To pay tributes to the renowned Indian mathematician- Srinivasa Ramanujan, the Department of Mathematics, University of Kashmir (KU), celebrated National Mathematics Day as a part of its two-day Math Fest 2024 held on December 23-24.

The fest was organised in collaboration with JK Science, Technology and Innovation Council, Kashmir Math Society, and Le-Khidmah Foundation.

The event also brought together the alumni and deliberations were held upon the declining enrollment of students in mathematics at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted the importance of integrating mathematics with real-world applications.

"Events like these are pivotal in cultivating a love for mathematics," he noted.

Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, stressed the need for collective efforts to address the pressing issue of declining enrollment in mathematics.

"We need to introspect and address the declining enrollment in mathematics. This requires collaboration between universities, schools, and policymakers to make mathematics more appealing to students," he said.

Reflecting on the event, Dean Research KU, Prof. M. Sultan Bhat, emphasized the interdisciplinary relevance of mathematics.

"Mathematics is the basis of everything, from artificial intelligence to space exploration and climate modeling. It is the cornerstone of technological advancements and scientific discovery," he said.

Director School Education, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Itoo, expressed his department’s commitment to promoting mathematics at the school level.

"We are always ready to support the University in organizing such initiatives aimed at inspiring school students to take up mathematics as their career," he said.

Dean, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences KU, Prof. Manzoor A. Malik underscored the lasting significance of mathematics, stressing its essential role in driving advancements in science and technology.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Head Department of Mathematics and convener of the event, Prof. M.A. Khanday, stressed on the need for creative teaching approaches to combat math anxiety.

The two-day fest included engaging lectures, panel discussions, paper presentations, and cultural activities. Interactive sessions were conducted on innovative teaching methods and the universal relevance of mathematics.

A skit by M.Sc. students was performed that depicted the role of mathematics in daily life.

The alumni meet was a key highlight of the event with notable alumni including Mr. Abdul Hamid Kumar, Director Accounts & Treasuries, Kashmir; Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Kulgam; Dr. Lubnna Shah, AP CUK; Mr. Arshad Hassan, Lecturer, Pulwama; and Mr. Gulzar A. Dar, Lecturer, SCERT Srinagar, sharing their insights.

The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Prof. M.A. Mir, faculty at the Department of Mathematics KU.

The fest was attended by more than 200 participants, including school students, scholars, escort teachers, and faculty members.