Panel Discussion on ‘Significance of Vedic Mathematics’

On Thursday, 22nd June, 2023, Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) organised a panel discussion in collaboration with Draupadi Dream Trust on “Significance of Vedic Mathematics”. The event was chaired by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF, who also gave the welcome address. Srimati Neera Mishra, Chairperson, Draupadi D’ Trust, announced the event’s theme. She also mentioned various activities undertaken by the Trust. It was mentioned that this collaborative event was a part of the Vedic Gyan Vigyan series of the Draupadi Trust. In his address, Dr. Gupta mentioned India's contributions to the world of sciences and mathematics in particular, which are not recognised much in today’s world. He added that mathematics as a subject is now seen with a lot of disinterest. He highlighted the need to make mathematics more appealing and enjoyable to the students, for which Indian Knowledge Traditions can play a major role. Dr. Gupta and Dr. Neera Mishra discussed the need for India’s ancient wisdom to be part of our core curricula. He also added a brief introduction on the term ‘Vedic Mathematics’. Dr. Neera Mishra, before introducing the theme of the panel discussion, briefed about Draupadi Trust and the various areas of interest that the institution handles.

The Panel also had other dignitaries present, who were specialists in the field of mathematics. Prof. Anuradha Gupta from the Department of Mathematics, Delhi University explained Vedic Mathematics and its relevance in the contemporary world. She emphasised how applying Vedic Mathematics from school level can improve our ability to do calculations, boost memory power and understand formulas and mathematical concepts. Following her lecture, there was a practical session by Shri. Puneet Gupta, Head Faculty, Vedic Mathematics, MDIS. The session was interactive and it demonstrated some of the practical applications of Vedic Mathematics from simple to complex mathematical calculations. The final session by India’s famous computer scientist and mathematician, Prof. C. K. Raju claimed that the idea of Vedic Mathematics itself has serious limitations. There are a lot of calculation methods, which are called Vedic Mathematics. He asked what is ‘Vedic’ about this category of Vedic Mathematics. He opined that in India, what we have is not ‘Vedic Mathematics’, rather, ‘Bharatiya Ganith’, which is more advanced and clearer than the contemporary teachings and understanding of the Western model of Mathematics. He highlighted the need to compare Western Mathematics’ philosophical aspects with Indian Mathematics, and see for ourselves to judge which is better. In his session, the various scientific aspects of the modern calendar were also demonstrated. The session was followed by a discussion and Q & A session.