I had the privilege of serving with late Col VD Deshpande in 2 STC, Goa, some 45 years ago, where he was Dy Comdt and also the Dy Station Commander of Goa. First as SSO Goa and later as Centre Adjutant (then called Major (SD), I had an opportunity to interact closely with him on many issues concerned with training, administration and consolidation of Ex Portuguese assets in whole of Goa. I remember him as a person with a great problem solving acumen and rare negotiating skills whether with formation staff, MES or the Civil Govt. He had a knack of bringing an amicable end to an ugly administrative situation by carrying all the team members along with him. If I remember correctly he was Military Attache in Turkey before coming to 2 STC. Professionally a stickler, but off parade he was a very sociable person with a subtle sense of humour. May God give peace to his soul.
Col Sharad K. Paranjape.
