sabriye tenberken (German)
Knowing what it is to be marginalized, I developed an intrinsic interest to create ethical social change. I studied Tibetology / Central Asian Sciences at Bonn University and to be able to take notes in Tibetan, i developed the Tibetan Braille Script. Traveling on horseback through the Himalayas in 1997, I discovered that Tibetans who in majority are Buddhists have a stigma against people with disabilities. Especially blindness is seen as a punishment for something you have done in your previous life. Accordingly blind children are often neglected, locked away in dark rooms or sent to the streets to beg for money. Experiencing this situation inspired me to take action.
In 1998, together with paul kronenberg, i started the first school for the blind in Tibet. This school formed the foundation of Braille Without Borders, an organization that empowers blind people to take their lives in their own hands.
In 2005, we also founded ‘kanthari’ in Kerala, South of India, a leadership institute for social change makers. kanthari fosters individuals from all over the world, who have overcome adversity and because of that carry a plan to create social change. In the daily activities, i mainly focus on developing and leading the academic program.
Next to being a public speaker, I am the author of “My path leads to Tibet”, a book that has been translated into 16 languages. I and paul also had the honor to take a part in the award winning documentaries ‘BLINDSIGHT’ and ‘KANTHARI – change from within”.
I became fully blind at age 12.
paul kronenberg (Dutch)
I am Dutch by birth and a Changineer at heart. I believe true leaders use their talents to guide the way toward a more ethical and better tomorrow, every day.
My educational background is diverse: I graduated in mechanical engineering, computer science, commercial technology, and data-communication system science.
Currently, my focus is on the operational management and running of kanthari.
I am passionate about eco-friendly and cost-effective “open hardware” technology and architecture. I am always seeking answers that help us build a better future, whether through physical, technical solutions or by strengthening myself and/or others mentally.
Having recently battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma, I am grateful for my journey and the opportunity to work with inspiring changemakers from around the world. Their stories, often coming from society’s margins, form a treasure trove of examples of meaningful change.
In my talks, I enjoy exploring questions like “why?” and “why not?” and I believe wit and humor are essential to reflect the true state of the world and encourage people to think differently about what we can and must do to become part of solutions.
My motto is simple: Life is what you are happy to get up for.
What I’ve learned is this: when “I have to” shifts to “I want to,” that’s where and when the magic begins. I believe we are all responsible not only for the choices we make but also for the things we choose not to do. In my view, this is where enormous opportunities lie to develop solutions addressing many of the world’s pressing challenges.
The work of Braille Without Borders, kanthari has been recognized by different organisations;
a.o.
2025 – Bharat Sevak Samaj – Centre of Excellence Award
2024 – Dr Batra’s Positive Health Award
2023 – Martin Buber Plaque – Euriade
2021 – Bharat Sevak award by Bharat Sevak Samaj, India
2018 – Maja Koene Peace Award
2016 – Gandhi Darsan International Award
2012 – Bornheimer Award by the Europe School in Bornheim, Germany
2011 – INCITE Excellence in Social Entrepreneurship Award
2008 – Gov. of China: One of 15 most influential overseas experts over the past 30 years in China.
2007 – Mother Theresa award
2005 – National Fundraising Award 2005
2005 – World Economic Forum, Davos (WEF). “Young Global Leader”
2005 – nominated for the Nobel Peace Price.
2005 – Bundesverdienst Kreuz
2004 – Time magazine Asia’s HERO 2004 and European HERO 2004 award.
2003 – Queen of Holland knighted sabriye and paul in the “Knighthood in the order of Oranje Nassau”
2002 – Albert Schweizer Award.
Sabriye has been recognized multiple times for developing the Tibetan Braille Script