Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Overview

Mother Teresa of Calcutta (née Agnes Bojaxhiu) born Skopje, Macedonia, Ottoman Empire August 26, 1910 (d. 1997). Recipient of numerous awards in recognition of her peace efforts: Nehru Prize, 1969; Templeton Prize, 1973; Nobel Peace Prize, 1979.

Quotations

"[L]ove begins at home, and if we can create a home for the poor—I think that more and more love will spread. And we will be able through this understanding love to bring peace, be the good news to the poor. The poor in our own family first, in our country and in the world." (Nobel address, Dec. 11, 1979; photo Vatican.va)

Vimala Thakar

Overview

Vimala Thakar born Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India April 15, 1921 (d. 2009). Gandhian social activist and spiritual leader. Active in Vinoba Bhave’s land gift movement.

Quotations

On her social activism: “I am a lover of life, and as a lover of life, I cannot keep out of any activity of life. If people are hungry for food, my response is to help feed them. If people are hungry for truth, my response is to help them discover it. . . I love all life." (“Awakening to Total Revolution”, EnlightenNext; photo Eddymumu.blog)

Rita Thapa

Overview

Rita Thapa born Kathmandu, Nepal January 18, 1952. Peacemaker. Served as mediator during Maoist insurgency, 2001. Founded Nagarik Aawaz (“The Voice of the Citizen”) for conflict transformation and peacebuilding, 2001. Arrested for protest calling for establishment of new government and new constitution, 2011. Ashoka Fellow, 1998; Nobel Peace Prize nominee, 2005.

Quotations

“Prolonged post conflict transitions such as ours mean heightened corruption, impunity, increased abuse of human rights, (especially women’s human rights!) and instability in terms of economy and security. . . Transitional justice, reparation work, and peace dividends—much spoken of in the past 7 years, are still far off from being actualized and experienced.” (quote & photo nagarikaawaz)