KATHMANDU, Sept 22: Senior ophthalmologist Dr Sanduk Ruit has been honored with the 'Prime Minister National Talent Award-2075'.
President Bidya Devi Bhandari awarded Dr Ruit amidst a special ceremony organized by the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers here today. 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 a significant contribution to the nation and establish a revolving fund of Rs 22 million to that end.
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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 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 had established the Tilganga Eye Hospital on his own initiation three decades ago and his professional services are expanded to India, Bhutan, and China as well.
On the occasion, he shared that a new technology began by the hospital was to be taken to Asia, Africa and South America. On the occasion, 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 to see his 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. Stating that Nepal is a fertile land for talents, President Bhandari recalled that Nepal is a birthplace of Gautam Buddha, a precursor of the world peace, Bed Byas, the creators of the Vedas and Purans, Rhishi Yagyawalkya and Balmiki, the creator of the Ramayana.
According to the President, there is a large population whose talents help Nepal get its name and fame in the international arena. She praised 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 honoring national talents which will encourage extraordinary talents every year and I want to thank the government for this initiation."
