This book is a labour of love. It is also an account of the life and work of Professor R Venkataswami (RV) who set up the plastic surgery department at Stanley Medical College and Hospital, and later added to it the hand surgery service. These have served countless patients, most of them poor and deprived. They have also been recognised as excellent teaching centres not only by students in India but also from other countries. Such achievements in an institution run by the state government deserves applause.