300 teachers, pupils meet to polish grey cells

Kochi: In the classroom, they are not equals. But here, they belong to the same group. Over 300 students and teachers from different parts of the country have come to the city for a three-day conclave to explore the depths of the multi-dimensional world of mathematics.

At the conclave which began at Bhavan’s Vidya Mandir, Elamakkara, on Friday, almost all the participants turned into researchers and kept interacting with each other to find out what more could be ferreted out of mathematics for the benefit of mankind.

Though it is titled the 48th annual conference of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India, even professionals and others interested in mathematics are participating in the meet.

This year’s theme is ‘Maths from anything and everything’ and teachers and students from 10 states including faraway Assam are working on different permutations and combinations in the ‘world of an art that is part of every man’s everyday life’

Students are mostly from classes 11 and 12. They are competing with school and college teachers in a bid to present their innovations. A panel of experts is assessing the presentations.

Other highlights include the Dr A.Narasinga Rao Memorial Lecture by Prof N. Jayasankar, former Vice Chancellor of Kanchi University; Prof P.L.Bhatnagar Memorial Lecture by Prof A.Vijayakumar of Cusat and Prof R.C.Gupta Endowment Lecture by Prof E.Krishnan, chairman of SCERT Maths Curriculum Committee, and a written and oral quiz.

“This is a unique gathering of people who share the same wavelength, who delve into the depths of mathematics to know more and also to invent.

There is an unparalleled enthusiasm among the participants,” said Jaya Jacob, principal, Bhavan’s Vidya Mandir, Elamakkara. “This event gives more exposure to students and teachers and even change their outlook on the subject,” said Prof A.Vijayakumar.