'I know Sister Nirmala very well and she is an able administrator'

Rediff On The NeT asked Navin Chawla, IAS, chairman, Delhi Vidyuit Board, and author of a recent biography of Mother Teresa, for his impressions on the succession. This is what he told George Iype:

The Missionaries of Charity has a written constitution and they have a general chapter which meets once in six years. According to the constitution, they have to elect the office-bearers every six years. The office-bearers are the Mother General, the Sister General, four councillors and one treasurer.

Twelve years ago, Mother Teresa expressed her desire to step down, but the sisters did not agreed to her suggestion. In 1990, she once again expressed her desire to step down, but again the sisters voted her back.

This time, seeing her state of health, the MC sisters agreed to her wishes and elected a new Superior General, Sister Nirmala.

But Mother Teresa will continue to remain the Mother General. Sister Nirmala will be the Superior General and elections have also been held to the four councillor generals.

Personally, I have no reason to doubt that the sisters after their long and careful deliberations have made the most fitting choice by electing Sister Nirmala. I know Sister Nirmala very well and she is an able administrator. She was the head of the Contemplative Order of the MC sisters.

I have no doubt that the electoral college which consisted of 126 sisters has done a very good job by electing Sister Nirmala as Mother Teresa's successor.