Doctor, who treated poor for free, bags Asian Award
It was the first time that a living person, not of Asian origin, was honoured with the award.
Kolkata: Dr Jack Preger, Kolkata’s “Pavement Doctor”, became the first living Westerner to be honoured at the “Asian Awards”. Dr Jack Preger, MBE, was named “Philanthropist of the Year” at the Asian Awards ceremony in London on Friday, in recognition of his service in helping the poorest of the poor in Kolkata for the past 38 years.
It was the first time that a living person, not of Asian origin, was honoured with the award. Mother Teresa had received a posthumous award last year.
The NGO “Calcutta Rescue” had been founded by Dr Preger. It helped more than half a million people over the past 38 years. Dr Jack told the audience, which included Sachin Tendulkar and London mayor Sadiq Khan, “This is an incredible honour for me. This award will be of great help in this country for our support groups raising funds. It’s a great help in Kolkata,” said the doctor.