Report on Seminar: FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF ANCIENT INDIAN MATHEMATICS

FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF ANCIENT INDIAN MATHEMATICS

Friends,

I recently attended a National Seminar on “FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF ANCIENT INDIAN MATHEMATICS” on 22^nd August, 2010 in HYDERABAD. To mark the occasion of “International Congress of Mathematicians, 2010” (ICM-2010), being held at Hyderabad from 19^th August to 27^th August, 2010 , the I-SERVE (Institute of Scientific Research on Vedas) along with IMPACT conducted a one day seminar at the Sardar Patel Hall in the premises of Keshav Memorial College , Narayanguda, Hyderabad on the 22^nd August, 2010. The Chief Guest of Honour was Prof. T. Tirupathi Rao, Vice Chancellor, Osmania University and Special guest was Prof. V.Kannan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad.

The coordinators of I-SERVE designed a three layered satellite program, for the benefit of the general students, general elite and researchers as a gesture of celebrating ICM-2010.  As a first layer of the satellite program, I-SERVE brought out a collection of essays on “Ancient Indian Mathematicians”  written by reputed professors of various universities aimed at scholars and mathematicians and gifted  the copies of the volume to almost all the delegates of ICM  2010 (free of cost). The second layer of the program is designed to dispel the so called Maths- phobia in young students. To achieve this I-SERVE conducted a three day workshop cum classes on Vedic Mathematics for students during 20- 22nd August 2010 in the same premises. These classes were conducted by Sri M.Seetharama Rao and Sri B.Sai Kiran, Director, IMPACT who are well experienced teachers in this field. As a third layer of the satellite program, I-SERVE conducted a National Seminar on “Future Applications of Ancient Indian Mathematics” on 22nd August 2010 in Patel Hall, Keshav Memorial College campus.

The inaugural session of the seminar, started at 10.00 A.M was well attended by a (150 strong) galaxy of scientists and mathematicians from various institutions of Hyderabad and from different places in India. Prof. T. Tirupathi Rao, Vice Chancellor of Osmania University was the Chief Guest.  In his address he said that mathematics is the base of all systematic learning, which will be interesting to the students, if properly taught and he lauded the efforts of I-SERVE in bringing out various aspects of Vedic sciences. 

Prof. V. Kannan, an illustrious mathematician and Pro- Vice Chancellor of University of Hyderabad, who graced the occasion as Special Guest elaborately spoke on the achievements of ancient Indian mathematicians and encouraged I-SERVE to do more in this line, for the benefit of the humanity at large. In his Foreword to the book on “Ancient Indian Mathematicians” published by I-SERVE , Prof.Kannan wrote a list of mathematical topics on which Western Historians are Eulogising the Ancient Indians for their pioneering work. He said that the list is only partial and nowhere near completeness. The topics include

·         Decimal number system and Place value notation

·         The number ‘Zero’.

·         Approximation for square roots of 2,3,etc.,

·         Pythagoras Theorem

·         Binary Arithmetic

·         Pascal’s Triangle

·         Trignometric functions

·         Calendar making

·         Value of Pi

·         Infinite series

·         Diaphontine equations like Pell’s equation    etc.,

Prof.Kannan also quoted some comments from known Western mathematicians about the greatness of Ancient Hindus in their scientific works. For example:

“The Indians excelled in Mathematics. Among their foremost achievements was the development of Trignometry”- William Dunham in “The Mathematical Universe”.

“How grateful we should be to the Hindus, who found this great Decimal System, which did not occur to the minds of such mighty mathematicians as Archimedes and Apollonius”- Laplace, French mathematician.

“The geometrical theorem of I-47 which tradition ascribes to Pythagoras , was solved by the Hindus at least two centuries earlier.”- Dr.Thibaut, German Scholar.

“To whatever Encyclopedia, Journal or Essay we refer, we uniformly find our numerals traced to India and the Arabs are recognized as the medium through which they were introduced into Europe”- Manning, in “Ancient and Medieval India.

He quoted many more authors and questioned that “if so many scholars praise the Ancient Indian Mathematics so unequivocally, unhesitantly and unambiguously, Why is this fact not publicized. Why is it that even Indian students of Mathematics are not at all informed of these facts in their curriculum?” He attributes this lack of understanding to the fact that there are hardly a few hundred Indians who can understand ‘Sanskrit’, which was the language of Ancient Indians.

