Anyone Criticising Mother Teresa Either 'Envious or Stupid', Says Author Jeffrey Archer

Kolkata:

Taking on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's for his comments on Mother Teresa, celebrated British author Jeffrey Archer today said anyone who is foolish enough to criticise the Nobel laureate is either "envious" or "stupid".

"Anyone who is stupid enough to criticise this great lady is either envious or stupid. I dismiss it," Mr Archer told IANS when quizzed on the remarks which hit headlines across the globe.

The best-selling author is in India to launch his book "Mightier Than The Sword", the fifth in the Clifton Chronicle series of books.

"I read that (report on comments) in England. It was all reported in England. There are many people who don't like Winston Churchill (Britain's wartime prime minister), many don't like (former prime minister) Margaret Thatcher.That is the deal, part of the deal when you are aiming for the very top," he said.

The 'Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less' and 'Kane and Abel' writer said he was "very flattered" when Mother Teresa requested him to set up a hostel for people with AIDS in London around 20 years ago.

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Mr Archer is scheduled to meet Mother Teresa's close associate and Missionaries of Charity spokesperson Sunita Kumar on Saturday. The Charity is a congregation established by the Mother.

He also recalled his son's connection with Mother Teresa.

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"When my son was at university he decided to do a year of service before he did a job and he came here (to Kolkata) and worked for Mother Teresa ," he said, adding the Kumars are "dear friends."

Mr Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief, has been receiving flak after saying that the Nobel laureate's service to the poor was aimed at converting them to Christianity.