Dr. Sanduk, the Living God for the Blinds

Kathmandu, 7 May: Dr. Sanduk Ruit is an internationally renowned ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) from Nepal who has helped thousands of people regain their sight. He is known not only in Nepal but in many countries around the world as a “doctor likened to God.”

Dr. Sanduk Ruit was born in 1954 in Olangchung Gola, a remote village in the Taplejung district of Nepal. He was born into a humble family and spent his childhood in difficult conditions. He received his early education in his village.

Later, Ruit completed his MBBS studies at Darbhanga Medical College in India. He then received specialized training in eye surgery at The Brighton Eye Hospital in Australia. There, he had the opportunity to work with Professor Fred Hollows, who had a significant influence on Dr. Ruit’s approach to eye treatment and surgery.

When Dr. Ruit became fully proficient in eye treatment, he established the Tilganga Eye Centre in Nepal (now known as the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology), which has grown into a leading center for eye treatment and research. He developed a low-cost, high-quality cataract surgery technique that has successfully restored sight to millions of blind individuals around the world. This surgical method has proven especially effective for the poor and people living in rural areas.

Thanks to his contributions in eye care, countless people across the globe have regained their vision, making Dr. Sanduk Ruit not only widely admired but also revered as a godlike figure. In recognition of his humanitarian work and medical innovations, various countries and organizations have honored him with prestigious awards, including:

Ramon Magsaysay Award (2006)
Padma Shri (by the Government of India, 2018)
Several other national and international humanitarian awards

Dr. Ruit firmly believes: “Opening one’s eyes is not just about sight—it transforms life.”

He has dedicated his entire life to serving humanity and bringing light into the lives of the blind.

I have also made an effort to present a list of the major awards Dr. Sanduk Ruit has received, along with the associated cash prizes. Here are some of those notable recognitions:

ISA Award for Service to Humanity (Bahrain, 2023):

Presented by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, this prestigious award recognized Dr. Ruit’s contribution to the elimination of blindness. Along with the award, he received a cash prize of USD 1,000,000.
Prime Minister National Talent Award (Nepal, 2075 B.S.):

The Government of Nepal honored Dr. Ruit under the National Talent Award category, along with a cash prize of NPR 500,000.
Shreepati Social Service National Award (Nepal, 2025):

The Shripati Koirala Trust in Pokhara honored Dr. Ruit for his outstanding contribution to social service with this award, which included a cash prize of NPR 222,222.

These are just a few examples of the honors Dr. Sanduk Ruit has received, not only with monetary awards but also as recognition of his life-changing work and dedication to humanity.

In recognition of his contribution to transforming the lives of the blind, Dr. Sanduk Ruit was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding in 2006, often referred to as the “Asian Nobel Prize.”

He also received the prestigious Prince Mahidol Award (Thailand, 2007) for his remarkable contribution to public health.

In 2018, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his innovations in eye treatment.

Likewise, Dr. Ruit has received numerous other medals and honors, including: