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National Mathematics Day 2025: With his remarkable contributions to mathematical analysis, infinite series, continuous fractions, number theory, and game theory, Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) revolutionized mathematics in the 20th century. Ramanujan, who is regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians in history, accomplished in 32 years what many others could not do in their lives.

Amazingly, Ramanujan never attended a traditional mathematical school. Even though the majority of his findings were made only on the basis of intuition, they were subsequently shown to be mathematically true. As inspirational as his groundbreaking work is his personal narrative, which is characterized by hardship, poverty, and tenacity.

To honor Ramanujan’s unmatched legacy, India observes National Mathematics Day on December 22, the anniversary of his birth.

Ramanujan Srinivasa: Early Life and Innate Brilliance
Srinivasa Ramanujan, who was born in Erode, Tamil Nadu, had a remarkable intuitive knowledge of mathematics from an early age. Despite his intelligence, he had several challenges in his academic career. He was awarded a scholarship to college in 1904, but he quickly lost it after failing non-mathematical studies.

When he failed the First Arts test, his second attempt at a college education in Madras (now Chennai) similarly failed. Ramanujan started assembling his now-famous mathematical notebooks, which are full of unique formulae and theorems, during this trying time.

Challenges, Deprivation, and Acknowledgment
Ramanujan lived in abject poverty for a number of years while working alone on his mathematical projects. His meeting with R. Ramachandra Rao, the secretary of the Indian Mathematical Society, in 1910 marked a turning point. Despite his initial skepticism, Rao quickly acknowledged Ramanujan’s exceptional aptitude and gave him financial assistance.

Ramanujan was able to seek more recognition for his work and concentrate more intently on his studies thanks to this encouragement.

The Cambridge Years and International Notoriety
Ramanujan’s official academic career began in 1911 when he published his first research article. G. H. Hardy, a distinguished British mathematician at Cambridge University, quickly saw his brilliance.

Ramanujan authored a number of significant works under Hardy’s guidance that won him praise from all around the world. He became the second Indian to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the highest honors in science, in 1918, marking a significant milestone.

Why is “the man who knew infinity” a nickname given to Srinivasa Ramanujan?
Ramanujan’s connection to mathematics is well captured by the title “The Man Who Knew Infinity,” which was borrowed from Robert Kanigel’s book and later the 2015 movie. His intuitive understanding of intricate mathematical ideas was so thorough that, in spite of having almost little academic instruction, he felt his formulae were inspired by God.

Let’s examine a few of his most significant mathematical accomplishments.

What Significant Advancements in Mathematics Did Ramanujan Make?

Complex analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continuous fractions are only a few of the mathematical fields in which Ramanujan made contributions.

Infinite Series for Pi: Many modern algorithms are based on Ramanujan’s 1914 discovery of an infinite series formula for pi. One of the biggest problems in the history of mathematics has been to accurately approximate π (pi).

Game Theory: Ramanujan made significant contributions to the field by coming up with a lengthy list of novel solutions to several challenging mathematical puzzles. His contributions to game theory, which are still unmatched today, are wholly based on instinct and innate brilliance.

Mock Theta Functions: He investigated mock theta functions, a mathematical subject related to modular forms, in great detail.

The sum of the cubes of the integers 10 and 9 is 1729, which is referred to as the Ramanujan number.

The circle approach, developed by Ramanujan and G.H. Hardy, offered the first estimate for the division of integers larger than 200. This approach significantly aided in the resolution of infamously difficult 20th-century issues like Waring’s dilemma and other additive problems.

Theta Function: This unique function of many complex variables is known as the Theta function. The Jacobi theta functions are a group of closely related theta functions that were created by German mathematician Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi. Ramanujan investigated the theta function in great detail and developed the Ramanujan theta function, which captures universal features and generalizes the form of Jacobi theta functions. Critical dimensions in Bosonic string theory, superstring theory, and M-theory are found using the Ramanujan theta function.

Ramanujan also made significant contributions to the theory of divergent series, the elliptic integrals, the Riemann series, hypergeometric series, and the functional equations of the zeta function.

The accomplishments of Ramanujan were a stunning fusion of wonder, profundity, and grace. Unfortunately, Ramanujan had a potentially fatal illness in 1918 while he was in England. After more than a year of therapy, he left for India in 1919. As his health deteriorated, he passed away on April 26, 1920. A dying guy would probably stop working and just wait to pass away. But in his last year, Ramanujan accomplished some of his most profound mathematical work.