Sister Nirmala to be conferred with Padma Vibhushan award

Of the ten persons who will be conferred India's second highest civilian award - the Padma Vibhushan - is the head of the Missionaries of Charity, Sister Nirmala.

The award which will be conferred on the occasion of the 60th Republic Day, consists of a medal and a citation and is awarded by the President of India for those who have rendered exceptional and distinguished service to the nation.


The list of Padma Vibhushan awardees include the chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission, Dr Anil Kakodkar, and the man behind India's moon mission, G Madhavan Nair.

Sister Nirmala Sunday said she felt humble and grateful. "I am grateful to god. I am grateful to the government. I feel humble," she was quoted saying.

Stating that she would receive the award on behalf of those who have worked for the poor and needy, Sister Nirmala said, "I am not receiving the award for me, rather on behalf of sisters, brothers, fathers and all who are working together for the poorest of the poor."

"This is not my achievement. This is for Missionaries of Charity and those who have been helping us for whatever good accomplished by us," she said.

This is the second highest recognition to the Missionaries of Charity, after Mother Teresa who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1980.

The 74-year-old nun, known for her simplicity and humility, succeeding Mother Teresa in 1997, became the superior general of the Charity organization which consists of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries.

She was born Nirmala Joshi into a Brahmin family in Ranchi. At the age of 24, being inspired by the works of Mother Teresa, she converted to Christianity.