President Inaugurates Math Cong

Recalling the contributions of outstanding mathematicians to the engineering sector, President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil on Thursday stated that the 26th International Congress Of Mathematicians would focus on involving the public attention on mathematics even if its deliberations are beyond the grasp of ordinary people.

Inaugurating the 9-day 26th International Congress Of Mathematicians at HICC in Madhapur, the President called on people to recognize the importance of mathematics as a discipline and a tool in science and technology and many other practical matters.

Patil said that she hoped that the Congress would raise awareness among people on mathematics. She recalled the contributions of Prof. C R Rao, Prof. Meenakshi Sundaram, Prof. K Chandra Sekharan and Prof. K G Ramanathan to the field.

The President spoke about the rich mathematical heritage of the country, and said that the subject was always accorded importance by seekers of knowledge and wisdom.

She also read out a verse in Sanskrit, adding that the country's engagement with mathematics went back 3 millennia.

"During the course of these 3,000 years, the country has been at the forefront of contributing to innovations in arithmetic, algebra and geometry," she said.

She also said that the subject is an integral part of India's science policy since it is "the language of science and its advancement."

Governor E S L Narasimhan, Chief Minister K Rosaiah, his cabinet colleagues, IMU president Prof Lovasz, Chairman of the Organizing Committee Prof. Raghunathan, and officials, and others were present.

Around 3,000 mathematical experts from 86 countries are participating in the convention.

Courtesy: INN