[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 113 (Friday, July 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING SRI VIJAYESHWARI DEVI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 6, 2018

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Sri 
Vijayeshwari Devi, known to her many admirers as Amma Sri Karunamayi or 
``Amma,'' for her exemplary efforts in bringing peace and understanding 
not only to the people of India, but to all nations.
  Amma was born in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. As a child, she 
was drawn to a spiritual existence, and spent most of her young adult 
life absorbed in prayer and meditation. After a period of intense 
reflection, Amma began a life of advocacy for the poor and 
disenfranchised, publicly speaking throughout India on the issues of 
nonviolence, equality, and respect for all people regardless of gender, 
religion, race or social status. Her teachings have led her across the 
globe, speaking to countless followers and performing humanitarian work 
wherever the need is greatest.
  To realize her vision of a more just world, Amma and her organization 
offer a host of services to underserved men, women and children in the 
United States, India and Africa. These services include organizing and 
providing, among other things, free medical care, clean water, free 
education, free food, leprosy care, and wheelchair distribution. Amma 
believes in pursuing sustainable development that enable families 
trapped in poverty to give a better future to their children.
  Amma is beloved by many as a Hindu saint, and has a large following 
in my district. Her humanitarian efforts have been recognized and 
celebrated by, among others, Congressman Danny Davis, Congressman Bill 
Foster, Governor Pat Quinn, Cook County Board President Toni 
Preckwinkle, and President Jimmy Carter.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Amma's selfless and compassionate 
devotion to all people, and her work to bring peace and understanding 
to our world.

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