Did you know there’s a day in India that’s all about celebrating math? It’s called National Mathematics Day, and it’s celebrated every year on December 22. But why is this day so important? What makes Maths Day 2020 extra special? And how does math connect to our lives in ways we don’t even realize?
Let’s dive into the world of numbers, puzzles, and patterns, and explore why this day matters — especially in India!
Meet the Math Genius: Srinivasa Ramanujan
National Mathematics Day is celebrated in honor of one of the greatest mathematical minds India has ever known — Srinivasa Ramanujan. He was born on December 22, 1887, in a small town in Tamil Nadu called Erode.
Ramanujan didn’t have a fancy education or modern tools. In fact, he was mostly self-taught! But his love for numbers was so strong that he discovered hundreds of mathematical formulas — many of which are still studied by mathematicians today. His notebooks were filled with amazing formulas that seemed to come from nowhere. He could solve complex problems in ways no one had ever seen before.
In 1914, Ramanujan went to England to work with a famous mathematician named G.H. Hardy. Together, they made incredible contributions to number theory, infinite series, and mathematical analysis. Sadly, Ramanujan passed away at the young age of 32, but his legacy continues to inspire math lovers around the world.
That’s why the Government of India declared December 22 as National Mathematics Day in 2012, to honor his birth anniversary and his mind-blowing contributions to mathematics.
What Made Maths Day 2020 Special?
Maths Day 2020 was not just another celebration — it was unique because it came during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. While schools were closed and students were learning from home, the spirit of maths was still alive and well!
Even though students couldn’t gather in classrooms or assembly halls, they still found creative ways to celebrate:
- Online math quizzes and games were held through Zoom and Google Meet.
- Many schools organized virtual math exhibitions, where students shared math models, patterns, and puzzles from home.
- Math storytelling sessions helped children understand how numbers are used in real-life situations, like cooking, sports, shopping, and travel.
- Teachers gave fun challenges, like making art with geometric shapes or spotting symmetry in household objects.
The theme in many schools was “Math in Everyday Life”, helping students see how math is everywhere — from counting steps to measuring ingredients in the kitchen, from calculating scores in cricket to figuring out discounts during online shopping.
How Does Math Show Up in Real Life?
You might think math is just something you do in class with books and calculators, but guess what? Math is all around you, every single day!
Here’s how:
Sports
Whether you’re watching cricket, football, or basketball, math is used to track scores, player stats, and even make decisions using algorithms (like the DRS in cricket!). Knowing how to read scores and averages is pure math!
Shopping
Ever seen a “20% off” sign during a sale? That’s math! Figuring out how much money you’ll save, or how much change you should get — that’s all thanks to math.
Cooking
Recipes involve fractions, measurements, and timing. Whether it’s “half a cup of sugar” or “bake for 20 minutes,” you’re doing math without even realizing it!
Video Games
Your favorite games are built using codes and algorithms, which are based on mathematical principles. Whether it’s the physics in racing games or the patterns in puzzle games — math makes it all work!
Travel
Planning a trip? You’ll need to know the distance, time, speed, and cost. GPS systems also use math to calculate the fastest routes!
Fun Ways to Celebrate Maths Day at School
Even if Maths Day 2020 was mostly celebrated online, there are always cool ways to enjoy the magic of numbers. Here are some fun ideas schools use — and you can even try them at home!
- Math Art: Make colorful rangoli patterns using symmetry and geometry.
- Math Relay Races: Solve math problems in teams and race to the finish!
- Number Hunts: Find shapes and numbers hidden around your house or classroom.
- Math Skits: Perform a short play showing how math is used in real life — maybe a trip to a store or building a rocket!
- Puzzle Corners: Create stations with Sudoku, magic squares, or logic puzzles.
Why Celebrating Math Matters
You might ask, “Why have a special day for math?”
Here’s why:
- It helps kids (and adults!) see math as something fun and useful, not scary or boring.
- It reminds us of India’s incredible math heritage — from Ramanujan to ancient mathematicians like Aryabhata.
- It encourages young students to dream big, ask questions, and explore new ideas.
- And most importantly, it shows us that math is not just about getting the right answer — it’s about thinking creatively and solving problems.
Be Inspired Like Ramanujan!
Srinivasa Ramanujan once said, “An equation for me has no meaning unless it expresses a thought of God.” To him, math wasn’t just numbers — it was a beautiful way to understand the world.
So next time you solve a math puzzle, play a number game, or even bake cookies using a recipe — remember, you’re part of something magical. And who knows? Maybe one day, you will come up with a new idea that changes the world — just like Ramanujan did!
Final Thoughts
Maths Day 2020 in India wasn’t just a date on the calendar. It was a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the genius of a man who showed us that even the simplest numbers can reveal the deepest truths.
So don’t be afraid of math. Embrace it. Play with it. Celebrate it.
Because when you look closely, math isn’t just in your textbooks — math is everywhere.
And that’s something worth celebrating, every single day.
