Pictorial history of Mother Teresa released

Kolkata, Jan 9: The 24-hour Bangla bandh called by the Trinamool Congress did not dampen the spirits of philanthropists, who gathered in the city's Oxford book store to pay tribute to Mother Teresa.

Oxford Bookstore, alongwith Om Books International, today was the venued witnessed the launch of 'Blessed Teresa of Kolkata', a book by Sunita Kumar, a close associate and friend of Mother Teresa.

The book was launced by famous Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore and socialite Russi Mody, who have also contributed to the book with their inputs.

''Despite the chaos, confusion and a silly bandh I am here. This is the spirit of the city of joy,'' Ms Tagore said.

Sunita Kumar, a painter and writer,was associated with the Mother for over 30 years from 1965 until her death.

Her works portray the essence of the Mother and her mission. In her latest book she had penned down the entire process of the Mother's beatification in Vatican. Her first book on Mother was 'Poorest of the poor'.

''She was so serene and calm. Even if she was angry she never ever revealed that.'' Ms Kumar said.

''As a human she was not spared fron allegations and controversies. Many say that she used to administration the last sacrament to each and every person before their death but let me tell you she respected all the religion and its only when the religion of the person was not known, she used to do this. It is the only way out in that case.'' Ms Kumar added.

Asked on why the Mother did not do anything in Albania, her motherland, which is a poverty stricken country, Ms Kumar said the people of Kolkata needed her more than her own country.

UNI