National Mathematics Day [22nd December, 2022]

Every year, 22 December is observed as National Mathematics Day to mark the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a legendary Indian mathematician. His contributions to number theory, infinite series, mathematical analysis, etc., are considered instrumental. Mathematics Day is marked to celebrate his works and recognize him as a legend in mathematics.

National Mathematics Day is an occasion to remember Ramanujan's great achievements and reflect on the significance of mathematics in our everyday lives. Know more about the history and significance of this day here.

National Mathematics Day 2022

Marking the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, National Mathematics Day celebrates and raises awareness about his golden achievements. Ramanujan was considered a gifted mathematician, as he resolved some of the ‘unsolvable’ equations and presented significant mathematical analysis. He is regarded as one of the world's greatest mathematicians on a national and global level.

Born in 1887 in Tamil Nadu, Ramanujan spent most of his life in poverty. He developed a keen interest in mathematics from a young age, and by 15, he obtained a copy Elementary Results in Pure and Applied Mathematics by George Shoobridge Carr's Synopsis. To sustain himself, he took the job of a clerk as an adult but continued his mathematical studies independently. Getting in touch with some renowned professors from international universities, Ramanujan eventually made his way to Trinity College.

Maths Day - Who was Srinivasa Ramanujan?

On the occasion of Mathematics Day 2022, it is important to know more about the man after whom this day is dedicated. Srinivasa Ramanujan was born to a Tamil Brahmin family in 1887 at Erode in Tamil Nadu. Although he did not receive a formal education in mathematics, his contributions provided in-depth analyses to solve complex mathematical problems using new concepts and ideas. Ramanujan is fondly known as 'the man who knew infinity.'

He joined Trinity College and was elected as one of the members of the London Mathematical Society. In 1918, he was elected as one of the fellows of the Royal Society. Ramanujan was also nominated as the first Indian to be one of the fellow members of Trinity College Cambridge. And of course, in his remembrance and honor, 22nd December was named as National Mathematics Day.

Ramanujan’s Contributions to Mathematics:

• He made diverse contributions to the theory of numbers and mathematical functions.
• He theorized on divergent series, Riemann series, hypergeometric series, the elliptic integrals, and the functional equations of the zeta function.
• In 1911, his papers were published in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society.
• The number 1729 is known as the Hardy-Ramanujan number.

Mathematics Day - History

• Ramanujan was born to an Iyengar Brahmin family in Erode, Tamil Nadu, in 1887.
• In 1918, he was invited as a member of the London Mathematical Society in Britain and became the youngest Fellow of the Royal Society.
• Ramanujan’s works were recognized by British mathematicians like G.H. Hardy, who was spellbound by his knowledge of advanced mathematics.
• In 2012, the former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh marked this day as National Mathematics Day to pay tribute to the legendary Srinivasa Ramanujan.

National Maths Day - Significance

Mathematics Day is marked to raise awareness about the importance of mathematics. People celebrate this day to understand how maths is important for developing humanity from the grassroots level. On this day -

• The government takes several initiatives to enthuse, teach, and motivate the public and the country's youth to develop a positive attitude towards mathematics.
• Free training is provided to various students and mathematics teachers through camps. It highlights the production, dissemination, and development of mathematics teaching-learning materials.

National Mathematics Day in India

In India, Mathematics Day holds great significance because on this day, the greatest Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan was born. In his honor and remembrance, 22 December was named as National Maths Day in 2012. On this day, various schools, universities, colleges, and educational institutions in India host events, olympiads, etc. related to maths.

The National Academy of Science India (NASI) conducts workshops to celebrate the day. Every year, various popular lecturers and mathematicians from all over the nation attend this workshop. On Maths Day, the speakers also talk about the contributions of Srinivasa Ramanujan to the world of mathematics at the national and global levels.

FAQs on National Mathematics Day

Q1. When is National Mathematics Day celebrated?

National Mathematics Day is celebrated on 22nd December every year, on the birth anniversary of one of the greatest Indian mathematicians, Srinivasa Ramanujan. This day was announced by the former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in 2012.

Q2. Whose birthday is celebrated as National Mathematics Day?

The birthday of Srinivasa Ramanujan is celebrated as National Mathematics Day. Ramanujan was born on 22nd December, and because of his great contribution in mathematics, his birthday was announced as Mathematics Day by Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2021.

Q3. What is the National Mathematics Day 2022 theme?

There is no specific theme for National Mathematics Day 2022. The aim of this day is "to make people aware of the development of mathematics and its importance in the growth of humanity."

Q4. When was the first National Mathematics Day observed in India?

National Mathematics Day was observed for the first time in India on December 22, 2012. The former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh announced Maths Day in 2012 itself. Since then, it has been celebrated every year on 22nd December.

Q5. Who established the National Mathematics Day?

Long after recognizing the efforts and achievements of Srinivasa Ramanujan, India established National Mathematics Day on the date of Ramanujan’s birth, 22nd December. Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former PM of India announced this day in 2012.