Amritapuri (Kollam), Sep 27 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted Mata Amritanandamayi Devi on her 60th birthday Friday, and hailed the spiritual leader's charity-driven work and efforts to spread the message of love.

President Pranab Mukherjee lauded the initiatives of the humanitarian icon to serve people within India and abroad.

"It is her love and compassion for all human beings, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion" that she is "popularly known as Amma", he said.

"On this happy occasion, I wish Mata Amritanandamayi Devi all happiness and also many more years of fruitful service to the mankind," he added.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Mata Amritanandamayi inspires millions of people all over the world with her message of altruism, selflessness, love and compassion.

"Hers is a life dedicated to the service of society and spiritual awakening of the people," said the PM.

In her birthday address to her devotees, who had gathered in large numbers, she said that increasing complexities of life in the modern era have warranted the necessity of a "revolution of the internal self" that would prompt people to shed selfishness and kindle in them the spirit of service.

"The world's population, especially the youth, must eschew ostentation, and work for the benefit of society at large. You need to rein in your desires if you have to be happy. Sadness is ephemeral; ameliorating it is what has a long-lasting effect," said Amma.