He gave an 8-yr-old gift of voice

In the conflict-ridden Jammu and Kashmir, this young Army doctor chose to go beyond the call of duty and helped a child unable to speak since birth gain his voice, Fayaz Wani narrates

- Fayaz Wani

A military doctor by profession, Captain (Dr) Saurabh Salunkhe, despite his demanding military schedule and official responsibilities, made it a mission to help an eight-year-old boy belonging to a poor family in a remote village of J&K's Kathua district find his voice. Literally.

Akshay Sharma, a Class III student, was born with a cleft lip and palate. He had been unable to speak since he was born. According to his father Kulwant Sharma, a labourer, the doctors had assured them at the time that he would gain the ability to speak as time passed. But much to the concern of his family, that did not happen. Akshay's condition remained a cause for concern for his family and loved ones. The boy's parents—unable to afford his treatment—had lost all hope of hearing their son's voice.