Mother Teresa was the first woman recipient of the Padma Vibhushan award, India's second-highest civilian honor, which she received in 1980 for her humanitarian work with the poor and sick in Kolkata. The Padma Vibhushan is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields, and Mother Teresa's dedication to social welfare and medical care made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor. While other women have received this award after her, Mother Teresa holds the distinction of being the first female recipient, making her historically significant in the context of Indian civilian awards. Other options like female athletes, scientists, or political figures may have received the award later, but none preceded Mother Teresa in receiving this honor.