Prof. Madabhushi Raghavachari, a renowned statistician and academic leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. His life was marked by a profound dedication to education, leaving an indelible mark on students and institutions across the globe.
Born in Chittoor, India, Dr. Raghavachari embarked on his academic journey with a passion and skill for numbers, obtaining Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with Honours from Madras University. Subsequently, he received his PhD in Statistics in 1965 from the University of California, Berkeley.
Over his career, he held positions in elite universities such as Berkeley, Carnegie-Mellon, University of Maryland at College Park, and the Wharton School of Business. His influence was most deeply felt through significant contributions to two esteemed institutions: the Indian Institute of Management at Ahmedabad (IIMA) and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). At IIMA, he played a pivotal role in shaping the institute’s renowned postgraduate program in management, mentoring countless students who went on to become leaders in their respective fields. His commitment to academic excellence earned him the respect of colleagues and students alike. During this time he wrote a seminal book, Mathematics for Management, which became a standard textbook throughout India. He served as Dean from 1978-81, and held other positions during his time there, including Department Chairman and Member of the Board of Governors.
Later, at RPI, he continued his impactful journey, serving as a professor, then as Associate Chairman of the Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems department, and retired as a Professor Emeritus. His leadership was instrumental in fostering a culture of interdisciplinary research and academic rigour. He championed the integration of statistics into various fields of study, recognizing its power to unlock insights and drive innovation.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Dr. Raghavachari was a beloved mentor and friend. He possessed a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life, offering guidance and support with unwavering kindness. His legacy extends far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of those he taught, mentored, and befriended. In particular, he was responsible for the founding of Pallavi, which remains a vibrant organisation for Carnatic music in the Capital District of NY.
Dr. Raghavachari will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives he touched. His contributions to the field of statistics and his unwavering commitment to education will be remembered for generations to come.
