This refers to the reports “Manmohan's concern over decline in quality of maths teachers” and “It's a story of human triumph” (Dec. 27).
The Prime Minister's reminder to parents and students that mathematics is “the mother of science,” while inaugurating the year-long celebrations of the 125th birth anniversary of S. Ramanujan, is a clarion call to the student community to pursue the subject. If information technology is advancing at a rapid speed today, it is only because of the strong foundation students have in mathematics.
Robert Kanigel, author of The Man Who Knew Infinity , has expressed sadness that his book has not yet been translated into Tamil, Ramanujan's own language. After Ragami's (T.V. Rangasamy) biography Kanitha Methai Ramanujan , no standard book has been published on the mathematics genius in Tamil.
S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli
I recall the interview with Janaki, wife of Ramanujan, telecast in 1988 on Madras Doordarshan. She said she married him in 1909 and moved to George Town, Chennai, when he got a job in the Port Trust. She recalled how the thinnai of their house turned into a tuition class. Although she lived with him only for three years — from 1912-1914 and 1919-20 — she described her life with him as satisfying. She recalled the moments when she fed him a morsel of food while he was engrossed in solving equations.
Selvaraj Chandrasekar,
Chennai
I read Ramanujan's biography when I was in school. I was influenced by his desire to solve complex calculations in just two or three steps. Ramanujan might have passed away at an early age but he achieved so much. His life still inspires awe and illuminates young minds to pursue the study of mathematics. But the genius deserves much more. He should be awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously. There can be no greater tribute to him than nurturing the youth's potential.
V. Neha,
Visakhapatnam
