Tamil Nadu governor Surjit Singh Barnala was choosen for 'Mother Teresa Life Time Award 2009' for his contribution in the field of social work and administration by the Mother Teresa's International and Millenium Awards Committee. Mother Teresa's International and Millennium Awards Committee, Kolkata instituted the award in 2000 to recognise excellent performances in the field of education, culture, music, social work, sports, industry, medicine and politics.