Mathematics is world of its own. Through centuries, mankind has evolved its understanding of this complex yet life-simplifying science. Vedic Maths was discovered roughly a hundred years ago, by Jagadguru Shri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji, as a knowledge-based system of mathematics, which uses a collection of sutras (formulae) that can applied in various branches of mathematics like algebra, geometry, arithmetic, calculus, etc.

Earlier this year, Chandrahas Halai, a academician, writer, painter, photographer, mathematician, consultant, teacher, engineer, explorer (you get the gist, he wears many hats) and he attempted a book on Vedic Maths. He was supported by The Write Place the recently launched publishing division of Crossword, India’s largest bookstore chain. The Global Bhatia spoke to him about the book Vedic Mathematics: Inside Out.

There are lots of books on Maths in general and Vedic Maths in particular. What made you write one more?

CH: Yes, even i thought of that. Reality is, most of books only explain the method/algorithm to do the calculation but the fundamental principle underlying the method remains unexplained. I have named my book Vedic Mathematics, Inside Out – it first explains the underlying concept and then use the principle to develop a method to solve problems and assist quick calculations.

In the preface I have written about the guiding principle “If you only learn the methods, you will get stuck at some point. But if you learn the concepts, you can develop your own methods.” There are some books which explain the underlying principle behind the method and prove them. But they are so complicated that only mathematicians can interpret them. In my book, i have tried to simplify concepts for students and beginners, using simple algebraic proofs for all methods used.

So how is Vedic mathematics different from modern mathematics?

CH: Not too different – it is just a different perspective. Mathematicians look for patterns in the world. They look out for connections between things. In conventional school maths curriculum we study maths as a collection of rules, formulas and methods. The focus is not on concepts or fundamental principles.

His Holiness Shankaracharya

Bharati Krishna Teerthaji Maharaj has structured and organized mathematics in the sutra traditions of Indian mathematics. For example, there are formulae based on concepts like complementary numbers, rule of exponents, etc. Quick calculation is just one of the applications.

Tell us about your connection with Vedic Maths.

CH: I started giving public lectures on Vedic Mathematics (VM) in 2001. Response has always been overwhelming. My way of teaching has always been ‘inside out’. So, the audience not only learns applications of sutras but at the same time starts understanding basic concepts of arithmetic and algebra.

Maths is something which everyone needs, not only mathematicians. It is impossible to go through a day without using maths whether one is cooking, or gardening, or painting. We are constantly using numbers to add, multiply and divide things in our head in order to get a clear understanding and assessment of various activities.

Maths has always been one of my favourite subjects as I grew up. My interest in Physics also helped me to recognize that I had a knack in engineering. My late father had always been an inspiration for me.

Maths and Vedic Maths have never been apart. In older times, mathematicians looked for patterns to understand concepts and solve problems. Nowadays, in schools and colleges they look for formulas, methods, steps etc. I am glad that in the past few years, Vedic Maths has been included in the maths curriculum of 8th and 9th standards of various state boards and ICSE.

(by Vishal Sampat and Simran Sampat)