Destitute Children

AMRITA NIKETAN—
AMMA’S ORPHANAGE

PARIPPALLY, KOLLAM, KERALA

In 1989, Amma was asked to take over an orphanage and school whose owners had gone bankrupt. The children were in an extreme state of neglect and malnutrition, and the buildings were unsanitary and in a deplorable condition. The Ashram immediately set about caring for the children, rebuilding the orphanage and re-establishing the school. Today there are 500 children living at Amrita Niketan. Half of them are from poor tribal communities. With the nourishing food and loving care and encouragement they receive from a dedicated staff, the children gain confidence and are given a new start in life.

During the school holidays, many of the children visit Amma’s Ashram and join in the daily activities. They have developed a strong, lasting relationship with Amma and say that they feel she is their own mother.
The children at the orphanage excel in music, sports and dance. They are well-known in their district for their talents in panchavadyam, Kerala’s traditional temple music. Though generally taught only to boys, the orphanage also encourages girls to learn this art form. In state and local cultural competitions, the children often win first prize.

AMRITA SANSKRIT
HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL

The children at Amrita Niketan attend the Amrita Sanskrit Higher Secondary School, which is located next to the orphanage. The school has 2,300 students, and is the largest school in Kerala where Sanskrit, the language of India’s cultural heritage, is taught. It is considered one of the best schools in the district. During the cultural festivals held at the school, the children play a prominent role as hosts and display their artistic and musical talents.

More than 35% of the orphans go on to pursue higher educations, all of which are fully sponsored by the Ashram.