Renowned Computer Scientist Honored with Lecture Series and Hall of Fame Induction for Pioneering Contributions to Database Systems and Education.
ATLANTA, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In a tribute to five decades of groundbreaking contributions to academia, Georgia Tech honored Prof. Shamkant B. Navathe for his exceptional career, including 34 years of service to the institution. The celebratory event, marked by a special luncheon, unveiled The Shamkant B. Navathe Distinguished Lecture Series, a new initiative designed to honor his legacy and inspire future generations of scholars. Prof. Navathe was also inducted into the College of Computing Hall of Fame, recognizing his profound impact on the field of computer science.
“I am overwhelmed by the warmth and appreciation expressed today,” Prof. Navathe remarked during the event. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with such brilliant colleagues at Georgia Tech. Though I may be ‘old’ in age, my passion for learning is as strong as ever. It’s been a privilege to be part of such a vibrant academic community.”
Prof. Navathe is widely known for his pioneering work in database systems. His renowned textbook, Fundamentals of Database Systems, first published in 1989, is now in its 7th edition and has become a global standard in computer science education. Translated into 12 languages, the book has shaped the academic journeys of thousands of students worldwide and continues to be a critical resource in the field.
The event also featured contributions from Prof. Navathe’s family. His son, Dr. Amol Navathe, a healthcare policy expert and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, delivered an insightful lecture on “Current Topics in Health Policy and Technology.” Dr. Navathe, whose work focuses on improving healthcare systems and fairness in risk adjustment algorithms, is the vice chairman of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission that reports to U.S. Congress.
Prof. Navathe’s daughter, Dr. Manisha Panchal, a pediatrician from the San Francisco Bay Area, shared reflections on how her father’s academic and mentorship ethos shaped her career. “Growing up, my father was not just a scholar but a mentor who taught me the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and lifelong learning,” she noted.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Navathe expressed gratitude to his wife, Mrs. Aruna Navathe, a pediatric nutritionist who has worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for 30 years. “Much of my success was due to Aruna’s unconditional support,” he said. “Writing a 1,200-page textbook with two young children wouldn’t have been possible without her incredible dedication.”
As Prof. Navathe transitions into the role of Professor Emeritus at Georgia Tech’s College of Computing, he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity, helping guide the next generation of scholars and researchers. His enduring passion for education and research ensures that his influence will remain felt for years to come.
This celebration not only honored Prof. Sham Navathe’s remarkable career but also spotlighted the lasting impact of his work on database models and systems, bioinformatics and healthcare, and education—an influence that extends across generations of scholars, colleagues, and students.
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