National Mathematics Day: Celebrating Srinivasa Ramanujan’s Legacy
Introduction
National Mathematics Day is an annual celebration held on December 22 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Instituted in 2012 by the then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, this day emphasizes the pivotal role that mathematics plays in our daily lives. The celebration serves as a tribute to Ramanujan’s extraordinary contributions to the field of mathematics.
Early Life and Aptitude for Mathematics
Srinivasa Ramanujan was born in 1887 in Tamil Nadu’s Erode to a Brahmin Iyengar family. His early years revealed a remarkable affinity for mathematics. By the age of 12, he had already mastered trigonometry, showcasing exceptional mathematical abilities. His talent earned him eligibility for a scholarship at the Government Arts College in Kumbakonam.
- “Theorems are not the results of logical reasoning, but the creations of the imaginative mind.”- Srinivasa Ramanujan
- “An equation means nothing to me unless it expresses a thought of God.”- Srinivasa Ramanujan
- “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”- Srinivasa Ramanujan
Professional Journey: From Clerk to Cambridge
In 1912, Ramanujan embarked on his professional journey as a clerk at the Madras Port Trust. During this period, his mathematical prowess caught the attention of colleagues. One colleague, recognizing his talent, referred Ramanujan to Professor GH Hardy of Trinity College, Cambridge University. This connection became pivotal, leading to Ramanujan’s relocation to Trinity College in 1913.
Academic Milestones
The year 1916 marked a significant milestone in Ramanujan’s academic journey as he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. Collaborating with Professor Hardy, he published numerous papers, unveiling profound insights into various mathematical realms. In 1917, he was elected to the prestigious London Mathematical Society, a testament to the recognition of his exceptional contributions.
Royal Recognition and Return to India
In 1918, Ramanujan achieved further acclaim by being elected to the Royal Society for his groundbreaking research on Elliptic Functions and the theory of numbers. Notably, he became the first Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity College. Despite his rising prominence, Ramanujan returned to India in 1919.
Tragic Departure and Legacy
Tragically, on April 26, 1920, at the age of 32, Srinivasa Ramanujan passed away due to deteriorating health. Remarkably, he had never received formal training in pure mathematics, yet his impact on the field was profound. Ramanujan’s contributions spanned diverse areas, including infinite series, continued fractions, number theory, and mathematical analysis.
His legacy includes influential work on hypergeometric series, Riemann series, elliptic integrals, the theory of divergent series, and functional equations of the zeta function. Ramanujan is credited with discovering his theorems independently and compiling an astonishing 3,900 results.
National Mathematics Day: Commemorating Ramanujan’s Achievements
National Mathematics Day serves as a platform to commemorate Ramanujan’s unparalleled achievements and to recognize the importance of mathematics in shaping our understanding of the world. Through various events and activities, this day promotes awareness and appreciation for the contributions of mathematicians like Ramanujan, inspiring future generations to delve into the fascinating realm of mathematics.
As we celebrate National Mathematics Day, we not only honour the memory of Srinivasa Ramanujan but also acknowledge the enduring impact of mathematics on our lives and society. Ramanujan’s journey from an aspiring clerk in Madras to a Fellow of Trinity College remains an inspiring testament to the power of raw talent and passion in the realm of mathematics.
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