Nirmala Joshi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sister Maria Nirmala Joshi MC |
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Sister Nirmala in Witness, the Salt + Light Television programme
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| Religion | Christianity (Catholicism) |
| Institute | Missionaries of Charity |
| Alma mater | University of Calcutta (Doctor Juris) |
| Personal | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Born | 23 July 1934 Ranchi, Bihar and Orissa Province, British India |
| Died | 23 June 2015 (aged 80) Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Senior posting | |
| Title | Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity |
| Predecessor | Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu |
| Successor | Mary Prema Pierick MC |
Maria Nirmala Joshi (born July 23, 1934 – died June 23, 2015) was an Indian religious sister. She became the leader of the Missionaries of Charity after Mother Teresa passed away. Sister Nirmala helped the organization grow and reach many more countries around the world.
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About Sister Nirmala
Her Early Life and Calling
Sister Nirmala was born Kusum Joshi on July 23, 1934. She was the oldest of ten children. Her family lived in Ranchi, which is now in India. Her parents were from Nepal. Her father was an officer in the British Indian Army.
Even though her family followed the Hindu faith, Nirmala went to school at a Christian missionary school. There, she learned about the amazing work of Mother Teresa. She felt inspired to help others just like Mother Teresa did.
Nirmala later became a Catholic and joined the Missionaries of Charity. This group was founded by Mother Teresa. She studied a lot, earning degrees in political science and law from the University of Calcutta.
Leading the Missionaries of Charity
Sister Nirmala was one of the first Sisters to lead a mission outside of India. She traveled to Panama to help people there. In 1976, she started a special part of the Missionaries of Charity. This branch focused on prayer and quiet reflection.
In 1997, Mother Teresa passed away. Sister Nirmala was then chosen to become the new leader of the Missionaries of Charity. She took on the important role of Superior General.
Under her leadership, the organization grew a lot. She helped open new centers in countries like Afghanistan and Thailand. This expanded the Missionaries of Charity's work to 134 countries.
Her Legacy
The government of India recognized Sister Nirmala's great service to the nation. On January 26, 2009, she received the Padma Vibhushan. This is the second highest award a civilian can get in India.
Sister Nirmala finished her term as Superior General on March 25, 2009. Sister Mary Prema Pierick, who was born in Germany, took over as the new leader.
Passing Away
Sister Nirmala passed away on June 23, 2015, in Kolkata. She died from a heart problem. Many important leaders in India shared their sadness. This included Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
