Prof Shrikhande is one of the few teachers who follow what they preach.
VNS (as his students call him) remains a pillar of intellectual strength in my life. After completing Masters in surgery and GI surgery training at University of Vienna in 1992-93, I joined him to learn surgery as practiced in Mumbai.

His patience to listen to a patient’s problems, scientifically analyze and appropriately communicate his opinion has probably played a bigger role in my career than all surgical steps learnt at medical school or thereafter.
His understanding of disease process and timing of intervention is unique. So many times, he not only refused to operate but told the patient to keep away from surgeons too, While at times he insisted on surgery despite associated risks.
I have imbibed habit of reading and repeatedly discussing surgical steps before any major surgery from him. This helps avoid missing any minor detail but also the entire team understands the thought process of surgeon.
For teaching art of surgical science, Dr. Shrikhande remains a father figure in my surgical career