Opinion Greater numbers
To promote and popularise maths,first ensure better career options
India has had a long history of engagement with mathematics it was in the forefront of world mathematics occasionally,its position declined perceptibly around the time of Renaissance in Europe and then saw a revival only in the 19th century. In the second decade of the 20th century,the world of mathematics was taken by storm by the advent of Srinivasa Ramanujan on the scene. Over the past hundred years,in the post-Ramanujan phase,Indian mathematicians have made commendable contributions and so it is indeed fitting that we should commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Ramanujan who was a source of inspiration to his successors as the National Mathematics Year.
Mathematics has a role in practically every human endeavour: from theoretical studies in natural sciences to mundane concerns of the marketplace. The role mathematics has played in the progress made by advanced countries emphasises the need for our country to promote it at all levels: from the primary school to the frontiers of new research.
Even as we can be proud of some of our peak achievements in mathematical research,there has been a decline in the standards of teaching. And even our research output is not commensurate with the size of our country. This is a serious situation to be attended to with a sense of urgency.
The main reason for the decline is that very few bright young people choose to pursue mathematics beyond school even when they are specially talented in mathematics; in fact,this has been the case for the past three decades and more. The principal cause for this is that in public perception,there are no attractive career options for a mathematically trained person: the teaching profession which perhaps takes in a large number of mathematics graduates is certainly not considered attractive. This perception was indeed valid not too long ago,but things are slowly changing. Teacherss emoluments have improved considerably and there are openings for mathematics graduates in industry (especially in advanced countries). But a lot more needs to be done if teaching is to become genuinely attractive; most importantly we need to restore to that profession the kind of respect it used to command half a century ago. Also many more career options for mathematically trained people need to be created if the present perceptions are to change.
The standards in the teaching profession will certainly improve if talented youngsters are channelled into pursuing mathematics at advanced levels. A good number will voluntarily enter the profession especially if the profession is made attractive. Emoluments are now at a reasonable level,but there other aspects to the profession which leave much to be desired. The work load on teachers in our schools and colleges is unduly heavy,the classes they have to handle are inordinately big and they are often assigned duties that have nothing to do with academics. These problems have to be addressed and would mean more than doubling the workforce (and of course enhancing the infrastructure in our educational institutions). Restoring the respect it once commanded can perhaps be achieved to some extent if teacher recruitment is based on a nation-wide competitive examination like the IAS. The resultant creation of a cadre will make the profession more attractive to potential recruits.
In the matter of creating career options,Indian industry and business can play an important role and at the same time derive benefits for itself. Over the last hundred years mathematical intervention has been decisive in effecting vast improvements in many industrial operations and also in the financial sector. This has been taken advantage of by corporates in advanced countries and in the process created employment for mathematicians. They have gone about deliberately employing mathematically trained people in in-house research units and also as consultants. Indian industry will do well to emulate their counterparts in the West in this; and in fact this would be essential in the long run if this country wants to be a leading economic power in the near future. Western corporates also have a good record of philanthropy in promoting mathematics (without insisting on it being applicable) and here again their example is worthy of imitation.
Teachers of mathematics,of course,cater to the needs of students who may not pursue mathematics at advanced levels,but here too they have an important role. The study of mathematics (at any level) inculcates in one a habit of clear and precise thinking which is of great value in any pursuit. It would help promote what Jawaharlal Nehru called the scientific temper among our people. The case for a focused and intensive effort to promote mathematics is indeed very strong. It is to be hoped that the initiatives started this National Mathematics Year will prove an effective beginning to achieve for this country a front-line status in mathematics in the near future.
The writer holds the Homi Bhabha chair at TIFR,Mumbai
express@expressindia.com
Share
