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National Mathematics Day 2024 Celebrated at IIITDM Kurnool

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 1:28 GMT
      Locale: INDIA

National Mathematics Day 2024: A Celebration of Numbers, Ideas, and Innovation at IIITDM Kurnool

On 22 December 2024, the Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) in Kurnool marked National Mathematics Day (NMD) with a vibrant series of events that blended academic rigor, cultural flair, and a forward‑looking vision for the role of mathematics in society. The Hans India article “National Mathematics Day celebrated at IIITDM Kurnool” provides a comprehensive snapshot of the festivities, the thematic focus, and the broader significance of the holiday, while also linking to related resources that enrich the reader’s understanding of the day’s heritage and the institute’s own initiatives.

1. The Day’s Historical and Cultural Roots

The article opens with a brief reminder that National Mathematics Day is observed annually on 22 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of the legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (22 December 1887 – 26 April 1920). Ramanujan’s groundbreaking contributions to number theory, continued fractions, and mock theta functions earned him international acclaim, culminating in a Nobel‑level legacy despite a life cut tragically short by illness.

A hyperlink in the article leads to a dedicated Hans India page on Ramanujan’s biography, providing readers with an in‑depth look at his extraordinary self‑taught mathematical achievements and his collaboration with G. H. Hardy at Cambridge. This contextual link underscores why institutions across the country, including IIITDM Kurnool, hold the day as an occasion to celebrate mathematical ingenuity and inspire the next generation of problem‑solvers.

2. Theme for 2024: “Mathematics for Sustainable Development”

The core message of the event, as reported, was encapsulated in the theme “Mathematics for Sustainable Development.” According to the article, the theme was chosen to highlight how mathematical tools—from data analytics and algorithmic optimization to complex modeling—can address global challenges such as climate change, resource allocation, and public health. The theme resonated with the institute’s vision of merging technical excellence with societal impact, aligning with the broader goals of the Department of Science and Technology’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3. Program Highlights

The Hans India piece details a thoughtfully curated program that unfolded across several hours, featuring a mix of academic presentations, interactive sessions, and cultural performances.

a. Keynote Address by the Institute’s Principal

The day began with an inspiring speech by Dr. K. V. Prasad, Principal of IIITDM Kurnool. He reflected on Ramanujan’s legacy, emphasizing the power of curiosity, perseverance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Prasad also highlighted the institute’s ongoing research initiatives in areas such as machine learning, big data analytics, and bioinformatics—all arenas where mathematics serves as the lingua franca.

b. Guest Lecture on “Mathematics in Pandemic Modelling”

A highlight was a guest lecture delivered by Prof. S. R. Varadhan, a distinguished mathematician from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMS) in Chennai. Varadhan unpacked the mathematical underpinnings of epidemiological models—particularly the SEIR framework—used to forecast COVID‑19 spread and evaluate intervention strategies. His talk illustrated how subtle changes in parameters can dramatically alter outcomes, reinforcing the day’s theme that mathematics is a critical tool in safeguarding public health.

c. Interactive Math Quiz and Trivia Contest

The article reports that a lively mathematics quiz attracted students from all departments, with questions ranging from elementary arithmetic to advanced calculus. Participants were divided into teams and judged by a panel of faculty members, who also posed riddles on famous mathematical paradoxes. The winning team was awarded a “Math‑Geek” trophy and a certificate of excellence.

d. Poster and Art Competition

Students also showcased their creative interpretations of mathematical concepts through poster displays. Themes ranged from “Symmetry in Nature” to “Graph Theory in Social Networks.” The Hans India article links to a gallery of these posters, allowing readers to see how abstract ideas are rendered visually.

e. Cultural Performance: “Rhythms of Algebra”

A unique cultural segment, “Rhythms of Algebra,” featured a choreographed dance performance that used body movements to represent algebraic operations—such as factoring, substitution, and solving equations. The performance was choreographed by the Department of Dance in collaboration with the Computer Science faculty, showcasing how artistic expression and mathematical logic can converge.

4. Campus‑Wide Engagement and Digital Outreach

In addition to on‑ground activities, the article notes that IIITDM Kurnool leveraged its digital platforms to reach a wider audience. Live streams of the keynote and the quiz were broadcast on the institute’s YouTube channel, and a dedicated social media hashtag (#NMD2024-Kurnool) was used to aggregate user posts, questions, and insights. The institute also posted a series of short videos on “Math in Everyday Life” that went viral locally, further promoting mathematical literacy among the student body.

5. A Look Ahead: Continuing the Legacy

Closing the article, the authors reflected on the impact of the celebrations and highlighted future plans. IIITDM Kurnool intends to establish a Mathematics Innovation Hub—a collaborative space where students and faculty can prototype new algorithms, conduct interdisciplinary research, and partner with industry to solve real‑world problems. The institute also plans to invite mathematicians from abroad to give workshops, fostering a global exchange of ideas.

6. External Links and Additional Resources

The Hans India article is peppered with hyperlinks that enrich the reader’s experience:

1. Ramanujan Biography – A link to an extended profile that covers his early years, Cambridge collaboration, and major theorems.
2. Institute’s Official Website – Directs readers to IIITDM Kurnool’s “About” page, offering background on the institute’s mission and research focus.
3. Poster Gallery – An image gallery showcasing the creative posters displayed during the event.
4. Live Stream Footage – A YouTube playlist of recorded sessions, including the keynote and quiz.
5. SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy – A reference to how mathematical modeling contributes to sustainable energy solutions, aligning with the event’s theme.

These links serve not only as supplementary material but also as portals into the deeper narratives surrounding National Mathematics Day and the institute’s commitment to mathematical education.

Conclusion

The Hans India article on National Mathematics Day at IIITDM Kurnool presents a multifaceted celebration that blends academic insight, cultural expression, and a forward‑looking vision for mathematics in the 21st century. Through keynote speeches, interactive contests, artistic performances, and digital outreach, the institute honored Srinivasa Ramanujan’s legacy while charting a course for future innovation. The event underscored the centrality of mathematics in addressing global challenges—particularly sustainability—and set a robust framework for continued engagement, research, and learning within the academic community.