Finland honours 'Amma'

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) Finland was the first country in Europe to grant voting rights to women in 1906. To commemorate that momentous event, a jewellery collection, named '''Woman's Voice'', was made. Now a hundred years later, Finland presented a replica of that jewellery collection to honour spiritual leader Mata Amritanandmayi, popularly known as 'Amma, the Hugging Saint'', at Helsinki today.

The replica of the jewellery was given to Amma by Finnish Culture Minister Tanja Saarela to honour her compassion and love for everyone.

''Humankind needs every possible voice for peace, mutual understanding and unselfish work. Amma's charitable activities are good examples of this,'' she said.

The minister also reminded that everyone needs an 'unconditional hug' that does not demand anything.

Thousands of people are to get Amma's blessings and hugging during the weekend in Helsinki.

''Globalisation as such is neither good nor bad, but there is a need for example against greed and uncaring behaviour. A good example of this is Amma's wide-ranging work for the poor, the sick and those who have suffered in the natural disasters,'' the minister said.