Senior ophthalmologist Dr Sanduk Ruit has been honoured with the ‘Prime Minister National Talent Award-2075’. President Bidya Devi Bhandari awarded Dr Ruit amidst a special ceremony organised by the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Sunday. The award carries a purse of Rs 500,000.
The government on December 3, 2017 had decided to present the ‘Prime Minister National Talent Award’ and ‘Prime Minister National Talent Grant’ to talents making significant contribution to the nation and establish a revolving fund of Rs 22 million to that end.
Similarly, the President presented the Prime Minister National Talent Grant-2075 to Radi Miya, the resident of Laxminagar, Lamjung and Bikalpa Dhungana of Tanahu. Miya is recognised for his inventions of advanced agricultural tools and technology while Dhungana has developed a solar scooter, smart traffic mask and a technology which do not allow vehicle’s start system to function if it is operated by consuming alcohol. They received Rs 250,000 each.
Dr Ruit, a highly recognised ophthalmologist established the Tilganga Eye Hospital on his own initiation three decades ago – via the hospital and his own initiative, he has helped restore the sight of over 130,000 people.
The President described Dr Ruit as a shining star in the field of ophthalmology, wishing to his engagement in more research projects and inventions in the days ahead and to see further achievements and fame. The President expressed her hope that the grant would encourage Miya and Dhungana for more inventions in the days to come as well.
According to the President, there is a large population whose talents help Nepal get its name and fame in the international arena. She expressed the government’s policy of encouraging and recognizing national talents’ contribution to the areas of peace, good governance, innovation, research, exploration and development sector.
“The government has started the culture of honouring national talents which will encourage extraordinary talents every year and I want to thank the government for this initiation.”