Professor Tambiah inspired a generation of South Asian anthropologists and "South Asia-wallahs, such as me, over the years, with his insightful and approachable cultural studies and analyses. In grad school I phoned him a few times with questions of adaptation and culture change. He was always interested in my research in Nepal and how his own research results could be applied. I have always been grateful of the opportunity to learn from him. My condolences to his many friends, colleagues, students and family. You all know you lost a very special person. Robert Cardinalli