Author: Vithal C. Nadkarni
Publication: The Times of India
Date: July 31, 2000
During a lecture on vedic mathematics,
Vijay Ashar, a retired professor of statistics and decision-making, spoke
of the contribution of Bharati Krishna Tirthaji, a Shankaracharya of the
Govardhan Pitham at Puri. The Swamiji reportedly wrote a book on the subject
which interested English mathematicians.
"Some British scholars reportedly
cattle to India for further research on vedic mathematics. All this sparked
renewed interest in the subject-the home-grown pullet had begun to fly
on the wings of 'phoren' approval," Mr Ashar says.
Today, the Internet features several
websites devoted to vedic mathematics. Experts say the system is also being
taught in some schools in the UK, the U.S., Australia and Switzerland.
"A great deal of research is being done, and several schools in India are
also teaching it," Mr Ashar says. "Several books-Indian and Western-have
also been published."
"However, many people here still
seem to be unfamiliar with the power and ingenuity embodied in vedic mathematical
principles," says Nehru planetarium director J.J. Rawal. "Some confuse
it with obscurantist ideas and operations associated with performances
of vedic sacrifices. What they do not know is that vedic mathematics is
a uniquely modern and extremely user-friendly system, one which is capable
of eradicating innumeracy which is the bane of our age."
