Q1. What is 'Vedic' or 'Ancient Indian Mathematics'?
Ans: 'Vedic Mathematics' basically consists of Mathematical concepts, methods and techniques embodied in the Vedic & Upanishadic literature. These are expressed in terms of Mantras and Sutras (Aphorisms), in subtle forms.
Ancient Indian Mathematics refers to post Vedic & medieval times up to the 19th century. Some of the greatest names are Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskaracharya (I & II), Sridharacharya, Madhavacharya, Mahaveeracharya, Narayana Pandita etc., The mathematical concepts, methods, postulates, theorems and techniques are expressed in terms of Slokas; which are Lyrically beautiful, but mathematically precise! And also in terms of Sutras & coded literature.
Q2 What is the scope of VM/AIM?
Ans: The scope extends right from the fundamental Arithmetic to Algebra, Geometry Trigonometry, Calculus (Integral and Differential), Biquadratics, solution of Polynomials, Astronomy, Graph theory to some computer based numerical methods. The Nyaya Sastras & MIMAMSA are the veritable source of knowledge in the fields of NLP & NLU and Artificial Intelligence.
03. What is the relevance of VM / AIM in the present world of advanced mathematics and computer science and technology? Is it just historical?
Ans: VM / AIM present a novel, creative approach to understanding and solving the problems; right from the basic to the advanced level and open up new Vistas of knowledge.
a) They are chosen based on their superiority over the conventional methods on the following criteria.
i) Step size ii) Step length iii) Computational time
iv) Elegance and v) Novelty.
b) Incidentally, the Ancient Indian Scientists have discovered many mathematical concepts and techniques, centuries before their modern counter parts!
0 4. What is the methodology of presentation?
Ans: VM / AIM are expressed in terms of modern mathematical notations to make them user friendly and original references are provided to make them authentic.
Q 5. How stable are the methods and techniques?
Ans: They have stood the test of time for centuries and continue to inspire and challenge even now.
Q 6. Does one need to be very good in maths to learn this?
Ans: Not necessary. Students, with lesser aptitude, who used to score low marks, have found it very interesting and user friendly. The scores have improved very much even with little training.
Q 7. What is the feed back from the teachers?
Ans: In fact, they have wholeheartedly welcomed VM / AIM, since they are highly creative, ultra fast, give different dimension to teaching of maths. Reports confirm that, in about 50-60% of the time, the present syllabi can be effectively & efficiently covered! They strongly recommend the introduction of VM/AIM in the school curriculum.
Q 8. What about college students?
Ans: It is a boon to all the candidates of competitive exams. They can clear the paper in about 60-70% of the time, with 100% accuracy.
They can adopt many of these methods in their curriculum like calculus, computer based numerical methods etc. They can also work on the projects based on the application of VM/AIM.
Q 9. In spite of all these benefits, why is it not finding its place in the curriculum?
Ans: i) Apathy towards our own heritage.
ii) People at the helm of affairs have cynical and passive attitude towards VM/AIM; resulting in curbing of genuine researchers.
iii) Lack of organizational support.
iv) Authentic course material and syllabi have to be professionally designed.
Q 10. What is the future of VM/AIM?
Ans: a) The future is very bright. Already about 20 Universities like Birmingham, Philadelphia, Oslo, Zurich, Munchen, Sydney, Heidelberg, London School of Economics etc., have introduced VM/AIM in their curriculum.
b) Serious R & D works are going on.
c) The number of International Conferences on Ancient Indian Science and Mathematics are on steady increase.
d) In India also, barring, a very few organizations supporting R & D works, lot of individuals are doing R & D works on these.
e) There is a tremendous scope for India to lead the world in education to bring the best results.
Incidentally learning of VM/AIM removes the fear psychosis in maths and the whole world is looking towards India for its valuable contribution.
Incidentally, the Scientists have reported that, learning of VM/AIM enhances the right brain activities and makes children more creative.
Come! Let us collectively spread this wonderful Ancient Indian Mathematics through out the world....