The I-SERVE appeals and encourages all Indian students and researchers to learn the language of Sanskrit and thereby try to understand the great ancient Indian legacy.

 Several other renowned scientists and mathematicians who participated in the inaugural session stressed the need of spreading the content of ancient Indian mathematics in the circles of modern mathematicians so that they can derive proper benefits out of it and appreciate the rich scientific heritage of India.  A resolution to this effect was passed unanimously in the seminar. 
The books on Indian Mathematics, namely “Ancient Indian Mathematicians”, “Vedic Arithmetic & Algebra” and “Ganita Avadhaanam” - all the three published by I-SERVE, were released in this inaugural session.

The 1st technical session on “Scope of utilizing ancient Maths in the contemporary context” was chaired by Padmasri B.L. Deekshatulu. The 1st paper was presented by Prof. Shriram Chowthaiwale (Yavatmal, Maharashtra) who spoke on “Computer Implications of Vedic Mathematics”.  In his Presentation, he gave the recent research papers based on Vedic Mathematics sutras for implementing in the Computer Software and also hardware for faster calculating speed. The Urdhva Tiryagbhyam formula is of immense applicability in computers. He gave a comparison of the current computer implementation and how Vedic Mathematics sutras can improve the capabilities of computer.

Next Dr. Suresh Babu, (Lecturer, CBIT, Hyderabad) spoke on “Engineering applications of Vedic Maths”, quoting from Sulabha sutras he displayed how Vedic Mathematics has been utilized in Engineering applications. The Fourier Transforms which is great tool in solving current days Engineering problems can been solved using Vedic Mathematics. He highlighted the various engineering applications which can be solved using ancient Indian Mathematics and Vedic Mathematics.

Then, Sri M. Rajendran, (Nagarkoil) spoke on “Binary number system in ancient India and its future”. The 16 sutras available in Maharishi Pingalasutram were taken up and the interpretation based on the laghu-guru or binary concept was the highlight of the speech. Classifying the sutras with respect to the algorithms defined, he gave a lucid exposition to the Binary system evolved  by Pingala (2nd Century B.C) .Rajendran preferred to take Pingala to 6000 B.C, but did not elaborate this. Though these sutras seemed to be belonging to Chandah Sastra, when seen from the binary system viewpoint, they are more versatile in expounding the right-to-left binary system. The error detection   and error correction schemes for preserving the Vedas based on the binary algorithms was given. The Binomial coefficients, Meru prastara, an ingenious method for constructing the Meru Prastara (Pascal’s Triangle in today’s parlance), the Cobinatorics were also discussed. Along with Vedic Mathematics Sutras, these Sutras are also a promising hope for further research, he said.

The second technical session “Methods of spreading Vedic Mathematics” was chaired by Dr. Suresh Babu, who, in his opening remarks stressed the need for evolving techniques and methodologies for propagating Vedic Mathematics among the younger generation. The research done has to reach the students of schools and colleges for greater benefit. He lauded the sincere and great work being done by I-SERVE for the Vedic Mathematics by releasing books which explain Vedic Mathematics.

In this session Sri B. Saikiran said that the methods of teaching Vedic Mathematics should be such that the Maths phobia because of current day system of teaching has to be changed to love for mathematics using Vedic Mathematics.

 Dr. C. Nagalakshmi, Principal St. Alphonsa’s College of Education, Hyderabad spoke on “Application of Modern teaching methods in Vedic Maths classes”. She gave the methods of adopting the teaching methodologies of current system to Vedic Mathematics also. She gave examples of the Inductive method, heuristic method and project methods for use in adapting and teaching Vedic Mathematics.

Sri M. Seetharama Rao, Research Coordinator I-SERVE spoke on “Algebraic proofs of the formulae of Vedic Maths”. In his presentation he gave the algebraic methodology of giving proofs for a few formulae of Vedic Maths. Expanding the decimal digits and algebraic expressions he explained how this can be used to prove the Vedic formulae.

