Letters to the EDITOR: Remembering a mathematical genius

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Remembering a mathematical genius

What would one call a three-year-old child who memorised the intricacies of playing cards at the tender age of three? Who was the first person who multiplied two thirteen-digit numbers within twenty-eight seconds? Though Shakuntala Devi was universally known as a mathematical genius, her multifaceted personality went unnoticed because of her legendary status in the field. Like many great persons, she rose from a humble beginning, which must have inculcated in her a sense of determination to accept challenges and solve problems. Shakuntala Devi often said that believing in oneself was the key to understanding mathematics, which, she said, was mere numbers. Common sense, confidence, concentration and control were the four 'C's to improve one's 'mathability'  Though she was criticised by some sections for taking to astrology on a big scale, Shakuntala Devi brushed all cynics aside by saying, "Astrology and maths are analogous." "More you use your brain, the better it becomes" was her common take on intelligence. The overemphasis and excessive reliance on technology was the root cause for people using their 'grey cells' less. Her book "The World of Homosexuals", published in 1977, brought to the fore the trials and tribulations faced by members of that ilk. Even some twelve years after her passing away on April 21, 2013, the maths wizard's life continues to be an inspiration to young mathematicians.

 Dr Ganapathi   Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)