National Mathematics Day :KU Brings Together Scholars, Students and Alumni to Revive Mathematics Interest

Srinagar, Dec 24: In an effort to reignite interest in mathematics among students, the University of Kashmir (KU) organized its two-day Math Fest 2024 on December 23-24, marking National Mathematics Day and celebrating the legacy of renowned Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

An official spokesperson said the event brought together scholars, students, and alumni to address critical concerns around the declining interest in the subject, especially at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The Festival is being organised in collaboration with the JK Science, Technology and Innovation Council, Kashmir Math Society, and Le-Khidmah Foundation.

Officials said the Math Fest provided a platform for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of mathematics education.

The fest included Special Guest lectures, panel discussions, and cultural performances aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of mathematics and its significance in various fields.

In his inaugural address, Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, highlighted the importance of connecting mathematics with real-world applications, stressing the need for innovative approaches to teaching the subject. “Events like these are crucial in cultivating a love for mathematics among students,” Prof. Pirzada said.

KU’s Registrar, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, spoke about the growing concern over declining enrollment in mathematics programs and called for collaborative efforts to make the subject more appealing.

“The decline in student interest in mathematics is a pressing issue. We must work together—universities, schools, and policymakers—to make mathematics more engaging and accessible,” he said.

Dean Research KU, Prof. M. Sultan Bhat, emphasized the interdisciplinary relevance of mathematics, pointing out its foundational role in fields such as artificial intelligence, space exploration, and climate science. “Mathematics is at the heart of technological advancements and scientific discovery,” Prof. Bhat noted.

Director of School Education, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Itoo, assured the department’s commitment to promoting mathematics at the school level, expressing his support for initiatives aimed at inspiring students to pursue mathematics as a career.

“We are fully supportive of the University’s efforts in organizing programs that will encourage school students to take up mathematics,” Dr. Itoo said.

The event also featured an alumni meet, which was a key highlight of the fest. 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, shared their personal experiences and insights, encouraging current students to see the value of mathematics in their professional lives.

Head of the Department of Mathematics and convener of the event, Prof. M.A. Khanday, emphasized the need for creative teaching strategies to combat math anxiety and engage students more effectively. “To combat the decline in enrollment, we must rethink how we teach mathematics, focusing on creative and student-friendly approaches,” Prof. Khanday said.

The two-day fest also included a skit performed by M.Sc. students, showcasing the role of mathematics in everyday life. Interactive sessions focused on innovative teaching methods and the universal applicability of mathematics, fostering a deeper appreciation of the subject among the participants.

With more than 200 participants, including school students, teachers, faculty members, and alumni, the event concluded on a high note, with participants expressing hope that such initiatives would help revive the interest and enthusiasm for mathematics in Kashmir.