The III Technical session was allotted for “Ganitaavadhaanam” by young students. This session was chaired by Prof. V. Arunachalam, former Vice Chancellor, Dravidian University. Prof.Arunachalam lauded the efforts of Prof. K.V. Krishnamurthy, Chairman, I-SERVE in trying to preserve our rich National Heritage. Prof.Krishnamurthy, in his Editor’s note for the volume “Ancient Indian Mathematicians” mentioned that, “This is a humble attempt to draw the attention of the world mathematicians towards the achievements of ancient Indians. We are aware that India was not the only land where Mathematics sprouted up in those remote pre-historic early days of human civilization and that is why almost every essay of this volume attempted to compare the mathematical achievements of each Indian mathematician with those of his counterparts, elsewhere in the world.” Prof.Kuppa Venkata Krishnamurthy introduced the concept of “Ganithaavadhanam” to the audience as being similar to Astavadhanam in Telugu literature. We have seen great exponents of a subject performing such difficult tasks, but here were small students of 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th classes from regular schools performing “Ganithavadhanam” after receiving a formal training in Vedic Mathematics from Sri M.Seetharama Rao and Sri B.Sai Kiran. The students demonstrated their skills in solving mathematical problems in split seconds. The speed with which they gave the answers and the highly complex mathematical operations that were handled by these young students effortlessly was very much commendable. Credit goes to Sri.Seetharama Rao for inventing and taking all the efforts to train and prepare the young minds for such high feats of mental performance.

At the end of the program all the participants made a pledge that they will strive hard to propagate every branch of ancient Indian mathematics for the benefit of the mankind at large.

The delegates of the seminar passed the following resolutions.

1.                This seminar takes note of the press and media reports which say that some prominent mathematicians made some adverse comments on some aspects of ancient Indian mathematics. It is recommended by this seminar that the Universities and Government of India should take all possible steps to interpret and propagate the ancient Sanskrit mathematical texts in a perfect way , so that mis-communications which lead to unpleasant and unrealistic adverse comments on Indian heritage and culture can be systematically avoided.

2.                It is also resolved to make an earnest appeal to the mathematical circles to actually study the ancient Indian texts before they make any comments on them.

3.                It is also resolved that since proper interpretation and application of the mathematical principles of ancient India are likely to open new channels of mathematical systems, including the computer systems, all the Indian mathematical scholars should take interest in Indian mathematics and encourage research on this subject.

4.                It is also resolved to make an appeal to the authorities connected with mathematics, that they should include major aspects of ancient Indian Mathematics also in their future deliberations.
5.                It is also resolved to appeal to the Government of India to initiate steps to protect the intellectual rights of India, in matters related to Ancient Indian Mathematics.

The seminar concluded at 5. 00 P.M with the recital of National Anthem. Friends, I made an attempt to spread awareness of the efforts of organizations like I-SERVE and the importance of protecting our Identity in the world today. I also wish to kindle enthusiasm in the minds of the readers for learning Sanskrit and to do research on our Ancient Texts. For further information on the activities of the I-SERVE visit the website: www.serveveda.org. For membership or donation contact Prof. K.V. Krishnamurthy , Chairman and Director, I-SERVE. Email ID: vedakavi@serveveda.org; vedakavi@gmail.com.

JAY GURU DATTA

--

 

Future Applications of Ancient Indian Mathematics

My Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra

My Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra

Ever been on a pilgrimage?  It is an experience worth going through. You may ask as to what is the difference between a pleasure trip and a pilgrimage. Yes there is a lot of difference. It has a lot to do with the mind. When you plan for a Pilgrimage first you have to have a determination and a belief about God . Then just pray to God to make it a success. If your belief is genuine then you will find Miracles happening to you.

            My experience is worth recollecting. I was going through a poor health condition when my Sister called up asking me to join her on a pilgrimage of North India for 23 days. I was not sure that I could travel at all leave alone the Pilgrimage for 23 days. My Husband would be the last one to send me anywhere in that condition. I cursed myself for my sickness and wished I could travel some day and see the holy places like everybody. It was the first week of May and travelling in the hot sun would be a real punishment.  I lost all hope and told my sister that I could not go.

            On Akshaya Tritiya day, that is May 16^th, everybody was talking about buying gold jewellery and my Mother-in –law also wanted me to buy something because it is auspicious to buy Gold on that day. All of a sudden my Husband announced that he had booked tickets for me and him for a 7-Day Pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath from Delhi through Southern Travels from 31^st May to 7^th June. I was surprised and could not believe it was happening. He told me that there were only two tickets available for that day. He also had booked Air tickets to Delhi and back. He said that was the gift for Akshaya Tritiya which was more valuable than gold. I was very much excited and suddenly I felt very strong and forgot about my sickness.

            Slowly the news of our trip started spreading to all our close relatives and everybody started questioning “Can she travel?”. I prayed to God to give me the strength to fulfill my long desire. My husband and children were the only persons who were encouraging me and helping me to prepare mentally and physically for the trip. I made up my mind that I need not worry about anything since this was a GOD sent opportunity and started believing that GOD will definitely help me go through it.

