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#Mathematics

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India Shines at IMO 2025: A Golden Legacy of Young Mathematical Minds

In a proud moment for the nation, India’s brightest young minds have once again made their mark on the international stage. At the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025, held in Australia, India secured three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal, finishing 7th globally. This year’s result adds another golden chapter to India's growing legacy in competitive mathematics.The Stars of India: Young Mathematicians, Big DreamsSix students represented India at this year’s IMO and returned home with accolades that speak volumes of their talent and hard work. Kanav Talwar (Delhi) – GoldAarav Gupta (Delhi) – GoldAditya Mangudi (Maharashtra) – GoldAbel George Mathew (Karnataka) – SilverAdish Jain (Delhi) – SilverArchit Manas (Delhi) – BronzeThese are not just names; they represent long nights of problem-solving, untold hours of training, and a passion for numbers that burns bright.A Record-Breaking PerformanceThis year marks a significant milestone for India at the IMO: Three gold medals (only the second time since 1998 this has happened) and the highest cumulative score ever (193/252), the third consecutive year in the top 10 (9th in 2023, 4th in 2024, 7th in 2025). India’s performance has shown consistent improvement, not just in medal tally but also in overall rankings. Experts say this is a reflection of a stronger training ecosystem and increased student interest in mathematics.The People Behind the Win Success at the IMO is not just the effort of students alone. Behind every medal lies a team of dedicated mentors and educators. This year, the Indian team trained at the IMO Training Camp held at the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), guided by some of the finest mathematical minds: Prof. Shanta Laishram (Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi)Dr. Mainak Ghosh (ISI Bengaluru)Atul Shatavart Nadig (Undergraduate, MIT, USA—and a former IMO medalist himself)Dr. Rijul Saini. The Indian team is coordinated by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), which serves as the national hub for Olympiad programs in science and mathematics.The Global Stage: Math Without BordersThe International Mathematical Olympiad is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of logic, creativity, and youthful brilliance from around the world. A total of 630 students from over 100 countries, including 69 female participants, competed this year. The six problems presented at the IMO 2025 were curated from around the world, including submissions from the USA, Vietnam, Colombia, Lithuania, Italy, and Singapore, covering Algebra, Geometry, Combinatorics, and Number Theory. Globally, China, the USA, and South Korea topped the rankings, but India’s placement among the top 10 continues to signal its growing presence in the world of mathematics.As India continues to climb the global mathematical ranks, this year’s performance is both a celebration and a challenge. A celebration of the incredible talent among our youth and a challenge to nurture, support, and expand access to mathematical education across the country. In a world increasingly driven by data, technology, and complex systems, the ability to think critically—a skill at the heart of mathematics—has never been more vital. And if the young minds of IMO 2025 are any indication, India’s future in mathematics is not only bright, it’s golden.

21 Jul 2025
Good News

India’s Mastermind Scientist: Eshan Chattopadhyay Wins Gödel Prize 2025!

In a world buzzing with AI, apps, and algorithms, Eshan Chattopadhyay has carried forward India’s age-old mathematical spark into the future. An Indian-origin computer scientist and now an Associate Professor at Cornell University, Eshan has been awarded the 2025 Gödel Prize, one of the highest honors in theoretical computer science. This is a continuation of a streak that dates back from Aryabhata’s astronomical equations to Bhaskara’s brilliance. Eshan’s journey from his early education at IIT Kanpur to his Ph.D. under renowned computer scientist David Zuckerman has been all about diving deep into the mysteries of randomness, logic, and structure. And now, he’s cracked a puzzle that had left top scientists scratching their heads for nearly 30 years.Cracking the Code of Chaos: Eshan’s Breakthrough in RandomnessImagine trying to make perfect sense from two jumbled signals and succeeding. That’s what Eshan did. His work focused on creating a two-source extractor, a method of generating strong random numbers even when both sources of data are weak. Well, think about your data being protected online, encryption, security keys, compression—all of that depends on true randomness. Until Eshan’s breakthrough, most researchers believed that extracting reliable randomness from two poor-quality sources was near-impossible. But like ancient Indian mathematicians who dared to ask the impossible, like how Brahmagupta defined zero or how Srinivasa Ramanujan saw patterns in infinity, Eshan defied limits. The Gödel Prize: A Golden Stamp on Global GeniusNamed after the legendary logician Kurt Gödel, the Gödel Prize is like the Nobel of theoretical computer science. Given jointly by ACM SIGACT and the European Association for Theoretical Computer Science, it celebrates work that forever changes the field. And Eshan? He’s now a part of that legendary list. From the invention of zero to Eshan’s game-changing theory, India’s relationship with math is as old as the Indus Valley script and just as mysterious and powerful. This award reminds the world that theoretical brilliance isn’t outdated; it’s what makes today’s technology truly secure and functional.Eshan Chattopadhyay: Carrying Forward an Ancient FlameGuided by his Ph.D. advisor David Zuckerman and inspired by the world’s mathematical mysteries, Eshan has contributed to conferences like FOCS, SODA, and STOC, all while teaching tough courses and mentoring young minds. He’s already a recipient of the Sloan Research Fellowship and NSF CAREER Award. As the world rushes forward, Eshan’s achievement is a reminder to every teen out there that brilliance isn’t about flashy apps or viral trends, it’s about understanding what lies beneath. And in that, Eshan is not just continuing the streak; he’s making it eternal.

