Kolkata : An exhibition train showcasing the life and works of Nobel laureate Mother Teresa was inaugurated on Aug 26 by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to mark her birth centenary.

"The Mother Express is the railways' tribute to Mother Teresa on her birth centenary. We also want to generate awareness among the masses about her life and philanthropic deeds," Banerjee said on the occasion.

She said she has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to issue a coin on Mother's birth centenary. 'The government of India will shortly issue a coin,' she said at the programme at Sealdah station.

Banerjee said like Sister Nivedita, Mother Teresa was also known across the world for her service to mankind. 'She is a universal mother. We are proud that she belongs to Kolkata and our state.' Banerjee said: 'Mother had fought for the downtrodden, worked for the downtrodden and also a Mother to the downtrodden'.

Missionaries of Charity Superior General Sister Prema said: 'Mother used to travel by railway on a regular basis. While travelling to Darjeeling by train in September 1946 she thought of doing something for the poor and needy people and very next day she returned and started working for the noble cause'.

Sister Prema's predecessor Sister Nirmala, a good number of other sisters of the order founded by Mother Teresa, priests and children attended the function. A dance drama based on the life and works of Mother Teresa was performed by the children.

Railway Passenger Amenities Committee chairman Derek O'Brien, while sharing his attachment with Mother Teresa, said that Sonia Gandhi has sent him a message wishing Mother's birth centenary programmes all success.