Mother Teresa, born as Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, North Macedonia, is remembered as one of the most selfless humanitarians of the 20th century. Known for her unwavering compassion and dedication to the poor, she founded the Missionaries of Charity and devoted her life to serving the marginalized. On her 28th death anniversary, her life and legacy continue to inspire millions across the globe.

Early Life and Journey to India

Mother Teresa was the youngest child of Nikolle and Dranafile Bojaxhiu. Her father, who was active in Albanian community politics, passed away when she was just eight years old. By the age of 12, she had already developed a fascination for the lives of missionaries, and at 18, she left home to pursue her calling.

She arrived in India in 1929 and began working as a schoolteacher in Kolkata in 1931. Witnessing the extreme poverty around her, she felt deeply moved and decided to dedicate her life to serving the underprivileged. In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, an organization devoted to helping the poorest of the poor, regardless of caste, religion, or social background. The order went on to establish hospitals, schools, and shelters for those in need.

Awards and Recognitions

Mother Teresa’s selfless service earned her international recognition. She received the Padma Shri in 1962, the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1969, and India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna in 1980. Globally, her greatest recognition came in 1979, when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work.

Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, but her life of service remains a guiding light. Her legacy lives on through the Missionaries of Charity, which continues to serve the poor and destitute worldwide.