The 24th International Mother Teresa Awards Ceremony took place on August 26th, 2024, at the Millennium Plaza Dubai, commemorating the 114th birth anniversary of the revered humanitarian.
This prestigious event, organized by the All-India Minority and Weaker Sections Council, was held outside India for only the second time, with both international ceremonies having taken place in Dubai.
The awards, established after Mother Teresa’s passing in 1997, recognized exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields including education, science, culture, sports, social work, medicine, industry, and politics in India.
This year’s ceremony featured a diverse group of awardees from different countries and sectors.
Notable recipients included the late João Bernardo Vieira II, from Guinea-Bissau , Sidharth Srivastava and Namit Bajoria from the industry sector, and Mohammed Mahtabur Rahman, Chairman of NRB Bank Limited. The arts were represented by Irka Bochenko, while education saw MP Rozario honored, among others.
Social work awards went to Murli Panjabi and Sureandar Singh Khandari from the UAE. The ceremony also recognized young talent, with Ahmed al Hashemi receiving an award as a promising musician and child prodigy.
The event featured a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate Mother Teresa’s birth anniversary, along with the screening of a documentary about her life. Organizers expressed their joy at returning to Dubai for this special occasion. The ceremony also included various cultural segments
Beyond the awards, the Mother Teresa National Awards Committee engages in various activities to honor Mother Teresa’s legacy.
These include cultural events and feeding programs for the underprivileged, reflecting the compassionate work that defined Mother Teresa’s mission. Mother Teresa, born on August 26, 1910, and later beatified as Saint Teresa, founded the Missionaries of Charity.
Her organization grew to include over 4,500 nuns serving in 133 countries, dedicated to helping the poorest of the poor. Her humanitarian efforts earned her numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize.
The 24th International Mother Teresa Awards Ceremony served as a touching tribute to the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most beloved humanitarians, bringing together individuals from across the globe who continue to embody her spirit of selfless service.
By – Vinod Kumar (Dubai)