He could not solve a mathematical problem on a piece of paper because of his visual impairment.
But, this did not dampen Pratish Datta’s love for mathematics, or his zeal for pursuing a career in mathematical research. Not only was he able to do complex mathematical calculations but he scored the highest grade among all M.Sc. students this year.
Mr. Datta was awarded the Professor Jagadish Chandra Bose Memorial Gold Medal for the best academic performance among the outgoing students for the two-year post graduate course in science at the 58th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur on Saturday.
“I do calculations mentally”
“I could not even write a simple mathematical formula, all I did was remember it. I do all the calculations mentally and then dictate it to my scribe, who puts it down on paper,” 23-year-old Datta said, after being awarded the degree in Mathematics by the institute.
Suffering from retinoschisis — an eye disease characterised by the abnormal splitting of the retina’s neuro-sensory layers, resulting in loss of vision, Mr. Datta has been dependent on his mother for all his lessons since his childhood.
“I would read out the lessons, including mathematical problems, and he would memorise them,” his mother Ranjana Datta said, adding that since Mr. Datta was interested in mathematics, she encouraged him to take up the subject.
His cumulative grade point average was 9.87 — higher than any other M.Sc student at the IIT. After graduating with mathematics from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, he joined the institute in 2010.
Keen to take up teaching and research as his career, Mr. Datta has enrolled in a Ph.D. programme on Cryptology and Network Security at IIT Kharagpur.
In the last two years at the institute, Mr. Datta has amazed his teachers with his ability.
“Extraordinary mind”
“Pratish has an extraordinary mind and his way of learning is only through listening to lectures. But whatever he listens, it gets inked in his mind. We were also confused when he joined the institute, but he emerged with flying colours with his ability to rise above adversities,” head of the mathematics department Professor P.D. Srivastava said.
Unebelieveable .You are inspiration to us .God bless you.
tht's calld a sprit...
really a grt inpiration for biginers..
A very positive and encouraging news
Amazing abilities...!
U are the inspirer of many disabled.....
really great pratish .i always admire a students like u .
You are an inspirational icon to many of the youngsters in India.Your examplary performmance is really laudable & may god bless you & your family.
Fabulous Pratish.You are very lucky to have such a great mother.We are inspired by you.Keep it up and long live
Kudos dude...Keep going
Really fantastic achievement of rise above the limitations.He inspired us by his indomitable sprit to achieve the best, that what we have.Con grates Pratish Datta,I wish all success in your future life.
Congratulations Mr. Datta on a great achievement! You are truly an inspiration to all
Congratulations Mr Datta. I salute you and your mother for her support
and encouragement. You proved that where there is a will there is a way.
Bravo! you are really a gem dude..
your strong will has shown way and built belief in everyone who is
afraid of dreaming big - whether impaired or not.
thank you.
Briiillllnt
he is isprtion for us.
congratulations pratish. may your dreams come true.
next ramanujam!kudos!keep it up
Hatts.....off to a person like Mr.Datta...
Hats off..to you..pratish..
You news brings joy and hope to millions, god bless you Pratish. May sky be your limit.
This is a fantastic achievement. Pratish shows how ones resolve and interest can overcome all obstacles to achieve great heights. Congratulations. Pratish's mother must also be congratulated for her passionate care to Pratish and encouragement in his academics.
A great source of inspiration, not only to the student community, but also to the entire humanity, that if only we have the will and interest we can achieve any good in our life time, whatever or however great our difficulties may be. Thanks a lot, dear Pratish Datta for having taught us this truth without the eyes.
We are all blind even with the blessing of sight. And the old method of "sruti and smriti" i.e. listening and memorising is proved as the best way for education if we train our faculties properly. Congrats Pratish and long live
Salute to his mother. She is a great lady. Whoever he is today, it is because of his mother's dedication for him. Being a student at Department of Mathematics,IIT KGP, I always see her assisting her son in attending lectures and reading notes for him.It is a miracle to see such a great event on this earth!! :)
Congradulation to proud Mother India Ranjana Datta.
I hope many visualy challenged indians will get inspiration from your such a genious achievement.God bless Mr. Prateesh Datta.
Congratulations Mr. Prateesh Datta. Salute to you will power and
determination.
Your parents must be so proud of you
WOW! Amazing! Congrats to Mr. Datta, wishing him best of luck in
everything in life.
Congratulations Pratish. Keep batting.
What an amazing achievement! We salute Pratish Datta.
He can be compared to the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1706 - 1783) who did much work after losing his sight as an adult Euler published over 800 fundamental papers during his lifetime. After losing his sight he did his work in his head.
Salute to Mr. Prateesh Datta for his dedication, perseverance and
unfailing interest. Hearty congratulations to you.
COngratulations Pateesh Datta, truly remarcabble achivement
A TRUE GENIUS.!! Best of luck for the future Pratish!!
I am sure during the journey you will give lot of Inspiration to the people around you or who read about you. Keep it up !
Amazing! God bless!
Hats off to Pratish Datta. What an inspiration.
hats off to such brilliant person who was never deterred by his inabilities but focussed on his abilities to achieve what others with normal physical attributes could not achieve.
Great !!! Do wonders in maths !!!
congrats dear...
Awesome! Very proud of you, Pratish!
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