Born in 1953 in India, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi is a Hindu spiritual leader and teacher, who is revered as a saint by her followers. Through her extraordinary acts of love and self-sacrifice, Amma (or "Mother," as she is known) has endeared herself to millions around the world, tenderly embracing everyone who comes to her. She shares her boundless love with all, regardless of their beliefs. Amma is transforming the lives of countless people, one embrace at a time (also called darshan). Since her teenage years, Amma is said to have hugged more than 29 million people. She has a vast network of charitable activities through which people are discovering the sense of peace that comes from serving others.