Alladi Ramakrishnan (1923-2008) was an eminent scientist who had a wide range of research interests in theoretical and mathematical physics. Professor Ramakrishnan made signi?cant contributions to probability and statistics, elem- tary particle physics, cosmic rays and astrophysics, matrix theory, and the special theory of relativity. Ramakrishnan believedstrongly that in addition to doing fun- mental research, one must contribute to the advancementof the profession. Inspired by his visit to the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton in 1957-1958, he returned to Madras and began the...