In 2002, she was a speaker at the United Nations summit of women religious leaders in Geneva. Last year, President A P J Abdul Kalam donated 10 months' salary to various humanitarian projects run by her.

At the Manhattan Center, volunteers distributed brochures about various projects, sold tulsi plants, Durga and baby Krishna statues and T-shirts. Pictures of Amma, saris worn by her and her paduka (footwear) were available.

As she embraced a man in his 30s from India, he began crying. She rubbed him on the back and hugged again, whispering a few words.

Did he understand what she said?

No. But then, does one need a language to feel a mother's love?

Also see: Mother Teresa, The Legacy