Philanthropist of the Year

Dr. Jack Preger

Son Heung-Min

Described as 'Mans answer to Mother Teresa’, there are few people in the world who are as pure an example of philanthropy as Dr. Jack Preger, MBE. Born in 1930, until the age of 35 he was a farmer in Wales until he felt a calling to medicine. After a drastic change of career, by 1980 he found himself opening an independent clinic in Kolkata. This pavement clinic opened six days a week for the next fourteen years and helped countless patients. Today Preger continues his work in the city, bringing better medical practices and medicine to those most in need – a true inspiration. In 1993, Preger was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his "continued perseverance and incredible selflessness. A documentary film about his life and work titled Docteur Jack was released in Switzerland on 26 October 2016 to critical acclaim. He founded Calcutta Rescue which was honoured in the 2009 India NGO awards for "creative resourcing, financial management, governance and impact in the community” Despite being “systemically harassed” Preger persevered and is still today revolutionising health care among Kolkata’s most downtrodden.

Quotes and Praise

"If one wants to give love, understanding and care, one uses sterile needles. The film is not about what Dr Jack has done, but about overwhelming need. The film shows how much more needs to be done. Sometimes you don’t choose your life; it just develops on its own. It’s better to light one candle than sit in the dark.”

 

  • Contact

    Email: info@theasianawards.com

  • Twitter feed