A Maltese Jesuit who spent 20 years in Calcutta from 1971 to 1991 was honoured on his return to the city where he set up the Leadership Training Service at St Xavier's College.
Fr Robert Wirth SJ, the first national promoter of the LTS, was referred to as a "towering personality" in the history of the movement when being presented with the award.
The LTS teaches its members not only to be efficient leaders but also to pass on the torch of leadership to succeeding generations. The society aims to develop its members into "agents of social change" and to offer assistance to all in need.
Fr John Rogers SJ, India's national promoter of the LTS, highlighted the remarkable contributions Fr Wirth had made to build the movement in its infancy. He fondly recalled the "golden era" of the LTS under Fr Wirth's leadership.
On behalf of the LTS movement, Fr Rogers conferred on Fr Wirth the first Lifetime Achievement Award to be given in the history of the LTS.
"This is the most prestigious award given in the history of LTS. Right now, no one in the LTS deserves it as you deserve it, Fr Robbie. This honour is a visible appreciation for your contribution to the LTS. We are happy that you have come from Malta to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Week of the LTS, a movement you fashioned with great dedication," Fr Rogers said.
Fr Wirth said he was indeed honoured. "Thank you for this award, and I am grateful to you for giving me so much respect and love. I am happy to meet such wonderful people whom I will always remember and cherish. I am carrying back to Malta a bundle of fond memories. I am thankful to God for giving me an opportunity to come to India during this historic event of the LTS, a movement that is so dear to my heart. You have made my day," he said.
During his two-month visit to India, Fr Wirth spent as much time as possible with LTS past students of Calcutta before returning to Malta.
Speaking to The Times on his return, Fr Wirth took the opportunity to appeal for help for the Santal boys in India who are looked after by Maltese priests and who need funds for their breakfast.
"The boys, who are boarders, have a problem with their breakfast. They used to eat bulgur wheat, which was a gift from the United States, but this donation has unfortunately been stopped. The Santal boys are poor and cannot afford to pay higher fees," he said.
The Santal are the largest tribal community in India, found mainly in the states of Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam.
Fr Wirth can be contacted at Sarria House, 1, Pjazza E.S. Tonna, Floriana FRN 1481 or on 9926 6090.