Mathematics is not merely a subject, it is the language of logic, precision, and truth. What makes it unique among all academic disciplines is its perfect blend of abstraction, logical reasoning, and real-world applicability. Unlike other fields that rely on experiments and observations, mathematics derives its truths through pure reasoning and proof. It builds a framework of universal and timeless principles that form the foundation of all scientific thought. Mathematics is an eternal truth, a guiding light that connects the abstract to the tangible, the theoretical to the practical. Often hailed as the Queen of all Sciences, mathematics serves as the backbone of every branch of knowledge. It is a universal language, capable of expressing ideas beyond cultural and linguistic barriers, even envisioned as a medium for communication across interstellar space. From simple definitions and axioms, it evolves into complex theorems that sharpen the human mind, fostering creativity, discipline, and logical flexibility. More than just calculations, mathematics is a way of thinking, a tool that trains us to reason, analyse, and innovate.

Once upon a time, mathematics was the most cherished subject among students. It was the shining jewel in the crown of every school, college, and university. Students loved to play with numbers, solve problems, and explore the beauty of logical reasoning. Just a decade ago, the teaching-learning process of mathematics was thriving in Kashmir. Parents proudly encouraged their children to study mathematics and pursue it in higher education. However, in a short span of time, a drastic change occurred in the mindset of people. Mathematics began to be perceived as a difficult subject with limited scope. This misconception created a serious gap between students and the subject. The once-strong backbone of knowledge began to weaken. Classrooms that once echoed with the sound of problem-solving are now silent. The blackboards and desks of these empty rooms seem to wait for someone to come and write equations once again. It is alarming to note that in many degree colleges of Kashmir, mathematics enrolment has dropped to nearly 1%, and in higher secondary schools, it is below 2%. For instance, Government Degree College Bandipora recorded only nine admissions in mathematics over the past two years, and one of the leading higher secondary schools of Bandipora has barely 70 students studying mathematics out of nearly 1,000 enrolments.
There are many possible reasons for this decline, curricular issues promoting rote learning instead of conceptual understanding, lack of mathematics laboratories, and shortage of well-trained teachers from the elementary to secondary levels. Yet, in my opinion, one of the biggest causes is the lack of exposure to mathematical activities.
We are providing our children with exposure to subjects like biology, physics, chemistry, history, artificial intelligence, and quantum science, but we are neglecting the very foundation that supports them all: mathematics. If we look back into ancient civilizations, we find that mathematics was central to all scientific and architectural endeavors, from geometry and astronomy to measurement and engineering. Monuments like the Pyramids, Taj Mahal, and ancient temples were built using the principles of geometry, symmetry, and proportion. Even in modern times, every scientific field, from computer science to genetics, from economics to engineering depends wholly on mathematics. Unfortunately, we have forgotten this truth. The graph of mathematics in our society is continuously declining. If this trend continues, the day is not far when Kashmir may have no mathematicians left to carry forward this legacy. We must act now. We need to revive the glory of mathematics by developing genuine interest among our students. We must inspire them to explore and enjoy the subject rather than fear it. Teachers and parents must work together to make mathematics engaging and meaningful.
It is time to strengthen mathematics education at the elementary level, align our approach with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and establish mathematics laboratories, clubs, and parks to promote curiosity and creativity.
Mathematics has not lost its value; it has only lost our attention. It is up to us to restore its crown and let it reign once again as the Queen of all Sciences.

Email:----------------------------- tawheed.biotech12@gmail.com