Sixty-two-year-old Dr Colin John is one of the world's most experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons. He performs an average of 75 to 80 operations a month - that is about 900 a year.

Born to a family doctor and with eight brothers and sisters, he had a modest upbringing where money was always tight. All were raised as committed Christians and John's religion has been a guiding principle throughout his life. 

He has been at the Narayana Hrudayalaya since the beginning when it was a small 250-bed hospital.

Trained in Australia, he has seen the transformation of cardiac surgery from its early crude beginnings to the highly sophisticated state it has now reached.

He may be the head of cardiac surgery but he is certainly no sit-behind-the-desk administrator. He performs at least two operations a day, sometimes as many as four, and his reputation as an outstanding surgeon has spread far beyond India.

On the afternoons when he is not operating, he can be found at the The Church of South India Hospital, Bangalore where he is an honorary director and where his wife also works. 

On Sundays, his one day off each week, he can be found worshipping or delivering a sermon at his local church or as a guest pastor.

Religion and doing good for others is what drives John. Riches and rewards mean nothing to him and he openly abhors the business side of the hospital.

He believes he has been given a gift to be an excellent surgeon and to work in the service of God is his greatest joy. For many thousands of Indians, his has indeed been a life saving career.