National Mathematics Day, celebrated annually on December 22, honours the birth anniversary of legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. While Ramanujan's contributions to mathematics are widely recognised, it is essential to acknowledge the achievements of Indian women mathematicians who have excelled in a field traditionally dominated by men. These women serve as inspirations for future generations, breaking barriers and proving that excellence in mathematics knows no gender.
Shakuntala Devi - The Human Computer
Shakuntala Devi, born in 1929, holds the distinction of being the first female mathematician from India. Fondly known as the ’human computer’, she astounded the world with her ability to perform complex calculations mentally, often faster than a computer. Devi's remarkable achievements include extracting the 23rd root of a 201-digit number in just 50 seconds and multiplying 13-digit numbers in a mere 28 seconds. Her name was etched in the 1982 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for the ’Fastest Human Computation’. Apart from mathematics, Devi also contributed to fields such as astrology, crime fiction, and politics, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
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Raman Parimala - Trailblazer in Algebra
Born in 1948, Raman Parimala is a prominent mathematician known for her expertise in algebra. Despite societal norms that limited career options for women, Parimala's father's unwavering support allowed her to pursue her passion for mathematics. Her notable contributions include refining the field of algebra through research in number theory, algebraic geometry, and topology. Parimala's exceptional work earned her recognition, including the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 1987. In 2020, she was honoured by the Ministry of Women and Child Development with a chair in her name, encouraging more women to pursue careers in mathematics.
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3. Dr. Mangla Narlikar - Breaking Stereotypes
Dr Mangla Narlikar, a mathematician with a PhD in Mathematics, faced gender stereotypes during her college days. Despite societal expectations, she excelled in her studies and later pursued her PhD while managing household responsibilities. Dr Narlikar's contributions to mathematics include papers on topics such as the theory of sieved integers and the mean square value theorem of Hurwitz Zeta function. Passionate about teaching, she dedicated herself to educating others and breaking down complex mathematical problems into easy-to-understand concepts. Dr Narlikar emphasises that mathematics teaches universal ethics and norms, urging more individuals, especially women, to explore the beauty of the subject.
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4. Sujatha Ramdorai - International Recognition
Sujatha Ramdorai made history as the first and only Indian woman to win the ICTP Ramanujan Prize in 2006. Her notable accomplishments also include receiving the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Award in 2004. Currently serving as a professor at the School of Mathematics at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Ramdorai is a key member of various international research committees. Her work spans the algebraic theory of quadratic forms, arithmetic geometry of elliptic curves, and noncommutative Iwasawa theory. Ramdorai emphasises the potential for women to excel in scientific careers, highlighting the flexibility they offer for balancing work and family life.
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Dr Neena Gupta - Youngest Bhatnagar Awardee
Dr Neena Gupta, an Associate Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, became the youngest mathematician to receive the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award in 2019. Her work in affine algebraic geometry and her contribution to solving the Zariski Cancellation Problem have garnered recognition and accolades. Gupta's research focuses on Commutative Algebra and Affine Algebraic Geometry. Despite receiving awards and recognition, Dr Gupta emphasises the intrinsic pleasure of solving mathematical problems, showcasing her passion for the subject.
(Photo courtesy: Forbes India)