After the death of Mother Teresa in 1997, the Mother Teresa International Award Committee was set up with the objective to recognise and give away awards to those who have excelled in the fields of education, science, culture, sports, social service, medicine, industry and politics, annually. This year, The Mother Teresa International Awards 2023 celebrated the achievements of 18 outstanding individuals. The awards were given away at a gala ceremony organised on August 26 by the Committee at Conrad Hotel, Dubai, UAE to mark the 113th birth anniversary of Mother Teresa. The prestigious event was graced by dignitaries from the UAE, India, Bangladesh and the UK, who also enjoyed music and dance performances that underlined the spirit of love and brotherhood amongst all countries.
Nishita Charles, Mahesh Raghavan, Aden Ebrahim and Riyaz Shah presented the inaugural song Mile sur. In a surprise performance that enthralled the audience, Usha Uthup sang three enchanting numbers in her distinctive style, accompanied in song and dance by yesteryear actress Kalpana Iyer. A dance presentation on Bollywood evergreen melodies by the mother-daughter duo of Indrani Dutt and Rajnandini Paul also impressed the guests.
Bijender Singh of the Indian consulate in Dubai graced the occasion as the guest of honour. Former minister of environment and water, Dubai, Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, and Al-Awad Petroleum chairman Juma Madani were also felicitated as part of the event. Snapshots.
The members of the Mother Teresa International Award Committee at the event which was hosted outside India for the first time.
Usha Uthup was felicitated with the award for culture.
(Clockwise from left) Kalpana Iyer and Usha Uthup mesmerised the audience with their performance.
A cake was cut to observe Mother Teresa’s 113th birth anniversary.
Anchor for the evening, Joseph Chacko, welcomed guests and acquainted them with the legacy of Mother Teresa’s work all over the world.
Chairman of the Mother Teresa International Award Committee, Terence H. Ireland welcomed the august gathering with an address that highlighted the Committee’s history of recognising luminaries for over two decades.
(Clockwise from left) Satya Prakash Sangwan accepted an award for his contribution to sports.
Actress Rajnandini Paul received the Mother Teresa International Award for entertainment.
Danseuse Indrani Dutt and her daughter actress Rajnandini Paul staged a spectacular dance piece based on old Bollywood tracks.
Dubai-based British painter Sacha Jafri (right), who was also a recipient of the Mother Teresa International Award, conducted a live painting session that brought together Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and founder of UAE, late Sheikh Zayed, through a collage.
