Who was the first Indian to receive the Templeton Prize, an international award for progress in religion and spiritual life?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with the Templeton Prize, an important international award that honours individuals for progress in religion, spiritual insight or affirming life s spiritual dimension. The focus is on identifying the first Indian associated figure to receive this prize. Such awards questions combine knowledge of religion, philosophy and international honours.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The award is the Templeton Prize.
• The question specifically asks for the first Indian associated recipient.
• The options list prominent social reformers, philosophers and spiritual figures linked with India.
• We assume familiarity with Mother Teresa and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan as major religious or spiritual personalities in the Indian context.

Concept / Approach:
To solve this, the candidate must match the Templeton Prize with its early winners. Mother Teresa, who worked in India and took Indian citizenship, is widely recognised as the first recipient of the Templeton Prize in the early nineteen seventies. Although Dr. S. Radhakrishnan also received the Templeton Prize later, he was not the first among Indian linked personalities to be honoured with it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Templeton Prize is given for spiritual progress and is associated with religious and humanitarian work. Step 2: Remember that Mother Teresa became world famous for her service to the poor and sick in India, especially in Kolkata. Step 3: Recognise that Mother Teresa was the first winner of the Templeton Prize, which automatically makes her the first Indian associated recipient. Step 4: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a philosopher and former President of India, also received the Templeton Prize, but later in time. Step 5: Check that Baba Amte and Vinoba Bhave, though great social reformers, are not recorded as Templeton Prize winners.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to recall common exam facts which state that Mother Teresa was the first recipient of the Templeton Prize. When exams refer to first recipient and Indian association together, they usually point to her, because by the time of the award she was strongly linked with India and regarded as an Indian citizen serving humanity from Indian soil.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Baba Amte is famous for his work for leprosy patients but he did not receive the Templeton Prize. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan did receive this prize later, but not as the first recipient. Vinoba Bhave is associated mainly with the Bhoodan movement and other social reform work, and he is not recorded as a Templeton Prize laureate. Sri Aurobindo was a spiritual leader and philosopher but he passed away before the Templeton Prize was instituted, and hence could not have received it.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to choose Dr. S. Radhakrishnan due to his well known philosophical contributions and connection with spirituality. However, the question emphasises the first recipient, and Mother Teresa holds that distinction. Some learners may also ignore the word first and simply guess based on recognition of names, which leads to errors.

Final Answer:
The first Indian associated figure to receive the Templeton Prize was Mother Teresa.