SGT University Inaugurates Ramanujan Research Centre
A Milestone in promoting mathematical research, innovation, and outreach
Gurugram। SGT University, Gurugram, inaugurated the Ramanujan Research Centre (RRC) on 18 September with the support of the Department of Mathematics, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, and Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas. The inauguration marked an important milestone in promoting mathematical research, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and outreach. The event brought together school principals, distinguished academicians, experts, faculty members and students to celebrate India’s rich mathematical heritage.
The programme commenced with Ceremonial Lamp Lighting and Saraswati Vandana, followed by the Welcome Address by the Hon’ble Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Atul Nasa. The Centre was inaugurated by the esteemed guests through a curtain-raiser video, followed by an overview by Hon. Director, Ramanujan Research Centre, Dr. Anita Sharma, highlighting its vision for research, collaboration and knowledge exchange. She emphasised the early identification and quality training of students in Mathematics. RRC launched the Ramanujan Pratibha Khoj initiative for the early identification of mathematically gifted students. Every year, more than 1.5 million students appear for the JEE entrance examination, but only 20,000 or fewer participate in the Olympiad conducted by the National Board of Higher Mathematics, owing to a lack of awareness and proper training. Many gifted students are lost along the way. RRC will take the initiative to fill this gap while encouraging research among undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students. RRC also aims to enhance the dialogue between youth and eminent mathematicians, scientists and researchers.
Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, emphasised that merely commemorating the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan in a customary manner is not the real tribute; carrying his work forward through further research is what is truly needed today.
The keynote address by Dr. Vedveer Arya, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Ministry of Corporate Affairs, on the theme “From Vedic Yuga to Ramanujan: Restoring India’s Continuous Chronology of Genius,” unravelled the legacy inherited by Srinivasa Ramanujan and highlighted Bharat’s mathematical heritage and the contributions of scholars including Baudhayana, Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara II, Madhava, Nilakantha and Srinivasa Ramanujan, covering areas such as arithmetic, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus and number theory, along with the exploration of π since ancient times, from the Shatapatha Brahmana to the digital age.
The programme further featured Mr. Vishal Bhatia, who spoke on “Encouraging the Development of Mathematical Thinking,” posing many interesting and challenging problems to the audience. Dr. Agraj Gupta spoke on the significance of the “Skill of Decoding Data in the Exploding Data Era,” connecting mathematical thinking with data and analytical skills.
Prof. Gajender Singh, Department of Mathematics, JNU, enthralled the audience with interesting number patterns drawn from the name of the Ramanujan Research Centre and the Ramanujan magic square, and the total number of days Ramanujan lived, leading the discussion to prime numbers.
The ceremony concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Dr. Pradeep Malik, followed by the National Anthem, group photograph, networking session and lunch.
The inauguration marks the beginning of a new academic journey dedicated to research excellence, mathematical heritage, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and nurturing young mathematical minds, inspired by Srinivasa Ramanujan and Bharatiya Ganit. Programme partners for the inaugural event were Kofalt Global and I-WIN. Director, Kofalt Global, Ms. Vibha Gupta, highlighted how Vedic Mathematics helps students overcome mathematics phobia by recognising patterns and engaging in number play. More than 25 school principals, directors, research scholars from various universities, and representatives from SCERT, NCERT and other government institutions participated in the event.
