IIT Bhubaneswar Organises Mathematics Problem Solving Camp

BHUBANESWAR: Logical thinking and open mindedness not only help students solve problems in mathematics but in real life as well, said the dignitaries at the inaugural of the three-day Mathematics Problem Solving Camp held at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar on October 14.

The camp was inaugurated by Minister of Law, Works and Excise Prithiviraj Harichandan and Minister of  Electronics & IT, Health and Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs Mukesh Mahaling in the presence of IIT Bhubaneswar Director Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar.

More than 40 undergraduate students selected from 18 districts are participating in the residential camp, which is being organised in association with Madhava Mathematics Competition, Dhuriapada Anka Foundation (Bhubaneswar), Institute of Mathematics and Applications (Bhubaneswar), Indian National Young Academy of Science (New Delhi) and IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park.

The camp aims to identify, nurture and prepare a pool of brilliant mathematicians who can take the lead in the scientific and education landscape of India when Odisha will be completing her 100 years of separate statehood in 2036.

Rural focus

The focus is on the government-run colleges in rural areas and socially, economically and educationally backward districts of Odisha and to help them excel in higher education.

Speaking on the occasion, Harichandan stressed the importance of logical analysis and open mindedness in solving the problems of life as they do in case of solving mathematics problem. He appreciated the initiative, saying that it would provide a platform for young mathematicians to harness their skill under the guidance of experts.

Minister Mahaling lauded the efforts of the organisers. He urged institutes like IIT, NISER and Institute of Mathematics and Applications to conduct such programmes for school students, which can nurture the mathematics skills of the children.

Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar addressed a session on ‘Problem Solving’ wherein he showed with examples how general discipline and independent strategies help solve real-life problems.

“The independent strategies include logical reasoning, trial and error, reformulation of the problem statement, analysis and analogy can help solve problems. Analysis involves three steps—separation of the whole into parts, understanding of the parts in isolation, combining the understanding of the parts to understand the whole. Analytical approach includes the strategies of representation, modeling, divide and conquer, and logical reasoning,” he said, adding that communication, collaboration and critical thinking were necessary for success.

IIT Bhubaneswar Associate Professor and camp coordinator Dr. Tarakanta Nayak highlighted the objectives of the camp while BJB Autonomous College Assistant Professor Smruti Ranjan Sahoo proposed the vote of thanks.

Math-Odisha100 initiative

A team of enthusiastic professors from NISER, IIT Bhubaneswar and other colleges, under Math-Odisha100 initiative, have been working on the improvement of Mathematics education at the undergraduate level by conducting several programs in the last few years.