            Then I started getting prepared with all the accessories to be taken. I read about the places on the Internet and also read some books about what are the essential things to be taken when you go on a pilgrimage. On the 30^th of May we started for the Airport. We wanted to catch the bus to the Airport but missed it in just 5 minutes. My husband got worried that we would miss the flight because the next bus was only after half an hour. Autos were not allowed on the express highway to the Airport and cabs had to be booked one hour before. I was cool because I knew God will not fail us. Suddenly we saw a cab waiting on the roadside just after dropping a customer. My son immediately talked to him and he agreed to take us to the Airport and we reached in time. Then I thought probably God knew that I could not take the bus journey and cab journey was better. It cost us the same price.

            All the way through I, found things happening to me making me feel comfortable though it was planned differently. Nowhere had I faced any difficulty. The tour Guide was very much helpful giving us the best accommodation for the same price. Since I could not walk, my husband paid an extra amount for being carried in a “Doli”. My overweight was a problem for the Doli carriers and I prayed to GOD to give them the strength to carry me. LORD Shiva’s Darshan at Kedarnath with the sight of the Holy Himalayas gave me Life’s satisfaction and I could not believe it was happening to me. My husband was also very happy. The Badrinath Yatra was even more blissful. The bath in the holy Tapt Kund gave me a lot of strength and I was able to climb all the stairs well and waited in the long queue for the Darshan. At the foot of the mighty Himalayas the existence of a temple since times immemorial is what was fascinating. People stay there only during the months from May to October. The temple is closed from October to May as it is filled with snow. Both Kedarnath and Badrinath have been mentioned in the Skanda Purana which is supposed to be the oldest epic available. Further from Badrinath is the MANA village, which is the last village in Indian Territory near the Indo-Tibetan Border. The sight of the Saraswati River was a dream come true for me, since it is seen only at this place and at all other places it flows underground. Even at Allahabad, the Triveni sangam, the Saraswati River joins from underground. The Saraswati river , the Alakananda river, the Bhagirathi river, the Mandakini river, the Ganga river all have been mentioned in the Holy scripts and have their roots in the Himalayas. All the way through we find holy confluences called Prayagas where the various rivers join and flow downward to ultimately join the ocean. A dip in the Holy Ganges or Ganga at Haridwar was an experience worth going through. You feel rejuvenated and strong and that was what happened to me. I did have my share of sicknesses all through but the medicines given by my doctor helped me through and I could face them all easily. Now after completing my trip successfully all our relatives say “If Ratnamala can do it, we too can do it”. And now everybody started planning for their Pilgrimage. How about you?

CRVLR

Book Review : August 2010

“The Immortals Of Meluha”

                            – By Amish Tripathi  *****

This is surely the best book of the First decade of this Millennium according to me. I am basically a very slow reader. But to my surprise I could complete the book in just two to three days. It is definitely a page turner as Anil Dharker puts it. Never was Lord Shiva portrayed as such a potential human being who rose to become a GOD-like because of his great heroic deeds.

The book contains all the essential elements that have to be present in what is called a Best-seller. There is a powerful story which vaguely reminds us of our epics combined with the reminiscent of the history of the great Indus-Valley Civilization. There is the element of romance which makes our imagination come alive with a feeling of endearment. The description of the wars and attacks was very deatailed and picturesque and reminded one of seeing a live movie. The use of the ancient weapons, which none of us have ever seen other than in very old historical directories shows the care taken by the author to present the facts true to those times. Since there has been no other narration of this order about the rule of Lord Rama and a few hundred years after him, other than the “Manu Smriti” , one will be bound to believe that all that the author has narrated is but a true picture of those ancient times. This aspect of the book is surely going to take its value beyond immeasurable heights.

There is also a tremendous amount of scientific thinking coupled with spiritual thinking evident in the text. The concept of duality, the conflict between what is good and what is evil , the role of the Mahadev- as destroyer of the evil, has been dealt with a lot of thoughtful logic. The introduction to the next book of Shiva trilogy could have been a little more clear but anyway the reader is left to imagine as to what would be the content of the other two books.

On the whole this is a book that everyone should read so as to understand the concept of Shiva more meaningfully.

I rate this book with 5/5.

Review on- The Immortals Of Meluha by Amish Tripathi