New Delhi: National Mathematics Day is observed on December 22 in India. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. National Mathematics Day is celebrated in India to emphasise the importance of mathematics and honour Ramanujan.
Ramanujan is widely known for his contributions to mathematical concepts like number theory, mathematical analysis of infinite series, and continued fractions, among others. He has given the world more than 3500 mathematical equations and formulae. The Riemann series, Divergent Series Theory, elliptic integrals, and Hypergeometric series are some of the most important contributions made by Ramanujan to mathematics.
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National Mathematics Day: History And Significance
National Mathematics Day was observed for the first time on December 22, 2012, the 125th birth anniversary of Ramanujan. On that day, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced that December 22 would be observed as National Mathematics Day annually. As a tribute to Ramanujan's mathematics contributions, 2012 was celebrated as National Mathematics Year.
As far as the significance is concerned, the day is celebrated to acknowledge Ramanujan’s mathematical works and spread awareness about the importance of mathematics to inspire the younger generation to pursue mathematics as a subject. The day also aims to remove the fear associated with math in the minds of a lot of people.
Different activities related to mathematics are conducted on this day. Educational events are held at schools and universities. The Ramanujan Math Park was inaugurated in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh on December 22, 2017.
The National Academy of Sciences, India, celebrates National Mathematics Day by conducting a workshop to showcase the works of Ramanujan. Lecturers and experts in the field of mathematics attend this workshop and discuss Ramanujan’s contributions to mathematics.