National Mathematics Day Celebration at DPS R.K. Puram
To commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, named National Mathematics Day, Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram hosted a captivating event on 22 December 2024. The celebration featured a special talk titled “Talking Maths Without Talking Maths". The session aimed to inspire students to explore mathematics beyond its conventional methods, emphasising creativity and innovation in learning.
The event brought together students and educators to celebrate the essence of mathematics and was attended by Ms Jayanti Dwivedi, who accompanied students from classes VIII to X, including Tanmay Virmani (VIII D), Mayank Panwar (IX A), Garvit Chhabra (IX C), Saksham Garg (X E), and Kushagra Rai (X E).
At the heart of the event was Mr Anant Mudgal, a globally renowned mathematical coach and a former participant in the prestigious International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Having represented India at the IMO and contributed to its challenging problem sets, Mr Mudgal brought a wealth of experience and insight to the session. His engaging talk captured the imagination of the audience, showcasing the power of mathematical thinking and its relevance in both academics and real-world applications.
Mr Mudgal began by describing mathematics as the language of truth and logic, highlighting its unparalleled ability to provide absolute certainty through proofs and reasoning. With a flair for making complex concepts accessible, he led the audience through interactive activities that demonstrated the beauty of mathematical thought. A puzzle on averages revealed the pitfalls of intuition, while a logic problem involving knights and knaves underscored the importance of reasoning in deducing truths.
The talk also paid homage to the enduring legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan, whose groundbreaking contributions continue to influence the field of mathematics. Mr Mudgal shared inspiring anecdotes about Ramanujan’s extraordinary collaboration with Prof G.H. Hardy and his ability to unravel profound mathematical mysteries despite facing numerous challenges. His work on infinite series, continued fractions, and prime counting functions is celebrated as a testament to human ingenuity and determination.
By bridging historical insights with modern applications, Mr Mudgal encouraged students to view mathematics as a dynamic and evolving discipline. He emphasised the need to think beyond textbooks, in order to tackle real-world problems.
The event left an indelible mark on its attendees, inspiring them to embrace mathematics not merely as a subject but as a powerful tool for innovation and problem-solving. It emphasised the importance of moving beyond rote learning and adopting a mindset that values curiosity and creative exploration. A fitting tribute to the genius of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the event successfully rekindled a passion for mathematics, encouraging young learners to view the subject as a way of thinking that shapes our understanding of the world.