Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has declared the year 2012 as the National Mathematical year to tribute eminent mathematician wizard Srinivasa Ramanujan on his 125th birth anniversary and also declared December 22, which in a Birthday of Ramanaya, as National Mathematics Day. December 22nd will be celebrated as National Math Day each year from now. This observation of the year and day is as much as a tribute to the Math wizard Ramanujan is a government step to draw attention and to focus on Mathematics.
Several reports and studies have shown a marked decline in standards and interest levels in math in India. According to the world Economic Forum Competitiveness Report 2011-12, India ranked 32 in the world for its quality of maths and science education. The recent Quality Education Report and the Annual Survey Education Report highlight the same point.
We proudly declare that India gave the word the ‘pi’ and ‘zero’ and quote the works of our ancient mathematicians, Aryabhatta and Bhaskaracharya. With such an ancient and rich legacy, why do we lack a strong math focus in our country?
At the heart of the problem is the unimaginative and even incorrect ways of teaching the subject. The dominant method is that of making student memorize formulae and the methods rather than understanding the concepts and their application rather than the development of critical Math skills of reasoning and problem solving. Rarely, if ever, is math taught through real life situations to show the relevance of math in our everyday lives. The focus becomes mechanical computation in which there is little, if any, space for the magic and beauty of the subject. This naturally reduces any interest in the subject, leading to the oft quoted Math phobia and a belief that Math is meant only for the highly intelligent students. Mathematics is probably the single most feared and detasted subject; a source of great anxiety for students and parents. Finally, pinning great hopes on their children's development and put necessary competence in it to succeed in life and career.
Equally important is the syllabus followed in our schools and colleges- is outdated and vast which further burdens and clutters their minds.
Lack of adequate government support and some irrational policies have impacted on the status of the subject. One example, is that the National Board of Higher Mathematics continued to be with the department of Atomic Energy.
Ironically, in today's business and technology driven society, based on mathematical programming, algorithm, math expertise is a critical need. Large IT companies prefer graduates with a Mathematics background. The fast expanding financial sector requires Math specialists. But in all the need is for minds with a clear conceptual understanding and strong math skills rather than mere computation competence.
Prof Robert Kanigel who has written a biography of Ramanujan and did extensive research for it says there are many Ramanujans in the country. They need the wings of good teaching and support to fly. Hopefully the Year and Day of Math will help to do so.
Mrs. Nirmala Gupta
Chairperson & Managing Director 
