New Delhi : Away from the Kerala shores, India’s ‘Hugging Saint’ is setting the tone for sustainable farming in the faraway American state of Illinois.

MA Center Chicago, the hub of renowned spiritual and humanitarian leader Mata Amritanandmayi Devi’s charitable, educational and spiritual activities in the Midwest, is now playing a pivotal role in www(.)encouraging regenerative agriculture in Illinois, the fifth most populous state of the USA.

“The work begins with sustainable farmland here at the MA Center, and the intention is to help spread it to the larger community of the Midwest,” said Brahmachari Shantamrita Chaitanya, who is resident monk at the Center.

Through the GreenFriends project, MA Center builds sustainable environments, educates others about soil, permaculture (sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems), organic gardening and natural beekeeping, and holds seasonal community events.

Spread over 142 acres that was formerly a boarding school, the sprawling MA Center at Elburn, a suburb of Chicago in Illinois, has a huge farmland that engenders green initiatives of Mata Amtitanandmayi Devi, popularly known as ‘Amma’ and acclaimed internationally as ‘The Hugging Saint’. Amma formally inaugurated this Centre by conducting her summer programme in 2012.

“In close affiliation with MA Center at California, this Centre conducts regular spiritual activities, including discourses, guided meditation, yoga and selfless service. The focus at the ashram is also on Amma’s initiatives such as the Amrita Bala Kendra (ABK) for children between the ages of 5 and 14 and Amrita Yuva Dharmadhara (AYUDH) for youngsters in the 15-30 age group. On top of that, we are using the farmland of the ashram to propagate sustainable agriculture,” said Chaitnaya, who was raised as a Presbyterian.

MA Center Chicago currently has 60 acres of agricultural land committed to sustainable principles, totally non-GMO and organic. “We are helping the farmers in the region to adopt organic farming methods. We are also hosting classes on beekeeping and organic gardening for anyone who wants to come, and many of the classes are free,” he informed.

During August 16-19, the Center is to host Darren Doherty, one of the world’s most experienced Permaculture Design professionals who will be teaching courses on permaculture theory and application.

“MA Center Chicago’s single starter beehive has grown into ten through the lucky old-fashioned method of harnessing a swarm,” says Nancy Phillips, a beekeeper. Each hive has from 20,000 to 65,000 bees.

Concurring with her, Chaitanya said, “This befits Amma’s philosophy to serve and to have faith that what’s needed will be provided. In Phillips case, she served the bees and they multiplied.”

Although MA Center Chicago is early in its history, its growth could very well take a cue from the Center’s bees. “This place has a potential to be a huge sustainable village where people can absorb the energy but also facilitate healing within themselves,” said the Swami.

Amma (60), who is scheduled to share spiritual guidance and give hugs during June 23-25 in Elburn, said, “If spiritualism is important for inner peace, green and organic farming is vital for the sustenance of mankind. The alternative to it is a disaster.”

Throughout her life, Amma, whose ashram is headquartered in Kollam district of Kerala, has embraced and comforted more than 34 million people. “She tells everybody to go deeper in their faith. She believes in simple miracles; a hug, a smile can change a person’s attitude,” said Chaitanya.