National Mathematics Day: Srinivasa Ramanujan’s Birth Anniversary
Why in the news
India observes National Mathematics Day on 22 December, the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, with events in schools and colleges across the country.
Key facts
- Date: 22 December every year.
- Honours mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
- Announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Madras University on 26 December 2011 to mark Ramanujan’s 125th birth anniversary.
- 2012 was designated National Mathematics Year; one source dates the official declaration to 2012.
- Ramanujan’s fields: number theory, infinite series and continued fractions.
- Schools and colleges hold quizzes, exhibitions, lectures and workshops.
About Srinivasa Ramanujan
Ramanujan gained global recognition despite limited formal training. The Ramanujan Math Park was opened in 2017 in Kuppam, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. The day aims to show that mathematics is not only difficult but also useful in budgeting, technology and data-driven decisions.
Exam angle
- Days and observances: 22 December is a staple question.
- Link the day with the 125th birth anniversary and National Mathematics Year 2012.
- Ramanujan’s areas of work are common in factual MCQs.