Challenge Your Instincts, Unveil Infinite Possibilities: Mathematics, isn’t just numbers or logic – it’s the very foundation of innovation!

By Anupama Vaidya with Sunita Fernandes.            

December 22nd is celebrated as the  “National Mathematics Day”, honoring “Srinivasa Ramanujan”, the self-taught mathematical genius whose groundbreaking work in number theory and infinite series continues to inspire us. His brilliance is immortalized in stories like the Hardy-Ramanujan Number (1729). When mathematician G.H. Hardy visited Ramanujan in the hospital, he remarked on the taxi number being dull (1729). Ramanujan replied: "No, it’s a very interesting number!", Why? 1729 = 1³ + 12³ = 9³ + 10³, it is the smallest number expressible as the sum of two different cubes in two different ways!!!

This day stands as a tribute to India’s profound mathematical heritage, spanning across generation. From the pioneering contributions of Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Ramanujan to the break-through model day mathematicians, India’s mathematical legacy is unparalleled. It encompasses the Vedic problem-solving techniques, the intricate geometry of temple architecture, the cutting edge advancements in technology and modelling.  

Mathematics is not merely a subject; it is intricately woven into the fabric of our history, culture, progress, and technological evolution. As the foundation of human development, mathematics remains integral to our very existence!

Personally, mathematics holds a special place in my heart. Whether it’s the thrill of solving puzzles like “How can you add eight 8s to get 1,000 using only addition?” or tackling riddles like “3 cats can catch 3 mice in 3 minutes, how many cats are needed to catch 100 mice in 100 minutes?” the joy of unravelling riddles never fails to excite me. From cracking mental ability quizzes to uncovering the next number in a sequence, these challenges continue to be a constant source of fascination, creativity and even rejuvenation - brain teasers are my ultimate stress busters.

I vividly recall my 12^th grade days when our brilliant math teacher, Uttara Joshi, brought integration and derivatives to life. She would cover the blackboard with a sprawling equation, igniting a friendly competition among us to solve it first. The thrill of cracking the solution, followed by meticulously explaining the logic, made each moment unforgettable (I still remember that black-board even after 35 years!)

Another cherished memory of a mathematical challenge is from my National Talent Scholarship interview. I was presented with a complex problem that demanded intense focus and analytical thinking. The process of breaking it down step by step, analyzing every detail and working through multiple attempts to find the solution was both dauting and exhilarating (that too being observed intently by the genius panelists!). Finally cracking the solution brought an incredible rush of accomplishment - a thrill that only comes from overcoming a truly challenging puzzle.

Sitting outside the doctor’s clinic, observing the steady stream of passing vehicles (mind you, mobile phones did not exits then giving us a lot of time to observe the surroundings!), we found ourselves immersed in a quiet yet thrilling game. Much like Ramanujan, my mother would challenge us to analyze the numbers on license plates, uncovering patterns and deriving logical connections almost instinctively. Even today, I continue to find some logical connections when on the road. It was a simple yet profound exercise in quick thinking, creativity, and the joy of finding logic in the everyday.

In retrospect, I realize how deeply mathematics has influenced my life. It has been more than just a subject; it has been a great catalyst for nurturing me and persona. On this day, I pay my respect to the great mathematicians world-wide who continue to challenge the boundaries and draw upon simple lessons that mathematics has brought to my life.

⁕ Mathematics sparks curiosity, inspiring us to explore a world brimming with endless possibilities;

⁕ Mathematics sharpens solution-orientation, transforming every problem into an invaluable opportunity;

⁕ Mathematics ignites creativity, pushing us beyond the obvious to uncover innovative  and groundbreaking solutions;

⁕ Mathematics fuels determination and focus, guiding us with focus to resolve with precision and clarity;

⁕ Mathematics builds resilience, teaching us to embrace and persist until solutions emerge;

⁕ Mathematics empowers us to turn challenges into opportunities and transform possibilities into realities.

As we reflect on this day and honor the brilliance of great mathematicians, let us embrace the timeless lesson that mathematics teaches us: every problem carries within it the seeds of its solution. Let’s celebrate the profound role mathematics plays in shaping our lives and commit to nurturing a mindset of logic, curiosity, and creativity.

From ancient innovations to the cutting-edge mathematical models driving the advancements modern technology, mathematics remains at the heart of human progress. Let us honor the transformative power of numbers and inspire future generations to delve into the wonders of this boundless discipline — the foundation of endless possibilities and innovation!