December 22 - National Mathematics Day

The birth anniversary of Sir Srinivasa Ramanujan, the greatest mathematician of India, the National Mathematics Day is celebrated on December 22, every year. 

To honour him and his contributions in the field of this subject, the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India decided to mark his birthday as the National Mathematics Day. 

The journey and achievements of Srinivasa Ramanujan and the day of December 22nd, both are important from the perspective of competitive exams, especially the IAS Exam. Aspirants will more details about the significance and background of this day further below in this article. 

Apart from this, aspirants must also familiarise themselves with the Important Days and Dates for UPSC Prelims as objective type questions based on the same are frequently asked in the civil services examination. 

National Mathematics Day [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

History and Background of National Mathematics Day

History – 

• The declaration of this day 2012 marked the 125th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan
• In 2012, the Indian Government had declared December 22 to be observed as National Mathematics Day every year
• The year 2012 too was declared as the National Mathematics Year

Objective – 

• The main objective behind celebrating this day was to spread awareness about the importance of mathematics in the overall development of humanity and society
• Also, to focus on the younger generation, who is the future of the country needs to have a positive inclination towards gaining knowledge of mathematics

Significance – 

• The is celebrated to honour one of the greatest mathematicians the world has seen, Sir Srinivasa Ramanujan
• With an aim to emphasize the need to carry forward the legacy of great mathematicians such as Ramanujan, Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, to encourage and nurture the glorious tradition of mathematics in the country, this day is celebrated
• On this day, many colleges, schools and Institutes conduct competitions and seminars to guide students towards a brighter future in the field of mathematics

Apart from Srinivasa Ramanujan, various other mathematicians have contributed a lot in this subject and field. To learn more about these Indian Mathematicians and their Contribution, aspirants can visit the linked article. 

Srinivas Ramanujan and His Contributions in Mathematics

• Born in 1887, Srinivasa Ramanujan was a mathematical genius
• Although he had lacked in formal education, at the age of 12 he had excelled in trigonometry and developed many theorems all by himself
• Around 1912, when he came under the influence of Ramaswamy Iyer, the founder of the Indian Mathematical Society, he was given a clerical job. After which, he had started sending his works to International Mathematicians
• In 1913, he finally got his breakthrough after Cambridge-based GH Hardy wrote back to him, after being impressed by his performance
• In 1917, he was elected as a member of the London Mathematical Society
• In 1918, he became a fellow of the Royal Society 
• At the age of just 32, in 1920, Ramanujan passed up due to ill health

However, to this date, his teachings, theorems, and contributions in the mathematical sector are imparted to the younger generation, not just in India, but across the globe. 

As far as UPSC is concerned, candidates can opt for Mathematics as an optional subject in the Mains examination. Over the years, many IAS Toppers have chosen the subject as an optional and excelled in it. 

Aspirants can check out more details about UPSC 2022 at the linked article. 

For the latest exam updates, study material and preparation tips, visit BYJU’S.