On Nov. 27, Rep. Kuppa (D-Troy) joined in a program to welcome Mata Amritanandamayi, known throughout the world as Amma or Mother, to Michigan on her 19th visit to the state. Amma, born in India into a poor Hindu family has become a spiritual leader known throughout the world for her service to those less fortunate. She drew hundreds of people to metro-Detroit, to seek inspiration and spend time with her over Thanksgiving weekend. Through her various charitable organizations, Amma works toward providing basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood to people in the poorest corners of the world. Amma inspires millions through her conviction that each of us has a responsibility to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate, and has dedicated her life to service and provides compassionate care for all beings, uniquely expressed by the motherly embrace she offers to all, giving rise to her nickname the Hugging Saint. “I was honored and humbled by the opportunity to meditate with Amma and join the hundreds who came to the Detroit Marriott to seek her hugs, said Kuppa. “Amma reminds us that we each have a responsibility to care for those less fortunate and that we can make a difference by individual action. Her programs also promote environmental conservation and sustainability efforts, and the ideals of pluralism and love for all, which resonate deeply with me. I was honored to be invited by Amma Center of Michigan Director Chad Kymal and joined by Novi City Council member Ramesh Verma, and fellow legislators Rep. Christine Greig and Sen. Runestadt, to recognize this world renowned humanitarian.”