Nirmala Joshi of the first Sisters of the institute to head a foreign mission when she went to Panama. In 1976, Joshi started the contemplative branch of the Missionaries of Charity and remained at its head until 1997, when she was elected to succeed Mother Teresa as Superior General of the institute. The government of India bestowed the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, on Sister Joshi on Republic Day (26 January) 2009 for her services to the nation. Her term as Superior General ended on 25 March 2009, and she was succeeded by German born Sister Mary Prema Pierick. Joshi
Christianity in Punjab, India Christianity in Punjab, India Christians form 1.1% of the total population in Punjab, India. Sikhs form the majority in the state. John Lowrie and William Reed were missionaries who went there in 1834. The Diocese of Amritsar of the Church of North India has its seat in Punjab as does the Roman Catholic diocese of Jalandhar. There are thousands of settlements with a Christian congregation. From 1881 to 1891 the Christian population of the then still united Punjab increased rapidly..Christians are heavily involved in conversions through missionaries in Punjab . Denominations: United Churches of North India (UCNI), Protestant Church, Methodist