Bengaluru, 22 December (H.S): In a first-of-its-kind event, and in the midst of an intellectually charged atmosphere, renowned mathematician Padma Shri Prof. Sujatha Ramadorai found herself navigating a unique discussion prompted by a seemingly simple question from a curious student: “Ma'am, who is your favourite player, Messi or Ronaldo?”

What started as a casual inquiry quickly evolved into a captivating discourse on mathematical precision in football. Sujatha, known for her ability to weave connections between diverse topics, skillfully guided the conversation. The students delved into the angles of the best goals, dissecting the geometry behind Messi's finesse and Ronaldo's power. The professor, with a twinkle in her eye, transformed the classroom into a mathematical arena, proving that even a seemingly subjective debate can unfold as a fascinating exploration of patterns, probabilities, and perspectives.

After five days of immersing in the enchanting world of mathematics, Ganitha Mela 2023 concluded with resounding success. Organized jointly by Vishwa Vidyapeeth School, Seed2Sapling Education and the Academy Trust; and supported by Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, the event witnessed the convergence of over 8000 math enthusiasts, students, and teachers from more than 60 schools, creating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Distinguished Luminaries Illuminate Ganitha Mela

The event kicked off with an inspiring address by Padma Shri Kiran Kumar, the renowned space scientist associated with ISRO. His words set the tone for the days to come, emphasizing the role of observations, asking questions and the significance of mathematics in our lives. The participants were privileged to engage in informal discussions (Harates) led by several mathematicians, scientists and artists, adding a personal touch to the academic proceedings.

The informal discussions (Harates) by Phoolan Prasad, Tirthankar Bhattacharyya, Amitabh Joshi, MRN Murthy, Rajaram Nityananda, and VSS Sastry among others provided a unique platform for participants to engage with distinguished scientists and educators in a relaxed setting. Outcomes emerging from these discussions revealed the passion and curiosity that fueled the participants' interest in mathematics. These luminaries, along with other distinguished guests, created an atmosphere of curiosity, exploration, and celebration throughout the event.

An Array of Math Activities and Engaging Discussions

Ganitha Mela offered a plethora of math-related activities, puzzles and games that catered to participants of all ages. The interactive activity stalls became hubs of excitement, where students and enthusiasts delved into the world of numbers, patterns, and logic. The visitors experienced several activities around math concepts like pi, Pythagoras theorem, Fibonacci sequence, etc. in the form of games and puzzles. Classical games like aaliguli mane, snakes and ladder, tower of Hanoi and many others added to the entertainment component.

Cultural Extravaganza and Performances

The evenings at Ganitha Mela 2023 were a celebration of the cultural aspect of mathematics. From classical and folk music to dance performances, and the acclaimed Kannada play “Lilavathi” on the life of Bhaskara II, the cultural programs added an artistic flair to the mathematical festivities. Each day brought a new and mesmerizing performance, showcasing the diverse talents that thrive in the intersection of mathematics and the arts.

The unique and captivating shadow puppetry by Padma Shri Parshuram Gangavane brought mathematical concepts to life in a way that transcended traditional methods of teaching. From a classical dance Jugalbandhi to a musical jugalbandi, the visitors experienced the plethora of patterns in these art forms that enables us to enjoy these. A show on geometry in soap foams and bubbles by Prof. Samuel and Prof. Supurna enthralled the audience.

Anticipation Builds for National Math Day

As Ganitha Mela came to a close, the excitement reached new heights in anticipation of National Math Day on December 22nd. The grand finale was a Harate by Padma Shri Prof. Rohini Godbole, a distinguished physicist whose insights were eagerly awaited by the participants. The event featured numerous other distinguished guests like Utpal Nath and Nithin Nagaraj ensuring that National Math Day is a fitting culmination of the week-long celebration.

Anecdotes from Ganitha Mela

Amidst the labyrinth of mathematical discussions, an engaging Harate led by Prof. Tirthankar Bhattacharya sparked a spontaneous debate among students about the practical applications of Fibonacci sequence. The informal setting allowed for a free-flowing exchange of ideas, demonstrating the power of casual conversations in igniting intellectual curiosity.

During a particularly challenging math puzzle activity, a group of students from different schools collaborated and formed an impromptu team. As they worked together to solve the puzzle, it became a testament to the collaborative spirit fostered by Ganitha Mela.

Padma Shri Parshuram Gangavane's shadow puppetry session turned into an interactive storytelling experience, as children and adults alike actively participated in narrating mathematical tales through the enchanting art form. It highlighted the universal language of stories and how they can make complex concepts accessible to all.

Conclusion: Ganitha Mela - A Resounding Success

Ganitha Mela 2023 surpassed expectations, creating an unforgettable experience for participants and organizers alike. The convergence of distinguished luminaries, engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions, games, puzzles and captivating performances made this celebration of mathematics a truly unique and enriching event. Ganitha Mela stands as a testament to the power of mathematics to inspire, unite, and transform the educational landscape.

Hindusthan Samachar