1980: Mother Teresa Honored with India's Highest Civilian Award, the Bharat Ratna
In 1980, Mother Teresa was honored with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in recognition of her extensive humanitarian work. Born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire, she felt a calling to religious life early on. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and was sent to India, where she taught at a convent school in Calcutta. Witnessing the dire poverty outside the convent walls, she experienced what she described as a "call within a call" to serve the poorest of the poor.
In 1950, with permission from the Vatican, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation dedicated to caring for "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone." The congregation began with 13 members and grew rapidly, attracting both local and international attention.
Mother Teresa's work in Calcutta (now Kolkata) involved establishing homes for those dying of HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis. She also set up soup kitchens, dispensaries, mobile clinics, orphanages, and schools. Her unwavering commitment to the destitute earned her global acclaim, leading to numerous awards and recognitions.
In 1962, the Indian government awarded her the Padma Shri, one of the nation's highest civilian honors, acknowledging her contributions to society. This was followed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1969. Her international recognition peaked when she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian efforts.
The following year, in 1980, India bestowed upon her the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. This honor was particularly significant as it underscored the nation's deep appreciation for her selfless service to its most vulnerable citizens. The award ceremony was a momentous occasion, reflecting the profound impact of her work on Indian society.
However, Mother Teresa's legacy is not without controversy. Some critics have argued that her approach to care emphasized suffering over medical treatment, and there have been debates about the quality of care in her homes. Additionally, her staunch opposition to abortion and contraception has been a point of contention.
Despite these criticisms, Mother Teresa's influence remains undeniable. She continued her work until her death in 1997, and in 2016, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the Roman Catholic Church. Her life and work continue to inspire countless individuals worldwide, embodying a profound commitment to serving humanity.
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