I am sad to learn about the demise of Veronica who was my first mentor. My association with Veronica was short- I was a JNCASR Summer Fellow in her lab way back in 1996. She gave me my first introduction to a modern molecular biology lab and how it functions including lab meetings and journal clubs.! For someone (like me) who was from remote Sambalpur this was an incredible experience. That experience built my confidence to venture beyond Sambalpur and explore the world. I left a 'lab bench-based science career' to go into 'science/technology and policy' career and throughout my career I have been influenced by her scientific temperament, leadership qualities and wonderful personal warmth. My condolences and sympathies to her friends and family. She will be missed.