National Mathematics Day – 22nd December
National Mathematics Day is celebrated in India on 22nd December to mark the birth anniversary of renowned Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. The day was established in 2012 to recognise Ramanujan’s contributions to mathematics and to promote the importance of mathematics in various fields.
Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on 22 December 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu. Ramanujan did not have any formal training in mathematics but he independently discovered several complex theorems and formulas. He contributed to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. Ramanujan also found solutions to mathematical problems which were considered unsolvable back then. Even though Ramanujan passed away at a very young age, he left behind significant research in mathematics. His work became the foundation for many other mathematicians to conduct newer research.
His birth anniversary or the National Mathematics Day aims to inspire students to pursue mathematics as a subject of study and research. On this day educational institutions and mathematical societies organise seminars, workshops, and other events to celebrate the day. Ramanujan’s life and work are remembered, and efforts are made to encourage young minds to take an interest in mathematical exploration. The celebration of National Mathematics Day contributes to raising awareness about the significance of mathematics in solving real-world problems.
About Srinivasa Ramanujan
Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on 22 December 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India.
Despite having no formal training in mathematics, he displayed exceptional mathematical talent from a young age. He independently discovered numerous complex mathematical theorems and formulas, some of which were ahead of his time. Ramanujan’s work focused on areas like number theory, infinite series, and modular forms.
His contributions include the Ramanujan-Hardy number, Ramanujan prime, and Ramanujan theta function. Ramanujan’s letters to the British mathematician G.H. Hardy led to his recognition and eventual invitation to study at Cambridge University. Despite facing challenges and health issues, Ramanujan continued his groundbreaking work, leaving a lasting impact on the field of mathematics. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1918, a rare honour for someone without formal academic qualifications. Tragically, Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life was cut short when he passed away on 26 April 1920, at the age of 32. Ramanujan’s legacy and his contributions to mathematics are celebrated worldwide, with National Mathematics Day in India observed on his birth anniversary.
Why is Mathematics Important?
1. Mathematics helps us become good problem solvers, teaching us how to figure things out step by step.
2. From counting money to measuring ingredients, mathematics plays a crucial role in our daily activities.
3. Learning maths encourages logical thinking, helping us make sense of ideas and take informed decisions.
4. Learning maths makes us open to newer opportunities and more confident about future career choices.
5. Maths is not just a subject for study, it can be a fun activity through games and puzzles, making learning fun and practical.
6. Mastering maths concepts boosts one’s self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.
7. Mathematics teaches valuable skills like budgeting, helping us manage money wisely as we grow older.
8. Mathematics also teaches us the principle of cause and effect and helps us in preventing mistakes.
9. Mathematics is a gateway to science, technology, engineering, and opens doors to exciting learning opportunities.
10. Mathematics helps us grow in our careers as well as improve logical thinking.
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