Srinivasa Ramanujan

By Illa Vij

OVERCOMING poverty, lack of guidance and cultural hindrances, Srinivasa Ramanujan emerged a winner. Born in a small town called Kumbakonam in Tanjawoor district of Tamil Nadu, Ramanujan had few opportunities, but he was destined to be a star.

Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887. He grew up in a religious atmosphere that existed in his home. In fact, Kumbakonam is known for its temples — there’s a temple in almost every street.

Ramanujan’s father was a clerk in a cloth shop and earned barely enough to maintain a family. He could hardly afford Ramanujan’s education and failed to give his son the support and encouragement that he required.

Ramanujan exhibited incredible mathematical skills at the early age of five years. He made quick mental calculations, and solved difficult problems involving large numbers. His friends and teachers enjoyed watching his skills grow and took pride in associating themselves with him.

At the age of 12, Ramanujan was called ‘the wonder boy’ of Kumbakonam. When he reached Class IX, he developed great interest in trigonometry and solved endless problems all by himself. Unfortunately, his father failed to recognise his brilliance and found his passion for mathematics a waste of time.

On completing schooling, Ramanujan was urged by his father to take up a job in order to support the family, while his friends and teachers encouraged him to join college. The Kumbakonam college gave him a scholarship, keeping in mind the extraordinary skill of the boy. Ramanujan was so absorbed in the world of mathematics that he gave no time to the other subjects and failed to pass the first year examination. Hence, he lost the scholarship.

Feeling humiliated, he ran away from home only to return dejected. He decided to study all subjects that he had to pass. But due to insufficient attendance, he was unable to appear in the examination. By now he had lost two valuable years of his education.

But, he was not going to give up! He joined Pachaiyappas College in Madras. Here, he fell ill and could not cope with the difficult living conditions. Once again he returned home, a disappointed man. He appeared as a private candidate but again failed to pass the examination. Repeated failures made him feel miserable, but surprisingly he overcame all stress and continued working on his mathematical problems. His father took every opportunity to rebuke him and finally got him married, hoping he would change. It was only in 1912 that he got a job as a clerk in the Port Trust Office in Madras. His salary was Rs 25 a month. The fact that the son was employed was enough to satisfy the father.

Ramanu-jan’s mathematical works came to the knowledge of the Chairman of the Port Trust. He recognized the skills that the young man possessed. He tried to get Ramunujan a scholarship from Madras University, but was unable to do so. Later, the Chairman, Sir Frances Spring, introduced Ramanujan to Dr Walker, a Fellow of the Royal Society of England, who was a well-known mathematician and head of the Indian Meteorological Department. Dr Walker asked Ramanujan to approach Prof G.H. Hardy, Head of the Department of Mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge. Dr Walker also requested the Madras University to grant a research scholarship to Ramanujan. There were various hurdles and a lot of opposition.

The Vice-Chancellor took a stand as he recognised the immense potential that the young mathematician possessed. He granted Ramanujan Rs 75 a month for a period of two years.

Ramanujan gave up the clerical job and got thoroughly involved with his first love — mathematics. He wrote to Professor Hardy at Cambridge and sent more than 100 theorems and formulae which thoroughly impressed the professor.

Professor Hardy asked the Madras University authorities to send the brilliant mathematician to Cambridge. He was granted a scholarship for two years and the university also covered the expenses involved for travelling to Cambridge. Ramanujan’s determination and hard work had begun bearing fruit and a wide field of research work awaited him. His family members were, however, hesitant to send him abroad, but the dutiful son vowed to follow all religious rituals and he kept his promise. He cooked his own meals and observed all the religious rituals of his Brahmin family. He also sent a monthly allowance to help the family.

Ramanujan stayed in England for about five years during which began the decline of his health. His contributions to the mathematical wealth was most valuable and highly appreciated. His high level of mental calculation was honoured and he become Fellow of the Royal Society of England. He also became Fellow of Trinity College. He was just about 30 years old.

Overwork led to the speedy deterioration of his health. He was suffering from tuberculosis. In 1919, Ramanujan returned to India. Everybody hoped that he would get well once he was home but India was to soon lose its great mathematician. Ramanujan died on April 26, 1920. He was only 32 years old. In such a short period, he had given a wealth of knowledge to the world.

Ramanujan will always be remembered as a genius, a warm and loving son, a dedicated scholar and a man of great values and compassion. Keeping in mind his own struggle, he used a part of his scholarship to support the education of poor children. He also felt that a large part of our population did not receive good education, thus hindering the country’s growth.