“A very good obstetrician”

When Dr Sharouk Anklesaria completed his postgraduate diploma in gynecology and obstetrics (G&O) with distinction, standing at the top of his class at Dublin University’s Trinity College, he lived up to the expectation of Dr Paul Emmanuel, head of the department of G&O at the Christian Fellowship Hospital in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. During his three years’ work there he was considered "very dependable and trustworthy” and had developed "excellent rapport with staff and colleagues,” reads Emmanuel’s letter of recommendation. In Dublin, Anklesaria was attached to the Rotunda Hospital.

Anklesaria: A missionary disposition

The son of Furdoon and Homai Anklesaria of Bangalore, Sharouk had been on a month’s deputation to the Herbertpur Christian Hospital in Uttaranchal in 200l. Its medical superintendent considered him "an asset to rural mission hospitals in India because of his desire to serve the poor and needy.” In a note to Parsiana Homai says that the 1999 floods in Orissa had stirred him to contribute personal energy and skill to save hapless lives without thought to his own life and limb.