Outstanding scientist, innovator and inventor
Giorgi Shkhvatsabaia – 120th Anniversary
On November 12 of this year, the 120 th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Georgian scientist, full member of the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, one of its founders and first vice-president, corresponding member of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, the Union and Russian Academies of Agricultural Sciences, Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Georgia, teacher and public figure Giorgi Shkhvatsabaia was celebrated. In this regard, a round table was organized by the Department of Agroengineering Sciences at the Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
The round table was attended by: Vice-President of the Academy, Academician G. Aleksidze, Chief Academician-Secretary of the Academy, Academician A. Didebulidze, Head of the Academic Department of the Academy, Dr. M. Barvenashvili, Academician-Secretary of the Department of Agroengineering Sciences of the Academy, Academician R. Makharoblidze, Academician J. Katsitadze, Fellow of the Academy, Doctor of Engineering M. Benashvili, Doctors of Engineering Sciences O. Tedoradze and Z. Shkhvatsabaia, Doctor of Engineering T. Tsartsidze.
The round table was opened by Academician-Secretary of the Department of Agroengineering Sciences, Academician Revaz Makharoblidze. He recalled Mr. Giorgi with great warmth and respect. He focused on his scientific activities and personal qualities. It was noted that Academician G. Shkhvatsabaia was not only a great scientist and successful researcher, but he was also an incredibly kind, philanthropic and benevolent person, which further enhanced his personal qualities.
At the round table, his former graduate student, Doctor of Technical Sciences Omar Tedoradze, presented an extensive report on the life and scientific work of Academician G. Shkhvatsabaia. Mr. O. Tedoradze noted that Academician G. Shkhvatsabaia developed a complex of new mechanical measuring devices, namely, traction and rotary dynamographs and work measuring devices, an energy measuring machine, an automatic device for measuring the track made by an arable unit and recording the profile, just to list a few among other innovations. It is important that these devices, due to their simplicity and accuracy, are still successfully used in the study of the traction characteristics of various units.
Academician G. Shkhvatsabaia paid special attention to the role of small mechanization in tea growing. He developed a project for an electrical network for the power supply of hand-operated electric mowing and harvesting machines in tea plantations, and also compiled appropriate instructions for these machines, which were distributed to tea farmers in the form of brochures.
It is noteworthy that Academician G. Shkhvatsabaia was not only a great scientist, but also a successful athlete. He was a good gymnast, captain of the Kutaisi football team “Triumph”, Transcaucasian champion in the 60, 100 and 200 meter races, prize-winner of the Union Championship, the first Georgian champion and record holder in athletics.
At the round table, Academician G. Shkhvatsabaia was remembered by academicians: J. Katsitadze, A. Didebulidze. They spoke about his innovative talent, inventions, attention to and support for the younger generation. Mr. Giorgi was also remembered by the Vice-President of the Academy, Academician G. Aleksidze, who, although he did not know him personally, had heard a lot about Mr. Giorgi as a scientist and an excellent person.
At the end of the round table, Mr. Zurab Shkhvatsabaia, the son of Academician G. Shkhvatsabaia, addressed the audience with a speech of thanks. He expressed his gratitude to each member of the round table for remembering his father and appreciating his contribution. He presented the Academy with a bas-relief of Academician G. Shkhvatsabaia, which was made by his second son, sculptor G. Shkhvatsabaia.