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KOCHI, INDIA, September 27, 2003: Curtains came down on the four-day birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi with several social service and charitable programmes being announced as the spiritual leader turned 50 today. Speaking at the valedictory of the celebrations, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat applauded the humanitarian programmes and projects successfully launched by her. An all-India free legal cell comprising 1,008 lawyers was formed to serve the needy while keys of houses built as part of the Amritanandamayi Matt’s “Amritakutterpam” project to build one hundred thousand free houses for the destitute and homeless throughout the country were handed over to the beneficiaries. A new care home for the elderly and a charitable hospital for tribals were also opened. Amma also solemnized the marriage of 158 destitute couples. From President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Shekhawat, Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani and HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi to top business leaders like S. P. Hinduja, Sabeer Bhatia, Kanwal Reikhi and former American Senator, Larry Pressler, Hollywood actress Linda Evans were all here to participate in various functions in the last four days as also devotees from 191 countries. The highlight of the celebrations was the CEO meet held on Friday in which Kalam participated. Over 150 business leaders from India and abroad attended the meet which laid great stress on reaching education to all. As part of the celebrations, an inter-faith meeting was held in which spiritual and religious leaders from around the world came together to discuss and endorse resolutions and create a platform to foster healthy dialogue between faiths and religions. A women’s summit resolved to fight the harmful social customs like dowry, female feticide and infanticide and promote awareness of the quality of motherhood. For complete coverage of the event, go to Ammaji’s website here.

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