Celebrating The Joy of Numbers – TeachThought

National Mathematics Day In India: Celebrating the Joy of Numbers

contributed by Mokhtar Zaman, Math Teacher, Azim Premji School

Every year on 22nd December, India celebrates National Mathematics Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

More than just a tribute, this day has become an opportunity for schools across the country to spark curiosity, reduce fear, and make mathematics an enjoyable subject for students.

At Azim Premji School, Dhamtari, this spirit was vividly seen during the Baal Shodh Mela, where a specially designed mathematics corner became a hub of excitement. Students, often hesitant about the subject, eagerly engaged with puzzles, games, and creative challenges proving that when maths is made fun, it quickly sheds its image of being difficult or dull.

The activities conducted on this day reflected how mathematics can be experienced beyond textbooks. Tasks such as calculating weight on different planets or exploring reflections through mirrors not only entertained but also deepened understanding. Children enjoyed solving these challenges, and their joy at finding solutions, built confidence and pride in their abilities.

In addition, the school’s practice of a “Question of the Week”—posing reasoning and pattern-based problems was highlighted to extend the celebration into regular learning. Such puzzles encourage critical thinking and problem solving, showing that mathematics is a subject of creativity, not just formulas.

One of the most powerful aspects of the celebration was its ability to demonstrate the real-life applications of mathematics. From symmetry in rangoli designs to its role in finance, technology, medicine, architecture, and even art and music, students discovered that mathematics is truly everywhere.

This connection to daily life not only strengthens learning but also honours India’s rich mathematical heritage from Vedic mathematics to the contributions of Aryabhata, Bhaskara, and Ramanujan. It inspires young minds to pursue mathematics more seriously while reminding teachers and parents of the importance of building strong foundational numeracy.

The celebration of Mathematics Day is not a one-day event; it carries a long-term influence on classroom teaching. Students who enjoyed puzzles and activities during the event were later observed showing greater interest in related topics such as measurement and geometry.

These events also promote peer learning and collaboration. When children solve problems together, they not only strengthen their own understanding but also build teamwork, confidence, and communication skills all of which teachers can continue to nurture in regular classes.

A Personal Recollection

The importance of such celebrations resonates with me personally. As a Class 9 student, I vividly remember when our school introduced a Mathematics Laboratory. Until then, the very idea of a “lab” for maths seemed strange. But once we began experimenting, our curiosity turned into excitement.

I created a model to demonstrate the formula (a+b)²=a²+b²+2ab) using carved marble pieces, and I still recall the pride I felt. That very year, our school celebrated National Mathematics Day for the first time an exhibition of our projects. It was a turning point that made mathematics feel alive, creative, and personal.

For celebrations like Mathematics Day to have a deeper impact, schools can:

• Organize student exhibitions featuring models, origami, clocks, and angle constructions.
• Integrate curriculum-based displays on measurement, data handling, and reasoning games.
• Use technology tools like GeoGebra to visualize concepts interactively.
• Showcase interdisciplinary connections, how mathematics supports science, architecture, and art.
• Invite guests and parents to interact with students, encouraging dialogue and recognition of their efforts.

A society that embraces mathematics is better prepared for modern challenges such as data analysis, financial literacy, and scientific innovation. Celebrating National Mathematics Day is therefore not only about sparking joy in children but also about preparing India for the future.

By making mathematics engaging, accessible, and connected to real life, such celebrations remind us that mathematics is not merely about numbers it is about patterns, problem-solving, and creativity. When children discover this joy, their perception of the subject changes, and the enthusiasm continues far beyond a single day.

Mokhtar Zaman
Maths teacher
Azim Premji School
Raigarh  (Chhattisgarh)

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