National Mathematics Day 2024: Why is Math Essential in Day to Day Life?

National Mathematics Day 2024: India observes National Mathematics Day every year on December 22 to honor the birth anniversary of the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Declared in 2012 by the Government of India, this day celebrates his extraordinary contributions to the field of mathematics and aims to inspire young minds to pursue mathematical excellence.

Why is National Mathematics Day Celebrated?

Srinivasa Ramanujan, born in Erode, Tamil Nadu, in 1887, is a name synonymous with brilliance in mathematics. Despite having no formal training in advanced mathematics, his intuitive grasp of numbers and theorems left an indelible mark on the subject. His groundbreaking work, including the Ramanujan prime, Ramanujan theta function, and infinite series, continues to influence modern mathematics.

Ramanujan’s story is one of perseverance and passion. Raised in a modest household, he developed his mathematical genius independently, often creating complex theories that puzzled even the most learned mathematicians. His talent was eventually recognised globally when he collaborated with renowned mathematician G.H. Hardy at Cambridge University.

Contributions and Relevance Today

Ramanujan’s theories, including his work on infinite series and modular functions, remain relevant in various fields, such as physics, computer science and cryptography. His findings continue to inspire research and advancements in these areas.

How Math Builds Critical Thinking Skills for Life

Mathematics isn’t just about numbers; it’s a tool for developing problem-solving skills that we use every day. Neil deGrasse Tyson, the celebrated astrophysicist, eloquently explained this concept:

"People think that when they take math in school, they’ll never need to use it for the rest of their lives... but that misses something important. The act of learning how to do the math establishes a new kind of brain wiring. It’s not about what you learned—it’s about the methods, tools, and tactics you developed to solve the problem. You may never see that problem again, but you will see others where these skills are immensely valuable."

From managing finances to making informed decisions, math equips us with logical reasoning and analytical thinking. It shapes our ability to identify patterns, weigh options, and arrive at solutions—a skill set critical in every profession and aspect of life.