wfn.org | BWNS -- A special place in the rose garden

[Bahá'í World News Service <bwns@bwc.org>]

Baha'i World News Service
See story with photographs http://www.bahaiworldnews.org
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A special place in the rose garden
SYDNEY, Australia, 15 September 2004 (BWNS) -- Less than a week before Sirus
Naraqi passed away, his medical colleagues at the University of Sydney held a
well-attended symposium in his honor.

Delivering the opening address, Papua New Guinea heart specialist Professor
Sir Isi Kevau described Professor Naraqi as a "special chapter in the history
of medicine in Papua New Guinea."

That chapter is a story of training medical students and doctors, of
effective
research into prevalent diseases, and of major contributions to improving the
country's health system.

"I thank God that we in Papua New Guinea were given the opportunity to
cherish
the knowledge and wisdom that this very special individual exuded in the 18
years he lived in the country -- he has a very special place in God's garden
of roses," said Sir Isi, the first Papua New Guinean medical professor, who
was trained by Professor Naraqi.

Professor Naraqi, 61, died on 18 August 2004 after a prolonged illness. More
than 700 mourners of many religious, racial, and professional backgrounds
attended his funeral.

Born in Iran in 1942, Sirus Naraqi demonstrated his caliber by placing first
in university entrance examinations in Iran out of 80,000 students
nationwide.

He completed his postgraduate medical training in the United States where he
later practiced as a specialist in internal medicine. He was named "best
attending physician" and "best teacher of the year" at the University of
Illinois teaching hospital.

Because of his spiritual beliefs and his humanitarian nature, he then chose
to
devote his intellect and expert medical skills to some of the world's most
materially disadvantaged people by working in Papua New Guinea from 1977-79
and 1983-98.

He spent much of his free time -- weekends and vacations -- visiting remote
villages to provide treatment for those with little access to medical care.

His main role was combining practice as a specialist in internal medicine
with
his duties as professor of medicine at the University of Papua New Guinea.

His special attention to training local undergraduate and postgraduate
students meant that by the time he moved to Australia in 1998, he left behind
so many highly competent and trained doctors and specialists that expatriate
doctors were no longer so crucially in demand.

In 1999, on the recommendation of the government of Papua New Guinea, Queen
Elizabeth awarded him the high honor of Commander of the British Empire
(CBE).

"Sirus was a shining example of the committed and dedicated pioneers who came
from afar to heal and educate," said a former prime minister of Papua New
Guinea, Sir Julius Chan.

"He developed friendships with our people, as well as built lasting
institutions and learning for future generations of Papua New Guineans," Sir
Julius said.

As professor of medicine and associate dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the
University of Sydney's western clinical school, Professor Naraqi
co-established a research foundation and quickly demonstrated his remarkable
abilities as a teacher.

"He is... a well-loved academic among medical students who have respected his
dedication to his profession and his generosity of spirit in the training and
mentoring of professionals," read a tribute published at last month's
symposium that also mentioned his achievement in publishing more than 100
scientific and medical papers.

A deeply knowledgeable, eloquent and highly capable Baha'i, Sirus Naraqi
served as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia
since 1985, providing advice and encouragement to the Spiritual Assemblies
and
believers as he traveled widely in that region.

"We feel intensely privileged to have known him and served with him," said
Jalal Mills, a member of the Continental Board based in Papua New Guinea.

Dr. Mills said Sirus Naraqi firmly believed that people even in the most
humble of circumstances could understand profound concepts and live as
spiritual people.

"He had the ability to see the potential and to patiently and lovingly
nurture
this potential," he said.

Another of his Baha'i colleagues, Stephen Hall, a member of the Continental
Board, said he admired Professor Naraqi's highly developed intuitive wisdom,
his ability in an instant to go to the core of a matter and hone in on the
relevant spiritual principles.

"Sirus never seemed rushed and he always had time for anyone who needed his
guidance and advice," he said.

In a message of condolence, the Universal House of Justice said the devoted
services to the Baha'i Faith by Dr. Sirus Naraqi will long be remembered.

Dr. Naraqi played a "pre-eminent role in the propagation of the Cause to all
parts of the country and the establishment of Baha'i institutions on a secure
foundation," the message said.

"He was renowned for his commitment to encouraging and nurturing capable
indigenous believers to take responsibility for the work of the Cause and for
the love and kindness he showered on all members of the community," the
message said.

The Universal House of Justice advised the National Spiritual Assemblies of
Australia and Papua New Guinea to hold memorial gatherings in his honor and
asked that memorial meetings be held in the Baha'i Houses of Worship in
Australia and Samoa.

Sirus Naraqi is survived by his wife, Mitra, four children, and a grandson.