Drugs and alcohol do not just destroy an individual, but his family too, said Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) while delivering a discourse at ‘Amritha Sangam-2013’ at Amritha Vidyalam at Boloor near Mangalore on Sunday.
Amma, as she is popularly known, participating in the Brahmasthanam Mahotsava, made her public appearance at 5.30 am. Her discourse delivered after the Lalitha Sahasranamarchana Seva, focused on the drug menace. Addiction may be a result of peer pressure or bad company. However, awareness on the ill-effects of drug abuse is itself a good reason to avoid drugs, Amma said. She highlighted the message with a colourful simile. “If offered a glass of payasam with poison, you will not consume it irrespective whether you love payasam. If you are aware of the potential harm drugs and alcohol can do to you and your family, you will never touch them, no matter what,” she emphasised.
The younger generation is ignorant about virtues like love, concern and compassion for others. They fail to imbibe spirituality which alone will help an individual lead his life on the right path. “We are now dwelling in segregated islands instead of living happily together. We should not be isolated islands but should become chains of relationships,” Amma said.
Lamenting over the trend of children sending their parents to old age homes, she advised them to respect and understand the value of parents. Children must not forget the sacrifices their parents made for them.
Amma disbursed scholarships to 60 students, pension to devotees and cloth bags. Former minister Krishna J Palemar was present.