Celebrating Mathematics: A Seminar Honors Srinivasa Ramanujan
Hyderabad played host to a dynamic festivity of mathematics on Saturday, as the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Telangana organized a special seminar. The event, “Timeless Journey: From Vedic Maths to Quantum Computing,” paid tribute to the legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan, the renowned Indian mathematician whose work continues to inspire generations. Held at the SCERT campus, the seminar drew keen participation from teachers and educators from across Telangana. A diverse range of approaches to mathematics education were showcased, with 31 papers selected for presentation out of a total of 66 submissions. Presiding over the event was G. Ramesh, director of SCERT, Telangana. E.V. Narasimha Reddy, director of school education, graced the occasion as chief Alex Reed. A panel of esteemed mathematicians and educators, including I.E. Vijayalakshmi of RJD-Hyderabad, Dr A. Rambabu, and retired mathematics lecturer M.S. Ranga Chary from Warangal, enriched the discussions. in his address, Narasimha Reddy highlighted the crucial role teachers play in shaping young minds. “He urged educators to cultivate logical reasoning in students,” emphasizing the fundamental connection between mathematics, software progress, and engineering. He drew attention to the historical application of mathematical principles in architectural marvels like India’s medieval forts, calling for further strengthening the role of SCERT through more research and interdisciplinary seminars. G. Ramesh released a compendium of the seminar papers, marking a critically important contribution to the field of mathematics education.A heartfelt tribute to Srinivasa ramanujan was paid through the conventional lighting of a lamp and garlanding of his portrait. Reflecting on his own school days, Ramesh shared a personal anecdote about how a mathematics teacher inspired him to pursue the subject further, underscoring the importance of fostering intellectual curiosity. The seminar concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participating teachers and paper presenters, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the event.## Honoring a Legacy: An Interview on the Ramanujan Seminar
**Archyde:** Mr. Narasimha Reddy, your address at the seminar emphasized the crucial role of teachers. Could you elaborate on how educators can effectively cultivate logical reasoning in students, particularly in the context of mathematics education?
**E.V. Narasimha Reddy:** A strong foundation in logical reasoning is essential for navigating not only mathematics but also many aspects of life. Educators can foster this by moving beyond rote learning and encouraging students to question, analyze, and develop their own problem-solving strategies. Connecting mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, like the architectural marvels of our past, can also make learning more engaging and meaningful.
**Archyde:** Mr. Ramesh, the seminar showcased a diverse set of approaches to mathematics education. What do you see as the most promising trends in the field, particularly in terms of making mathematics more accessible and engaging for a wider range of learners?
**G. Ramesh:** We saw some innovative pedagogical techniques presented at the seminar, including the use of technology and interactive learning tools. Moving forward, it’s vital to continue exploring these avenues and encourage teachers to embrace new methodologies. We also need to address the perception that mathematics is inherently tough and exclusive. By highlighting its relevance to various fields and careers, we can inspire a wider range of students to pursue their mathematical interests.
**Archyde:** The seminar highlighted the enduring legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan. Beyond celebrating his achievements, how can we best honour his spirit in contemporary education?
**G. Ramesh:** Ramanujan’s life and work stand as a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and self-reliant thought. We can honor his legacy by encouraging students to embrace these qualities. We should create learning environments that foster individual exploration and celebrate those who dare to think differently.
**Archyde:**
The seminar placed a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary connections.How important is it to bridge the gap between mathematics and other fields like science, technology, and the arts? What are the potential benefits for both educators and students?
**G.Ramesh:** Mathematics is not an isolated discipline, but rather a fundamental language that underpins many other fields. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can definitely help students see the interconnectedness of knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. This can lead to more creative problem-solving and open up new avenues for exploration and innovation.
**Archyde:** we want to leave our readers with a thought-provoking question: What can each of us do, irrespective of our profession or background, to champion the importance of mathematics in our society?
## Honoring a Legacy: An Interview on teh Ramanujan Seminar
**Archyde:** Mr. Narasimha Reddy, your address at the seminar emphasized the crucial role of teachers. Could you elaborate on how educators can effectively cultivate logical reasoning and a passion for mathematics in students?
**E.V. Narasimha Reddy:** Thank you. I strongly believe that teachers hold the key to unlocking a student’s potential in mathematics.cultivating logical reasoning shouldn’t be limited to rote memorization or formulaic approaches.
We need to make mathematics relatable and engaging. Real-world applications, problem-solving through puzzles and games, and encouraging students to question “why” and “how” are crucial.
Think about the intricate patterns in architecture, like the marvelous geometry in our ancient forts. These are practical examples of mathematics in action, demonstrating its beauty and relevance.
Furthermore, fostering a growth mindset is essential.Students need to understand that mistakes are opportunities for learning and that perseverance is key to unlocking complex problems.
**Archyde:** The seminar showcased a diverse range of approaches to mathematics education. What were some of the most promising innovations or ideas presented?
**E.V. Narasimha Reddy:** I was truly impressed by the variety of presentations. We saw innovative uses of technology to enhance learning, pedagogies focusing on project-based learning and group collaboration, and a strong emphasis on integrating mathematical concepts across different subjects.
One presentation that stood out involved using coding and robotics to teach mathematical principles, making abstract concepts tangible and fun for students. Another focused on incorporating storytelling and ancient context into math lessons, making the subject more lively and relatable.
**Archyde:** The seminar was a tribute to Srinivasa Ramanujan. How can we, as a society, continue to honor his legacy and inspire future generations of mathematicians, especially from underrepresented backgrounds?
**E.V. Narasimha Reddy:** Ramanujan’s story is a testament to the power of raw talent and relentless curiosity. We must create an surroundings where every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality mathematics education and feels encouraged to explore their mathematical potential.
this involves providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities, promoting inclusivity in STEM fields, and celebrating the achievements of mathematicians from diverse backgrounds.
It’s also meaningful to showcase ramanujan’s story as an inspiration.We need to highlight his remarkable journey and the impact of his work, showing young people that they too can achieve great things in the world of mathematics.