Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910, was an extraordinary humanitarian known for her deep compassion and tireless work. Her incredible generosity and selflessness earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She was canonised as a saint in 2016.
Dedicated to humankind
Mother Teresa’s journey in India began at 18 when she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and later moved to Kolkata. Seeing the extreme poverty there, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, where her team cared for the sick, the poor, and the dying. Mother Teresa’s charity work was intensely personal and hands-on. She set up soup kitchens, dispensaries, mobile clinics and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis. Over time, her work expanded beyond Kolkata, establishing over 500 missions across India by her death in 1997. Her philosophy that the smallest acts of kindness can create significant change continues to drive the organisation even today.
An enduring legacy
Mother Teresa’s legacy in India is one of profound compassion and hope. She remains a symbol of selfless service, with her life and work chronicled in numerous books, documentaries, and films. Her story inspires people of all faiths and backgrounds, demonstrating the profound impact one can make through a life dedicated to serving others.
