Author: TNN
Publication: The Times of India
Date: September 10, 2019
URL:      https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/india-a-treasure-trove-of-science-maths/articleshow/71056041.cms

India has been a treasure trove of a prolific legacy in science and mathematics. All the esteemed educational institutions can unite and come up with ways to correlate ancient knowledge with modern discoveries, said Pramod Padole, director of Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, on Monday.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural programme of a 3-day workshop ‘Bhartiyaganitam — Indian Mathematics’ at VNIT.

The seminar has been jointly organized department of Vedanga Jyotish of Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University (KKSU) Ramtek, VNIT department of mathematics and Indic Academy Hyderabad to promote the endowment of legendary Indian mathematicians in the field. Ancient Indian sciences and humanities dean Krishna Kumar Pandey, noted mathematician and author Venugopal Heroor, VNIT planning and development dean GP Singh, VNIT department of mathematics in-charge head M Devakar and KKSU professor Kavita Holey were the guests. Vedic mathematician and Indic Academy Mumbai chapter coordinator Chandrahas Halai was present.

Citing the monumental contribution of distinguished mathematicians Aryabhata and Bhaskaracharya, Padole said, “Their thesis were an integration of astronomy and mathematics. We need to analyse these sciences in a comprehensive manner. Firstly, we must believe that we have a rich heritage and culture in this discipline. Only then can we help in propagating the knowledge.”

He further highlighted the importance of reviving the Vedas which can be helpful in the agricultural sector.

In his introductory remarks, Singh said that when the proposal for the workshop initiated, Padole encouraged them to institute the seminar as he has always been a proponent of thinking out of the box.

Pandey lauded the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists for their efforts in leveraging scientific research and mathematics in Chandrayaan 2 mission. He said that the workshop has been planned with a view to foster this tradition of mathematics.

Speaking about the history of mathematics department, Devakar said, “This department is as old as the institute and has been catering to the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students. The strength of this department lies in its teaching.”

He said, “Majority of people are unaware of the vast expanse of knowledge available in Indian mathematics. The lectures are designed to acquaint the participants with the valuable insights of our mathematicians.”