Is Mother Teresa Overrated?

Undoubtedly not. Mother Teresa is one of the kindest individuals on the face of the earth, and she possesses a heart of gold.

While everyone knows about Mother Teresa, far fewer are aware of the remarkable Dokka Seethamma, a great mother who fed hundreds of thousands of people with her own hands. Unlike Mother Teresa, who did not insist on religious conversion, Seethamma fed all people without hesitation, much like a mother.

About Dokka Seethamma

Dokka Seethamma, also known as Sithamma, was born in October 1841 in the village of Mandapeta in Andhra Pradesh. She lost her mother during her childhood, and later married Dokka Joganna, a rich farmer. This marriage allowed her to serve food to the poor, a task she continued for over 40 years, even after her husband's death.

Her Lifelong Dedication

Seethamma’s selfless act of feeding the poor continued until the end of her life. In her final years, she gave away her possessions and hired a bullock cart driver to take her to Varanasi, her destination of choice for her last days, adhering to her Hindu beliefs. However, upon hearing a family at a pilgrim’s inn next door discuss their need for food, she turned back, haste-made-cook and prepared a meal using begged ingredients.

Recognition and Honors

The British government recognized Seethamma's charity work. King Edward VII invited her to a celebration of his anniversary alongside other Indian guests. However, Seethamma declined the invitation, stating that she did not provide her services for publicity. Instead, the Madras chief secretary gave King Edward a photograph of her, which was later enlarged and placed on the chair where Seethamma was to sit during the celebration.

Honors and Legacy

Seethamma was honored as a Hindu saint, earning the title Apara Annapurna. She was also regarded as a reincarnation of the goddess Annapurna, a goddess of food and nourishment. Furthermore, an aqueduct over the Vynateya river was named in her honor in 2000, marked with a bust depicting her.

Conclusion

The story of Dokka Seethamma is a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of unsung heroes like her. She has a heart of gold and a spirit of sacrifice that should be remembered and celebrated.