Mata for projects to reduce suicide rate

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>From : http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/24/stories/2005022408320500.htm

 

The Hindu Online - - Kerala

 

Mata for projects to reduce suicide rate

 

By Our Staff Reporter

 

KOCHI, FEB. 23. Mata Amritanandamayi has exhorted retired persons to

associate themselves with a project at panchayat-level to reduce the

suicide rate in Kerala.

 

Speaking at a function organised by Rotary International District 3200

here today to honour the Mata with an award for service to humanity,

she expressed concern over the poor living conditions of tribals in

Wayanad and Attappady. She suggested that Rotary International and

other organisations launch humanitarian services to the affected.

 

Focussing on the central theme of universal brotherhood and love, she

touched upon the unpredictable nature of life. The December 26 tsunami

gave a lesson that those possessions that are dear to the people could

be destroyed in no time. Extending love and affection to those in need

is the duty of others. Compassion without action will serve little

purpose, she said.

 

Need for care

 

Interspersed with specks of advice, the speech dwelt upon the need for

care to children and the destitute. Children should be allowed to grow

up in a free atmosphere. Referring to matrimonial disharmony, the Mata

exhorted couples to exchange their emotional views. The partners in a

marriage are beggars in search of love. Love has to be expressed.

"Honey in a rock is of little use," she said.

 

Service organisations should try to extend help to women in distress,

which could effectively reduce the number of sex workers. Focussing on

the need to take care of the nature, the Mata said, "when man loves

nature, nature loves man".

 

Earlier, the Rotary International Centenary Legendary Award for

service to humanity was bestowed upon the Mata. The Greater Cochin

Development Authority Chairman, Antony Isaac; the Rotary International

District 3200 Governor, C.M. Aboobacker; and K. Babu, MLA; spoke. K.R.

Ravindran, Venugopal C. Govind, L. Vishnu Das, K. Mohan Das, members

of the Rotary International, lauded the services rendered by the Mata

in their felicitation speeches.

 

The Mayor, C.M. Dinesh Mani, cut a cake to mark the centenary

celebrations.

 

A rehabilitation centre will be constructed at Palluruthy jointly by

Kochi Corporation and the Rotary International, he said.

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