Heartfelt tribute to the person with an amazing legacy
By: S. Leela and J. Vasundhara Devi

After having participated in four superbly organized World Congresses of IFNA (International Federation of Non-Linear Analysts) since its inception in 1992, under the able guidance of Professor Dr. V. Lakshmikantham, it is our great privilege and pleasure to pen a few words of appreciation and tribute to that extraordinary person, who as we write, is tirelessly working for the Fifth World Congress of IFNA to be held in July 2008 at Orlando. Most persons who are engaged in mathematical research in Nonlinear Analysis have heard of him and many amongst them have had the opportunity to correspond and collaborate with him. Yet it is our good fortune to say once again “here is more” about that wonderful fountainhead of creative energy and seeker of knowledge. It is not an easy task to encapsulate all his interests and achievements and it is even more awe inspiring to see how his indomitable creative spirit keeps him going from one project to the next.

Though much has been said and known about his prolific mathematical research over a span of 50+ years, we feel that a few personal comments are in order to know this multifaceted personality and to draw inspiration from his life. A multi-page bibliography can just list his creative works, but, the experience one gets by working with him and watching him work is indescribable. His uncanny ability to sense the importance of a new idea, diligence and dedication in bringing that idea to a successful completion and keeping the door open for others to pursue that idea further are indeed phenomenal.

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