Kathmandu, September 15

New York-based Asia Society has nominated Dr Sanduk Ruit, co-founder of Himalayan Cataract Project, from Nepal for the 2016 Asia Game Changer Awards.

Dr Ruit is being awarded for bringing the gift of sight to those most in need. Dr Ruit has helped hundreds of thousands of poor cataract patients within and outside the country regain their sight.

Muzoon Almellehan(Syria), a young activist who is bringing education to her fellow Syrian refugees; Durreen Shahnaz (Bangladesh), a pioneer in social impact investment in Asia; and two musicians Ahmad Sarmast (Afghanistan/Australia) and Karim Wafsi (Iraq), who are using art to heal their war-torn nations, have also been picked for the awards.

Similarly, Marita Cheng (Australia), an entrepreneur and advocate for women in technology, and Soo-Man Lee (South Korea), founder and producer of SM Entertainment, are other awardees.

Likewise, iconic architect I M Pei (US/China), a mentor to scores of American and Chinese architects, will receive the first Asia Game Changer Lifetime Achievement Award.

According to a press statement issued by Asia Society, the honorees were nominated and selected by members of the Asia Society’s global network.

The statement said the honorees will attend the Asia Game Changer Awards Dinner and celebration at the United Nations on October 27, 2016.

Dr Ruit is also received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006.