Mathematicians have for long said what C.K. Raju has said in his article, “ > Nothing Vedic in Vedic Maths ” (Sept. 3). But this is perhaps the first time the view has been published in the media. Like the Holy Roman Empire which was “neither holy, nor Roman nor an empire,” Vedic Mathematics is neither ‘Vedic’ nor ‘Mathematics,’ except in a very narrow sense. The article should be made compulsory reading for all mathematics teachers, principals and educators.
S. Sundaram,
Chennai
The author’s concern lies in the disconnect between the Vedas and Mathematics in the modern avatar of ‘Vedic Mathematics.’ There are some Indian universities that teach Vedic Mathematics through a curriculum that establishes the connect between the ageless Vedas and the emerging nuances in Mathematics. Policy decisions must be aligned to such existing models to showcase to the world that India's bright future lies in its rich civilisational assets. Otherwise, the legal dictum, suppressio veri suggestio falsi , will suppress the truth and spread falsehood. It is in this perspective that the author has raised a flag on Vedic Mathematics.
S. Vaidhyasubramaniam,
Thanjavur
Whether or not the term ‘Vedic Maths’ is technically correct in the context of Indianising education, the art of learning it is on the rise. It actually provides for quick calculations. Teaching it in schools will certainly benefit students.
Sweety Gupta,
New Delhi
Mathematical concepts originating from various sources, if elegant and acceptable, become constituents of one discipline called “Mathematics.” It does not belong to any one source. So, the expression “Vedic Maths” is wrong.
S.P. Asokan,
Chennai
