ITANAGAR, Dec 22: The Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology (APSCS&T) celebrated National Mathematics Day on December 22 at the Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre here, commemorating 138th Birth Anniversary of legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Fighting against the odds of minimal formal training in pure mathematics, Ramanujan made remarkable contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, and provided solutions to several mathematical problems that were once considered unsolvable.
The main programme was organized today. The celebration sought to promote mathematics education, create awareness about the importance of mathematics in everyday life, encourage young minds to pursue careers in mathematics, and foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of the subject.
The programme got off to a start with the ceremonial lamp lighting and floral tribute to Ramanujan. Dr Arun Joram, lecturer RGGP, Itanagar graced the occasion as chief guest. Dr Pakngu Lombi, Deputy Director APSCS&T, presided over the programme, while Gem Peri Tayeng, Education Officer, Arunachal Pradesh Science Centre, also graced the event.
The winners were felicitated during the main event held at the AP Science Centre here. In Quiz competition, Lomra Tacho and Tai Asha of Govt Sec School, Itanagar secured first position. In the model-making competition, Rakli B Bagra of VKV, Itanagar, won the first prize. In the extempore speech competition, Aryan Parasar of VKV, Chimpu, and Tai Jarma of Ramakrishna Public School, Itanagar secured the first and second positions respectively. Jigyasha Das of VKV, Itanagar, won the first prize in the drawing competition.
Later, the dignitaries distributed cash prizes, mementos and certificates to the winners of various competitions. The programme concluded with a Taramandal show arranged for the students, adding an engaging and educational experience to the celebration.
Earlier, as part of the National Mathematics Day celebrations, several academic and outreach activities were conducted. Two lecture programmes were organised earlier in the month. The first lecture was held on December 6 at the Govt Sec School Mani, where Dr Neelabja Chatterjee, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, NERIST, served as the resource person and spoke on ‘The importance of mathematics in daily life’. The second lecture was organized on December 11, at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Nirjuli, where Dr Dakjum Eshi, Assistant Professor, Dept of Mathematics, Rajiv Gandhi University, delivered a talk titled ‘Mathematics Is Not a Monster: From Fear to Fun Through Puzzles and Patterns’.
In addition, various competitions, including drawing, quiz, extempore speech, and model-making were conducted on December 16, in collaboration with VKV, Itanagar. Around 70 students from different schools across the Itanagar Capital Region participated enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (the man who knew infinity), the Science Club & Mathematics Department of Dera Natung Govt College, observed National Mathematics Day today.
The overall celebration was successfully organized by the two Assistant Professors of Mathematics Department (DNGC) - Botem Moyong (Coordinator) and Goke Riji (Co-Coordinator), and attended by around one hundred students across various departments of DNGC.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of Dr B K Mishra, Head, Department of Chemistry, as resource person; Dr Ratna Tayeng, Head, Dept of Anthropology, as special guest, and Nanggom Gammi, Assistant Professor of Mathematics.
The celebration aimed to promote mathematics education especially to increase awareness about the importance of mathematics in our day to day lives, to encourage the young minds to pursue their career in the field of mathematics and to foster a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of mathematics.
To mark the celebration, the various activities were carried out viz Math Speech Competition, Math Fun Game/Mind Game and Expert Talks, followed by celebration.
In the Math Speech Competition, the students - Ramu Gurung, Dilun Tatak and Binya Ruji - bagged the first, second and third prizes, respectively.
Mori Tato, Tah Nacho and Khushi Rai secured the first, second and third prizes, respectively in the Math Fun Game/Mind Game competition.
All prize winners were awarded with trophies, cash prizes and certificates, while the rest of participants were awarded certificates.
On the occasion, Dr Mishra briefed the house on the life history of Ramanujan, his contribution in the field of Mathematics and Science. He further encouraged the students present to remain dedicated and committed to their education.
Dr Tayeng exhorted the students to remain proactive in every field especially that related to education.
Moyong told the students to expose their hidden talent on the right platform. He encouraged them to participate in all competitive events like literary, games & sports, cultural, etc.