The Hugging Saint

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi recently came to New York City.  Known as "The Hugging Saint," Devi is called "Amma" translated as mother, by some of her many devoted followers.  The Takeaway sent two producers to get hugs, and to talk to some of her followers.

She will sit at the well-attended, national events for 12-16 hours each day, offering her blessing via a close embrace. In addition to the hugs, Amma's foundation has been key in disaster relief and in social issues in her native India.