Ramanujan College

University Of Delhi

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Shakuntla Devi

Shakuntala Devi was a mathematical prodigy known for her extraordinary mental calculation abilities. She was also an accomplished author and performer, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most exceptional minds in the field of mathematics.

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Shakuntla Devi, an Indian mathematician and mental calculator renowned for her remarkable ability to solve intricate mathematical problems mentally, earned the moniker "Human Computer." Her extraordinary talent gained recognition at the age of six, as she demonstrated the ability to solve complex mathematical problems without relying on calculators, pen, or paper.

Born on November 4, 1929, in Bangalore, India, Shakuntala Devi's mathematical prodigy surfaced early in her life. Raised in a humble family, her father noticed her solving complex mathematical problems at the tender age of three, leading to the acknowledgment of her exceptional abilities. Despite lacking formal education in mathematics, Shakuntala Devi's innate numerical talent flourished independently of traditional academic structures.

Married to Paritosh Bannerji, an officer in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Shakuntala Devi and her husband had a daughter named Anupama Banerji, who also gained recognition for her mathematical abilities. Growing up in a modest family, Shakuntala Devi's prodigious talent became evident at a young age. Without formal education, she astonished audiences globally with her exceptional mental arithmetic skills, showcasing her abilities at universities, conferences, and public events.

Her contributions to mathematics, combined with her charismatic personality, catapulted her to global icon status, earning her a place in the 1982 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. Shakuntala Devi's noteworthy calculations included cube roots, seventh roots, and the rapid multiplication of two 13-digit numbers.

Recognized for her calendrical calculations, she could instantly identify the day of the week for any given date with an average response time of about one second. Beyond mathematics, Shakuntala Devi was a prolific author, writing books on mathematics, puzzles, and astrology, catering to both scholars and the general public. Her 1977 book, "Figuring: The Joy of Numbers," delved into the methods she used for mental calculations.

Breaking gender stereotypes in a predominantly male-dominated field, Shakuntala Devi paved the way for future generations of women in mathematics. Her life story serves as an inspiration for individuals aspiring to defy societal expectations and pursue their passions relentlessly.

Her advocacy extended to integrating mathematics into everyday life and fostering mathematical thinking, leaving a lasting impact on educational discourse. Despite her passing on April 21, 2013, Shakuntala Devi's legacy endures as a symbol of the boundless capabilities of the human mind and a trailblazer in the world of mathematics. On November 4, 2013, Google paid tribute to her with a doodle on what would have been her 84th birthday.