Need a Hug? Visit Amma in Michigan

Niraj Warikoo writes in today's Detroit Free Press:

An Indian saint known internationally for hugging millions of people is in Michigan this week for several days of prayer and warm embraces.

Thousands are expected to line up in Dearborn today to get hugs from Mata Amritanandamayi , known as Amma, which means "mother" in the Sanskrit language. The 52-year-old woman was born into a poor family of fishermen in India, and has become known for her charity work and hugging millions of people on tours across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. In 2002, she received the Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence at the United Nations and her charities have raised millions of dollars for the needy across the world.

Today in Dearborn, she will be at the Hyatt Regency, 600 Town Center Dr., in Dearborn, at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., offering hugs to the public. She will appear again at the Hyatt on Thursday at 7 p.m. for more hugs and a special prayer service. For more information, visit amma.org