INTRODUCTION Reasoning is one of the most essential abilities required for cracking competitive examinations, solving real life problems, and making […]
Srinivasa Ramanujan is one of the greatest mathematical minds the world has ever seen. His story is extraordinary not only because of the brilliance of his work but also because of the journey he took from a small town in India to becoming a global legend in the field of mathematics. For students, Ramanujan’s life is a powerful reminder that passion, dedication, and self-belief can turn any challenge into an opportunity.
In today’s era of science and technology, Ramanujan continues to inspire millions. His contributions in number theory, infinite series, and mathematical analysis are still used by researchers, physicists, and even computer scientists across the world.
Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on 22 December 1887 in Erode, Tamil Nadu. He grew up in a modest family, raised by his mother and grandmother. From a very young age, Ramanujan displayed an unusual fascination for numbers. By the age of 12, he had mastered advanced trigonometry without any formal teacher.
His journey wasn’t straightforward. He faced poverty, lack of resources, and even health issues, but his determination to work on mathematics never stopped. He would spend hours solving equations, creating new formulas, and exploring patterns that most people could not even imagine.
Ramanujan attended the Government Arts College in Kumbakonam, but he struggled with subjects outside mathematics. Because he couldn’t clear his non-math exams, he lost his scholarship. However, this setback did not stop him. He continued his research independently, filling notebooks with thousands of original results.
His life changed when he connected with G.H. Hardy, a celebrated mathematician at the University of Cambridge. Hardy was amazed by Ramanujan’s raw genius and invited him to England. This partnership became one of the most inspiring collaborations in the history of mathematics.
Ramanujan’s work is celebrated globally because it was revolutionary and far ahead of its time. His contributions include:
1. Number Theory – The Core of Ramanujan’s Genius
Number theory deals with whole numbers and the hidden patterns inside them.
While the subject is difficult for most people, Ramanujan understood it almost naturally.
He explored:
His notebooks contain thousands of results that were completely original, many of which took mathematicians decades to understand. For students, number theory was Ramanujan’s “native language,” is something he mastered through intuition.
2. Ramanujan Prime – Understanding Prime Number Patterns
Prime numbers appear random, but Ramanujan found structure in this randomness.
Ramanujan primes help mathematicians understand how frequently primes occur as numbers get larger.
They tell us:
These ideas support modern fields like cryptography, coding theory, and computer security.
This shows how Ramanujan connected pure mathematics with practical applications.
3. Ramanujan Theta Function – A Tool Connecting Maths and Physics
Theta functions appear in physics, geometry, and advanced analysis.
Ramanujan’s version of the theta function simplified several complex equations and revealed relationships that were previously unknown.
Today, the Ramanujan theta function is used in:
It acts like a bridge between pure mathematics and modern physics.
4. Partition Function – Counting the Impossible
The partition function tells us how many ways a number can be broken down.
Example:
4 =
4
3+1
2+2
2+1+1
1+1+1+1
Total partitions = 5
Ramanujan discovered:
This solved problems that mathematicians had struggled with for over 200 years.
These ideas are now used in:
For students, this work shows how abstract ideas can have practical applications.
5. Mock Theta Functions – His Most Mysterious Creation
Mock theta functions were one of Ramanujan’s final and most astonishing contributions.
He wrote about them shortly before his death without proofs.
For decades, mathematicians didn’t understand what they truly were.
It took 80 years until Sander Zwegers (2002) finally explained the theory behind them.
Today, mock theta functions are crucial in:
They remain a symbol of Ramanujan’s unmatched intuition.
6. Infinite Series and Continued Fractions – Redefining π (Pi)
Ramanujan created unbelievably fast formulas for calculating π (pi). Some of his formulas are used today to compute billions of digits of π.
Each term of his series added 8 to 14 correct digits, an extraordinary level of accuracy for his time.
He also produced new identities in continued fractions, many of which were not known to any mathematician before him.
These discoveries form the basis of several modern computational algorithms.
1. His intuition was beyond normal logic
He often said mathematical ideas “appeared” to him.
2. He rediscovered advanced mathematics without training
He created results that usually require advanced university-level knowledge.
3. His ideas are used in modern science
His formulas are used today in:
Ramanujan’s work is a reminder that pure mathematical thought can shape the future of science.
Ramanujan travelled to Cambridge in 1914, where he worked closely with Hardy. Their partnership resulted in more than 30 important research papers.
However, life in England was challenging. Ramanujan struggled with harsh weather, loneliness, cultural differences, and dietary issues. His health began to decline rapidly, but even during illness, he continued producing extraordinary mathematical results.
Due to poor health, Ramanujan returned to India in 1919. Even during his final year, he continued working and creating new mathematical discoveries. On 26 April 1920, he passed away at the age of just 32.
Despite his short life, his contributions were so deep and original that they continue to influence modern mathematics.
Ramanujan’s legacy is celebrated across India and the world. Some of the major recognitions include:
Beyond being a mathematical genius, Ramanujan was humble, spiritual, and deeply intuitive. He believed that mathematical truths were “messages from a higher world.” He followed his instincts more than traditional methods, which is why his discoveries were so unique.
His life teaches students:
Ramanujan’s work continues to guide scientists and mathematicians today. His formulas are used in:
India continues to celebrate him as a national icon of pure talent and intellectual brilliance.
Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life is proof that genius can come from anywhere. For UPSC, SSC, banking, and state-level exam aspirants, his story teaches the importance of focus, perseverance, and the courage to think differently.
He showed the world that India has always been a land of great scientific minds, and his legacy continues to inspire millions of students to dream big.
Ramanujan remains a shining example of what passion and dedication can achieve.
INTRODUCTION Reasoning is one of the most essential abilities required for cracking competitive examinations, solving real life problems, and making […]
For generations, strength has been narrowly defined as silence. Emotional endurance was praised, disclosure discouraged, and psychological distress often framed […]
Ovarian cancer sits at a grim crossroads of modern oncology. It is not the most common cancer in women, yet […]