Mother Teresa awarded Nobel Peace Prize

On October 17, 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to overcome poverty and distress, which were recognized as factors constituting a threat to peace.

Upon receiving the award, she declined the traditional ceremonial banquet, requesting instead that the funds allocated for the celebration be redirected to assist the poor in India. Her organization, the Missionaries of Charity, grew to include thousands of sisters and hundreds of thousands of volunteers managing various centers, including hospices and homes for orphaned children and those with HIV/AIDS.