18 Jun 2025
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Star Citizens

The Vedic Mathemagician : How one teacher is bringing change in India's Math Education

What happens when a child's natural curiosity meets the beauty of mathematics? In Singh's case, it was a perfect match. His mother, Bharathi Bai, introduced him to the world of numbers. But it was his guru, Burra Padmanabha Sharma, who truly ignited his passion, unveiling the wonders of Vedic Mathematics when Singh was just five years old. This early immersion in the world of mathematics sparked a lifelong curiosity and set the stage for his remarkable journey.From Teacher to Vedic Math ExpertHolding a Master's in Commerce and a Bachelor's in Education, Singh initially worked as a Social Studies teacher in private schools. However, his  mathematical skills soon earned him recognition as a Vedic Math expert. A corporate school took notice of his talent and established a department specifically for him, where he trained students in Vedic Mathematics across its branches nationwide.Singh has conducted seminars at universities, including NIT Agartala, where he trained government teachers in advanced calculation techniques. He has also offered free sessions in government schools, introducing economically disadvantaged students to Vedic Mathematics. His contributions have earned him the Swarna Shri Award in 2018.Singh has also been actively working to bring Vedic Mathematics into school curricula. He believes that this ancient Indian method of calculation can help students develop a deeper understanding and love for mathematics. During a recent meeting with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, he explained the significance of Vedic Mathematics and its potential to improve India's mathematical prowess.A Vision for a Math-Literate IndiaSingh's vision is to make India math literate, and he believes that Vedic Mathematics can play an important role in achieving this goal. With his expertise and passion, he is confident that he can make a difference in the lives of millions of students across India. He envisions a future where mathematics is no longer a source of fear but rather a tool for empowerment and problem-solving.Vedic Mathematics has the potential to change  the way mathematics is taught and learned in India. By making  mental calculations and clear understanding, Vedic Mathematics can help students develop a deeper connection with mathematics. Moreover, Vedic Mathematics can also help to promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.Bondili Maruthi Ram Singh's journey is an example  to the power of passion, dedication, and innovation. As we get to know  his achievements, we are reminded that mathematics is not just a subject, but a tool for empowerment and transformation. With Vedic Mathematics, Singh is not only changing the way mathematics is taught, but also inspiring a new generation of math enthusiasts.

6 Feb 2025
Star Citizens

Dubbed the Usain Bolt of Mathematics, Neelkantha Bhanu Prakash Is the World’s Fastest Calculator

For many, just the mention of the subject of Maths triggers anxiety. Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash is aware of that and he attributes this anxiety to the Indian school system's rigid curriculum. The 2020 International Mathematical Olympiad champion is also regarded as "the world's fastest human calculator".  He even broke Shakuntala Devi's record for the most times a two-digit number could be added to itself in 15 seconds. The Andhra Pradesh-born math prodigy, who is 22 years old, has 50 Limca Records and four world records for answering complex problems at top speeds. After winning the Olympic Gold Medal in the Mind Sports Olympics 2020 in the UK, he has been labeled the "Usain Bolt of Mathematics" by BBC. Many prestigious political organizations and international corporations offered him high-paying jobs, but Bhanu had other things in mind. Bhanu's mission is to eliminate math phobia and encourage more people to comprehend and analyze numbers. In order to accomplish this, he founded Exploring Infinities, a math education programme with the goal of encouraging students to use math for purposes other than simply raising their grades. Through online classes and activities, Exploring Infinities engages students while focusing on making math interesting and diverse. According to Bhanu, a student can succeed in any subject or job by having a solid understanding of math. Bhanu declares that he is “self-learned”. When a head injury had him spend a year at home, he started playing with puzzles that his father purchased for him to keep him busy. The puzzle games he played were very entertaining. He gained a greater understanding of numbers as he grew older, performed on stage, and broke records. Since comprehending numbers has a significant impact on how one thinks, how numbers are presented to children is crucial. Thus he began to design online ‘experiential maths learning modules’ which make maths fun and helps students understand it in the best possible way.

