Guinness World Records commends 'human computer' Shakuntala Devi

Guwahati, July 31: The Guinness world records commended the 'human computer' Shakuntala Devi on Thursday with the long overdue title of 'fastest human computation'.

Shakuntala Devi achieved the reward after she successfully multiplied two randomly selected 13-digit numbers in 28 seconds, at Imperial College London, UK, on June 18, 1980.

Anupama Banerji, the daughter of the late mathematician, was barely 10 years old when she made a world record, received the certification.

Banerji says, "Wherever I went, all people would speak about was that record. So I knew it was a huge achievement worldwide. I remember going to the Trocadero Centre (an entertainment complex on London's Coventry Street). They have a room there which has mummy's picture. It was fantastic."

A biopic starring Vidya Balan as the late mathematician, Shakuntala Devi is released today on an OTT platform. The film is directed by Anu Menon.

Producer Vikram Malhotra and Vidya Balan played a major role in reaching out to the team of Guinness World Records for the official certification.

The editor in chief of Guinness World Records, Creig Glenday, said that the mathematician's record still continues to hold its place in their archives even after so many years. "No one has been able to even equal, let alone break, this record which is a testament to both the exceptional power of Ms Devi's mind and the significance of this particular mental challenge. A global celebration of the life and career of the 'Human Computer' is long overdue, and Guinness World Records is honoured to play its part in championing this unique individual.", he added.

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