Priti Shankar facts for kids

Priti Shankar (born Priti Monteiro) was an amazing Indian teacher and researcher. She was born in September 1947 and passed away in October 2011. Priti Shankar studied how computers understand instructions. She also explored how languages work in computer science. Her work helped make computer programs better and faster.

Priti Shankar's Early Life and Education

Priti Shankar was born into a Goan family. Her father, Innocencio Monteiro, was a Brigadier in the Indian Army. Her mother, Sophia, taught math and French.

In 1958, her family moved from Pune to Jammu. Her father was serving near the India-Pakistan border. Because of the move, Priti missed six months of school. Her mother taught her at home during this time.

A few years later, she returned to Pune. She then studied at Fergusson College. Later, she went to the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi. In 1968, she made history there. She was the first woman to earn a Bachelor of Technology degree in electrical engineering.

After graduation, Priti went to the University of Maryland, College Park. She earned her Ph.D. there in 1972.

Career and Important Discoveries

In 1973, Priti Shankar returned to India. She became an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore.

In 1979, Priti made a big step in science. She helped create a special code called the BCH code. This code helps correct errors in data. It was a new way to make these codes work.

In 2002, she helped edit a book for CRC Press. She also served on the leadership board for Resonance. This was an important science journal in India.

Priti Shankar's Family Life

Priti had many brothers and sisters. Her siblings included Sunitha Noronha and Vivek Monteiro. Vivek is a theoretical physicist. Anjali Monteiro is a filmmaker and professor. Nandita de Souza is a doctor who helps children.

In 1974, Priti married P. N. Shankar. He was a scientist who studied how fluids move. They lived in Bangalore. In 1976, their son Nachiket was born. Their daughter Mridula was born in 1983.

Awards and Recognition

Priti Shankar received many awards for her work. In 2007, she won the Jaya Jayant award. This award was for her excellent teaching.

From 2006 to 2009, she was a Distinguished Lecturer. This honor came from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Priti Shankar's Lasting Impact

Priti Shankar's work continues to inspire others. The Priti Shankar Library of Popular Math and Science is named after her. It is located in the UMED building of the Navnirmiti Learning Foundation.