2 Nov 2022
Star Citizens

This 77-Year-Old Enthusiastic Man’s Love for Maths Has Benefitted Many

Narayanaswami is a retired professional who is 77-years-old. However, his age defies the energy and enthusiasm that he exudes, all for the love of maths. Narayanaswami is able to instill interest for maths in all, even if a person is wary of the subject. After completing his B.Tech in Tamil Nadu, Narayanaswamy landed a job in Binny Mills in 1966. He realized that a lot of staff in the company found engineering-related Mathematics tough due to which they were unable to clear their AMIE. Being a bachelor he had plenty of free time and he started taking free classes for them. That is how his tryst with mathematics and teaching began. Later, he shifted to Bengaluru and started working in IndianTelephone Industries Limited (ITI). His passion for maths saw him take classes for company employees. He then joined as faculty at BMS College of Engineering, then the ICWAI, the Institute of Engineers, Bengaluru Chapter, and the Institute of Telecommunication Engineers to teach maths and related subjects. After Narayanswami took retirement in 2000, he went to the US to live with his children. However, he realized that maths was his true calling and after a year he returned to India to continue teaching. He now teaches Maths as an honorary teacher at a school in the morning and conducts classes for rural children in the evening. Thus, Narayanaswami has dedicated his life to teaching maths. For him, age is just a number and he exclaims, “you are as young as your mind tells you”. He inspires us to discover our talent and use it in the best possible way for mankind.

1 Nov 2019
Star Citizens

Positive Reads

Chaturbhuj Temple in Gwalior Holds the World's Oldest Recorded Zero Symbol

Gwalior, a city steeped in rich history and culture, is home to the magnificent Chaturbhuj Temple. This temple holds a remarkable secret that has fascinated mathematicians and historians for centuries. Tracing the Legacy of Gwalior and its Cultural Significance Gwalior, once ruled by the Rajput dynasty and later by the Mughal empire, boasts a vibrant cultural heritage. The city is renowned for its Gwalior Fort and the Gwalior Gharana, a prestigious Hindustani classical music school. Architectural Marvels of Gwalior Fort Built atop Gopachal Parvat, the Gwalior Fort showcases impressive architectural feats. Among its notable structures are the Teli-ka-Mandir, Gujari Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, and the Sas-Bahu temples. However, it is the Chaturbhuj Temple that captures the attention of mathematicians worldwide. The Enigmatic Symbol of Zero at Chaturbhuj Temple The Chaturbhuj Temple, constructed in 876 AD and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, holds a plaque dating back to the ninth century. This plaque features a circular figure resembling the number "O," considered by many as the oldest recorded symbol of zero. Zero's Journey Through Time and Space For a long time, the inscription at Chaturbhuj Temple was believed to be the earliest example of the usage of zero. However, in 1891, French archaeologist Adhemard Leclere discovered a dot symbolizing zero at an archaeological site in northeastern Cambodia. This finding challenged the previous notion and sparked further exploration. The Bakhshali Manuscript and the Birth of Zero The Bakhshali manuscript, discovered in 1881 in present-day Pakistan, contains mathematical rules and examples. Researchers from the University of Oxford found references to zero in this ancient scroll, which dates back to the third or fourth century. The manuscript played a crucial role in the development of zero as a number in its own right. Indian Philosophy and the Concept of Zero British writer Alex Bellows, during his research in Gwalior, found a connection between Indian philosophy and the mathematical concept of zero. The Sanskrit word for zero, "śūnya," which means "void" or "empty," is linked to the Buddhist doctrine of emptying one's mind. This profound concept may have influenced the birth of zero in mathematics. Zero's Global Impact and India's Mathematical Legacy The concept of zero revolutionized mathematics and had a profound impact on the modern world. Mathematicians in ancient India played a pivotal role in developing the idea of zero, as evidenced by the historical records and manuscripts. The Indian subcontinent has been a vibrant hub of mathematical innovation for centuries. The Enduring Significance of Chaturbhuj Temple While the origins of zero have been widely debated, the Chaturbhuj Temple stands as a testament to India's mathematical legacy. It is a source of pride for Indians to have one of the earliest recorded symbols of zero within their reach. A visit to Gwalior offers an opportunity to celebrate this cultural and mathematical heritage.

22 Mar 2024
Positive Reads

How Stones Skip Across Water Scientifically Explained

  What used to be an idle pass time for many now has a scientific explanation for it. An equation has been developed by experts to explain how stones skim the water. The mathematical model takes into account a variety of stone sizes and shapes, as well as the angle of the throw and the water pressure. The model can accurately anticipate how stones will skim through the water when they are tossed. The researchers discovered that while the larger stones can jump higher and evoke a "super-elastic" response from the surface of the water, the flatter stones can skim across the water's top for longer. Larger, heavier, and curvier stones can work just as effectively, though stone skippers seem to choose flatter ones. Pressure from below the water rises up when a stone makes contact with the surface. The stone will skip further if the pressure is enough and applied at the right angle, else it will sink below the surface. The findings are significant for aircraft design, notably for the landing gear of aircraft intended to land on water. The equations can forecast how different designs will perform during landing. Predicting thrown stones was only a pleasant byproduct of the researchers' work, which was to analyze the behavior of items that skim across the water.

16 Jan 2023
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