Every day for the past 30 years, somewhere in the world, a long queue of people has formed, waiting for a hug from what some regard a Guru or a living Saint. Slowly they move down the queue and kneel; devotees all dressed in white manoeuvre them into position, and, just as she has done more than 25 million times before, Amma clasps them close to her bosom and whispers in their ear. She does this for up to 15 – 17 hours every day, and for thousands, this has been a life-changing experience.

She has now addressed the United Nations, and has established spiritual centres in 33 countries in Europe, the USA, Middle East and Africa. She receives more than £10 million a year in foreign donations, and attracts people from all different faiths and Nationalities. Thousands make the pilgrimage to her ashram in Amritpuri in Kerela, established in the 1980s.

She does this because, as she says: Love is the foundation of a happy life.

We join Amma in the middle of her latest European tour. Ameet Chana goes along to experience the circus of euphoria and good will that surrounds her. He meets her and gets a hug. Will he be moved by the experience or will it leave him feeling indifferent?


Producer : Perminder Khatkar