Who was honoured with the first Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award for promoting communal harmony and peace?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about Indian national awards that promote social harmony and goodwill. The Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award is given to individuals for outstanding efforts toward communal harmony, peace and national integration. The question asks who received this award for the first time.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The award is the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award.
• The focus is on the first recipient of this award.
• The options list several eminent Indians from different fields such as industry, religion and social service.
• We assume basic awareness that Mother Teresa is closely linked with humanitarian work and peace.

Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, candidates must connect the purpose of the Sadbhavana Award with the life and work of the possible recipients. Mother Teresa is globally known for her service to the poor, sick and marginalised, and for her message of love and compassion which transcended religious and community boundaries. She was chosen as the first recipient of this award to symbolise these values.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that sadbhavana means goodwill and harmony among people. Step 2: Among the listed options, identify who is best known for selfless humanitarian service that promotes peace and harmony. Step 3: Recognise that Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the poor in India and became a global symbol of compassion. Step 4: Recall that she was selected as the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award. Step 5: Confirm that other individuals listed have made great contributions but are not known as the first recipients of this particular award.

Verification / Alternative check:
One can verify this by recalling standard general knowledge notes which often state that Mother Teresa was the first person to receive this award, highlighting her efforts to promote harmony and understanding among different communities. This information is repeated in many exam preparation materials.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Acharya Tulsi was a Jain monk noted for his spiritual leadership, but he is not recorded as the first recipient of this award. J. R. D. Tata was an industrialist and philanthropist, yet the first Sadbhavana Award is not associated with him. R. A. Mashelkar is a scientist and technologist whose recognition relates more to science and innovation. Lata Mangeshkar, a legendary singer, has different honours associated with her, not this specific award as its first recipient.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse various national awards named after leaders and may guess based only on prominence of names rather than understanding the theme of the award. Remembering that the Sadbhavana Award focuses on harmony and peace, and that Mother Teresa symbolises these values globally, helps avoid mistakes.

Final Answer:
The first Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award was conferred on Mother Teresa.