Dr Jack Preger MBE was named 'Philanthropist of the Year' at a star-studded Asian Awards ceremony in London yesterday.
The award was in recognition of his extraordinary service in helping the poorest of the poor in Kolkata for the past 38 years.
It is the first time that a living person, not of Asian origin, has been honoured at the awards, though Mother Teresa had received a posthumous award last year, a press release by 'Calcutta Rescue' said.
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," according to the release.
86-year-old Dr Jack lives in Kolkata helping run his charity which provides free health care and education to tens of thousands of people living on the streets.