of photo journalists and videographers surrounded Amma to get their best shot.

Pension scheme certificates were also distributed to the disabled and the poor on the occasion.
Cultural programme and bhajan, the programme were organized and maha annasantarpana was arranged at Urwa Canara High School Grounds.

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