Sister Nirmala, who succeeded and headed the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Nobel leaureate Mother Terasa went to be with the Lord she used served this morning.
According to the official of the Missionaries of Charity, Sister Nirmala had not been well for the past few days.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and many other dignitaries have expressed their condolences.
"Sister Nirmala's life was devoted to service, caring for the poor & underprivileged. Saddened by her demise. May her soul rest in peace," PM Modi tweeted.
"Saddened at the passing of Sister Nirmala who headed Missionaries of Charity after Mother Teresa. Kolkata and the world will miss her," tweeted CM Mamata Banerjee.
Sister Nirmala Joshi was born in Ranchi on July 23, 1934 to a Brahmin soldier who came from Nepal. She had joined the Order at the age of 17.
On March 13, 1997, six months before Mother Teresa's death, Sister Nirmala was selected the Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity.
In April 2009, Sister Mary Prema was elected to succeed Sister Nirmala during a general chapter held in Calcutta.
The government of India had bestowed the Padma Vibhushan to Sister Nirmala, the second highest civilian award on Republic Day in 2009 for her services to the nation.
Sister Nirmala's body is rested at St John's Church in Sealdah and will be shifted to Mother House in Kolkata tomorrow. The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow.
