Amma’s words, Her actions, Her life, Her teachings-(if any), to my limited intellect, convey but one meaning; be humane, be kind, be empathetic, and the sparkle of Divinity will illuminate your being. “Divinity,” as Defined by Her “is sympathetic vibration to the suffering of others” “Divinity is the Pinnacle of Humanism” (Manavatvam Madhavatvam) Goodness of nature is the greatest trait (Manchiki Minchina Mahimalu Levu).
All the Institutions founded by Amma reflect Her kindness, they serve the destitute and the downtrodden. If we contribute to Annapurnalayam, we are contributing not only to the cause of feeding some needy persons, we are also contributing to the cause of providing free, quality education to poor students. We are contributing to the cause of feeding the pious. If we contribute to the Medical center, we are supporting free medicine to the poor and needy by qualified professionals. We are helping in providing quality medicare, which can be obtained only by spending lacs, but made accessible free of cost to the middle classes, the poor and the needy. Jillellamudi offers solace to the tortured soul, offers succor to the needy, offers food and shelter to one and all. Jagadgurus came and prostrated before the Divine Mother, religious heads bowed their heads and reverence..
Last year, we saw an article in the Hindu, dated 16.12.2011 (if I remember correctly), highlighting the plight of pavement dwellers. They were suffering from a biting cold, no proper bed linen to help them, and utmost misery inextricably woven into their burdensome lives throughout the winter. I immediately telephoned to the Office bearers of Jillellamudi Amma Seva Samithi, Sri Vajjha Prasad, Sri Venkata Rama Sastry garu and Sri B.G.K. Sastry All the Septuagenarian leaders were keen that we should do something. We fanned out and distributed 50 thick bed sheets. Number was no doubt small, but the beginning was good.
Vajjha Prasad Annayya said last month, this year also we should do this programme and continue it every year. On 23rd night, at 11.00 pm., Myself, Vajjha Prasad Annayya, Venkata Rama Sastry garu, aided by our drivers Sambaiah and narasimha scouted the roads from SEcunderabad Ganapathi temple upto Yatri Nivas, Secunderabad. We propose to distribute 108 bedsheets, each costing around Rs.200/- and in the first installment we procured 48 bed sheets.
The first site we saw was heart rending. A 50 year old man was lying down on the left hand side of Ganapathi temple, on the pavement between the temple and Secunderabad Railway station. He was half clad. Except a shirt covering him from shoulders to waist, there was nothing on. A pity, so many people were going round, but no one bothered. As Venkatarama Sastry garu covered him with a nice blanket, the gratitude reflected in his eyes was unforgettable. He was not only sheltered from the cold, his human dignity was restored to him.
From there, we traveled to Secunderabad Railway station. There were 10 old ladies, badly needing protection from the biting cold. We distributed the bedsheets, and moved on in yatri Nivas direction, slowly in our cars, watching the footpaths, the pavements, and locating the old persons, badly in need of protection from cold.
By 12.10 in the night, all the 48 bedsheets were given away to the most deserving. A man sleeping on the footpath after 11.00 pm, is his own certificate of poverty, no other proof is needed.
Amma Seva Samithi, Hyderabad, will carry on the programme during December also Another 60 bed sheets, at least will be distributed.
Of what avail of our riches, if our heart remains cold and cruel? Shall we pray to Amma, with all humility at our command, “Mother, make us potent instruments in your service. Our lives are small, let them be illuminated with the goodness of thoughts given by you out of your compassion.
– Jayaho Matha