The nine-day International Congress of Mathematicians at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre in Hyderabad has come at a time when the love for mathematics, especially amongst the younger generations is dismally low. The case is even more severe amongst the children in the North East region, Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim. This is a cause for concern-and is unfortunate trend in a country that was a global leader in mathematics, with wizards like the Aryabhatta, who gave world the concept of zero, his disciple Bhaskara followed by Ramanujan. The contributions of Aryabhatta and Brahmagupta to the development of Algebra and Astronomy are unparallel.
But now, it seems, the magic of maths is fast losing its charm. There is a clear lack of interest among younger generation to take up research in basic maths. This was aptly highlighted at the Congress which is being hosted by India for the first time in the 113-year history of the body.
President Pratibha Patil rightly stressed on the need to promote mathematics among the young generation during the inauguration of the Congress. She said mathematics not only developed rational thinking, but also promoted scientific temper and the need to understanding the subject was necessary in all walks of life be engineering, finance or social sciences. Since Independence, India has recognised the importance of science as a vehicle for human progress. Mathematics, the language of science and its advancement, is an integral part of India’s science policy, she said. Economics and social sciences, which were once impervious to Mathematics, are coming under its influence. Mathematics inculcates rational thinking. Apart from its role in other human endeavours, we also recognise the profound cultural dimension that the study of Mathematics has, Patil said.
It is true that pure math is dying a slow death. With the young generation opting for applied sciences over pure math studies, the number of takers for the subject in the country has over the past few decades reduced by half, Indian mathematicians attending the Congress opined.
What has kept students from opting for the subject is the fear psychosis for maths and also the easy money which jobs in applied science market offer, the delegates said. According to them, with students who have an aptitude for maths opting for professional courses including engineering and management studies, there has been a dip in the number of students opting for the subject in institutes including central universities.
There is an urgent need to create awareness about the career openings which mathematics could offer youngsters. Also, teachers have to make the subject interesting to the students and ensure that the students development a genuine love for maths and not shy away from it.
The joy of pursuit of pure mathematics must be projected in greater measure to school and college students. It must become an essential component of mathematics education to promote the idea that successful careers are possible through the pursuit of mathematics.