This Commemorative Issue of Liquid Crystals comprises an array of invited articles spanning a range of topics written by former colleagues, collaborators and contemporaries to express their admiration of Sadashiva’s contribution to liquid crystals. Professor B.K. Sadashiva (BKS), a well-known researcher in liquid crystal chemistry, passed away in September 2020 aged 74.
Mentored by Professor S. Chandrasekhar, FRS, at the Raman Research Institute, BKS made a mark in the field quite early on in his research career. The first of these was the synthesis of disc-like molecules, which created an altogether new and remarkably different system that exhibit liquid crystallanity. Perhaps an equally important impact was made when he synthesized a series of cyano cinnamates and biphenyl benzoates resulting in the first observation of the reentrant nematic phase at room pressure in single component systems. His work on metallomesogens representing s-, p- and d-block elements yielded the first example of paramagnetic nematic liquid crystals. Arguably, the most extensive contribution of BKS was the synthesis and characterization of a significant number of bent-core homologous series. It is thus more than appropriate to honour Professor Sadashiva with this special issue having nineteen invited articles, by people of eminence in the area of liquid crystals who are in one way or another related to the scientific interests of BKS. In addition to providing valuable insights into the scientific aspects, the authors have also reminisced their personal association with the man, making this journal issue a sought-after one. We take this opportunity to thank the authors for readily accepting our invitation to contribute to this volume, and the reviewers who pitched in remarkably with their polishing act. SKP and SK also thank Professor C.T. Imrie for suggesting the publication of this special issue of the journal.