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
Nirmala College for Women offers M.Phil and Ph.D in Mathematics, History, Commerce, Literature, Botany & Chemistry both full-time and part-time. The students of Nirmala college excel in sports especially in weightlifting. Nirmala College for Women Nirmala College for Women is an autonomous institution in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. It is re-accredited by NAAC with "A" Grade. The college admits undergraduates and post-graduates and offers degrees in the liberal arts, sciences and commerce. The institution was affiliated with Madras University till 1981 and thereafter affiliated with the Bharathiar University. The college is managed by Franciscan Sisters of the Presentation founded by Rev Fr Joseph Louis