Every year on December 22, India celebrates national mathematics day to honour one of the greatest mathematicians the world has ever seen — Srinivasa Ramanujan. This special day is not just about numbers and equations; it is about inspiring curiosity, logic, creativity, and problem-solving among students of all ages.
Mathematics plays a powerful role in shaping the modern world, from science and technology to architecture and medicine. By celebrating national mathematics day, we remember the contribution of Ramanujan and encourage young minds to explore the magic of numbers.
Schools like the best schools in whitefield actively organise special programs, competitions, and workshops to help students appreciate both the beauty and usefulness of mathematics.
Let’s take a deeper look at why this day is celebrated and how Ramanujan’s work continues to inspire the world.
What Is National Mathematics Day?
National Mathematics Day is celebrated in India on December 22, the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan. The Government of India declared this day in 2012, during Ramanujan’s 125th birth anniversary, to acknowledge his extraordinary contributions to mathematics.
The day is observed in:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Universities
- Mathematics institutions
Competitions, seminars, math exhibitions, and quiz programs are organised to encourage students to understand how important mathematical thinking is in real life.
Who Was Srinivasa Ramanujan?
Srinivasa Ramanujan was a self-taught Indian mathematician born in 1887 in Tamil Nadu. Even though he did not receive formal higher education in mathematics, his natural talent was unbelievable.
He made significant contributions to:
- Number theory
- Infinite series
- Fractions
- Mathematical analysis
Despite living in poverty and facing many challenges, Ramanujan’s brilliance was recognised by Professor G. H. Hardy of Cambridge University, who invited him to work in England. His ideas still influence modern mathematics today.
His life story teaches us an important lesson: Passion, dedication, and curiosity can overcome all obstacles.
Why Was National Mathematics Day Created?
National mathematics day was created for three main reasons:
1. To Honour Ramanujan
It celebrates his legacy and ensures that future generations remember the genius who changed the world of mathematics.
2. To Promote Mathematical Thinking
Mathematics builds:
- Logical reasoning
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical thinking
- Creativity
3. To Encourage Students
This day motivates students to see math not just as a school subject but as an exciting way to understand the world.
Many institutions, including icse schools whitefield, emphasise hands-on learning in mathematics to make the subject fun and engaging for students.
Why Is Mathematics Important in Everyday Life?
Students often ask: “When will we ever use algebra, geometry, or equations in real life?” The truth is — we use mathematics every single day without even realising it.
We use mathematics when:
- Telling time
- Shopping and calculating change
- Cooking and measuring ingredients
- Building houses and bridges
- Using technology and smartphones
- Playing games and solving puzzles
Mathematics is the foundation of science, engineering, finance, architecture, data, and even art.
This is why top institutions such as the best icse schools in whitefield focus on building strong mathematical foundations from an early age.
Interesting Facts About Srinivasa Ramanujan
Here are some fun and amazing facts about Ramanujan that make national mathematics day even more special:
- He wrote thousands of formulas in notebooks without formal training
- Many of his theories were proven correct decades later
- The number 1729 is known as the Ramanujan number
- His work is used in modern physics and computer science
- He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1918
His love for numbers truly changed the way the world looks at mathematics.
The Connection Between Mathematics and the History of Zero
One of the most important numbers in the world is zero. Without zero, modern mathematics and technology would not exist. India played a key role in developing the concept of zero, which later spread across the world.
If you’re interested in learning more, explore the fascinating history of zero.
Understanding where numbers come from makes mathematics even more meaningful and exciting.
How Schools Celebrate National Mathematics Day
On national mathematics day, schools organise fun and educational events such as:
- Math quizzes and competitions
- Puzzle-solving challenges
- Math exhibitions and model displays
- Storytelling sessions about Ramanujan
- Guest lectures by mathematicians
- Poster-making and chart presentations
These activities help students overcome their fear of numbers and start seeing mathematics as something creative and enjoyable.
How Students Can Celebrate National Mathematics Day at Home
You don’t need to be in a classroom to celebrate this special day. Try these simple activities:
- Solve a Sudoku or logic puzzle
- Learn fun math tricks
- Watch a documentary on Ramanujan
- Help someone with their math homework
- Write 5 interesting math facts
- Explore mathematical patterns in nature
Even the smallest activity helps strengthen your love for learning.
What Can We Learn From Ramanujan’s Life?
Ramanujan’s journey teaches important life lessons:
- Never give up on learning
- Curiosity is more powerful than fear
- Passion leads to greatness
- Education can change the world
- Intelligence is not limited by background
His story inspires millions of students to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.
Final Thoughts
National mathematics day is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of how brilliant minds can shape the future and how important education is.
By celebrating national mathematics day, we remember Srinivasa Ramanujan and encourage every student to think, question, explore, and believe in the power of numbers. Mathematics is not just a subject — it is the language of the universe.
Let this day inspire you to enjoy learning, challenge yourself, and look at numbers with curiosity instead of fear.
FAQs – National Mathematics Day
1. Why is national mathematics day celebrated in India?
It is celebrated to honour Srinivasa Ramanujan on his birth anniversary for his outstanding contributions to mathematics.
2. On which date is national mathematics day observed?
National Mathematics Day is celebrated every year on December 22.
3. Who was Srinivasa Ramanujan?
He was a brilliant Indian mathematician known for his extraordinary work in number theory and infinite series.
4. How can students participate in national mathematics day?
Students can take part in quizzes, puzzles, math exhibitions, competitions, and learning sessions.
5. Why is mathematics important for students?
Mathematics improves logical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and helps in everyday decision-making.


