MOTHER TERESA

Source: Midday

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 Context

• August 26 marks the birth anniversary of Mother Teresa, one of the most revered figures of the 20th century.

Details

Background

• Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, known as Mother Teresa, was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, which later became part of North Macedonia.
• At a young age, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and received the name Sister Mary Teresa, after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.

Work in India

• In 1929, she traveled to Kolkata to teach at Mary's High School for Girls, which was run by the Sisters of Loreto.
• In 1950, she began the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta to care for what she called "the poorest of the poor."
• Through her efforts, Missionaries of Charity became a worldwide organization and opened centers across the globe to care for anyone in need.
• Mother Teresa received public acclaim for her relief efforts during Calcutta's 1943 Famine and subsequent relief work during the Partition in 1947.

Legacy

• In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian works, as well as efforts to alleviate poverty.
• She received the Bharat Ratna in 1980 for her contribution to society.
• She was also awarded the Padma Shri in 1962, and the Templeton Prize in 1973, further raising more awareness for her mission due to her humanitarian contributions internationally.
• In 2016, she was declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, by Pope Francis, known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Books

• A Simple Path.
• No Greater Love.
• In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories, and Prayers.
• The Joy in Loving: A Guide to Daily Living.

Sources:

Midday 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Mother Teresa's approach to poverty and suffering was rooted in her religious beliefs, which sometimes attracted controversy. Discuss the implications of this approach in the context of secular humanitarianism. (150 words)