On November 4, 1929, in Bengaluru, India, a girl was born who would later be known to the world as the “Human Computer.” Shakuntala Devi, an Indian mathematical genius, mesmerized people around the world with her ability to perform extraordinarily complex calculations in her head, faster than the most advanced machines of her time. Her birthday is a time to celebrate not only her remarkable talent but also her work in math, puzzles, education, and her impact on society.
Shakuntala Devi’s journey into the world of numbers began at an early age. Her father who was a circus performer, specialised in tricks and acrobatics. He discovered his daughter’s extraordinary ability to calculate while playing cards with her at the age of three. Realising that his daughter, Shakuntala could beat him by memorising cards and performing mental calculations far beyond her age, her father decided to take her talents on the road. Shakuntala Devi soon became a part of her father’s circus shows, performing her mathematical feats for audiences across India.
By the time she was six, Shakuntala had already demonstrated her mathematical abilities at the University of Mysore and other academic institutions. Despite her lack of formal education, she never received a structured schooling due to financial difficulties. Shakuntala Devi’s natural ability for mathematics gained recognition. She moved beyond Indian borders to showcase her skills across the globe, astounding mathematicians and scientists alike with her capacity to solve complex problems without the help of pen, paper, or calculators.
Shakuntala Devi’s talent wasn’t confined to India. She traveled internationally, astonishing audiences in Europe and America. One of her most memorable demonstrations took place at Imperial College in London in 1980, where she solved the multiplication of two 13-digit numbers – 287,707,151,908,367 and 2,465,099,745,779 – in just 28 seconds. To the amazement of the gathered scientists and mathematicians, her answer (7,686,369,774,870,841,592,987,437) was not only accurate but was given faster than the computer designed to verify the calculation.
Her performances often involved taking complex mathematical questions from the audience problems that would stump even experienced mathematicians and solving them within seconds. Her unparalleled ability to compute complex problems earned her the nickname “Human Computer.” In 1982, Shakuntala Devi entered the Guinness Book of World Records for her ability to compute quickly and accurately, further cementing her legacy.
Beyond her mathematical prowess, Shakuntala Devi was also a pioneer in promoting the love for numbers among the common people. She believed that mathematical ability could be cultivated in everyone. She authored several books on arithmetic and puzzles designed to make math more accessible and enjoyable for students and non-mathematicians alike. Her books include Figuring: The Joy of Numbers, Puzzles to Puzzle You, Book of Numbers, and Super Memory: It Can Be Yours, among others. These books broke down the complexities of numbers into engaging, interactive formats, making learning fun.
Through her books and lectures, Shakuntala Devi emphasised the importance of nurturing numerical literacy. She believed that math, often seen as a daunting subject, could be taught in ways that were both simple and enjoyable. This made her an advocate for education reform, particularly in mathematics, and she encouraged students to overcome their fear of numbers by treating them as playful puzzles rather than as difficult problems.
While mathematics dominated much of her public life, Shakuntala Devi’s personality and interests were far broader. She was also an astrologer and a writer of books on topics that stretched beyond mathematics, including astrology and cookbooks.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Shakuntala Devi’s life was her deep understanding of human psychology and relationships. In 1977, she published a bold and pioneering book titled “The World of Homosexuals”. This book was one of the first comprehensive studies of homosexuality in India, marking her as a progressive thinker ahead of her time. The book not only discussed the stigma around homosexuality but also advocated for decriminalizing same-sex relationships, which was far from being a mainstream stance in India during the 1970s. Her efforts, in this regard, were path-breaking, though largely unnoticed at the time. It wasn’t until much later that India would seriously debate the decriminalization of homosexuality, culminating in the landmark 2018 judgment by the Supreme Court of India, which struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
Shakuntala Devi’s brilliance continues to inspire people around the world. While many remember her for her mental calculations and her incredible achievements as a mathematical genius, she was also a passionate advocate for spreading knowledge, particularly in mathematics. She conducted numerous workshops, lectures, and demonstrations, and her books remain popular today as educational resources.
In 2020, her life and legacy were brought back into the public eye with the release of the Bollywood biopic Shakuntala Devi, starring Vidya Balan in the titular role. The film explored various aspects of her life, from her mathematical achievements to her personal struggles and successes. It was a tribute to a woman who defied societal norms, carved her own path, and pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible.
Shakuntala Devi’s personal life was not without its challenges.She was married to Paritosh Bannerji, an officer in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), but they later divorced. She raised their daughter, Anupama, largely on her own while continuing to travel the world for her performances and engagements.
One of the minor aspects of Shakuntala Devi’s life was her relentless work ethic and her resilience in the face of adversity. Despite not having a formal education, she managed to rise to the top of her field through sheer talent, hard work, and determination. Her journey from a little girl in Bangalore to a global sensation was not easy. However, she faced every challenge head-on, often with a smile on her face.
Shakuntala Devi departed to heavenly adobe on April 21, 2013, at the age of 83. Her death marked the end of an era, but her contributions to the world of mathematics and education have ensured that her legacy continues. On what would have been her 94th birthday, it’s important to remember not only her incredible mathematical ability but also the broader impact she had on society.
She showed that natural talent, when nurtured and developed, can break through the confines of formal education or traditional learning. She encouraged generations of students to look beyond the fear of numbers and embrace the logic, beauty, and excitement of mathematics. Even today, her story serves as an inspiration to young mathematicians, women, and anyone looking to make their mark on the world.
Shakuntala Devi’s life was a testament to the extraordinary potential of the human mind. She exemplified how brilliance, hard work, and passion could take an individual from humble beginnings to the global stage. As we celebrate her birthday, we also celebrate the boundless capabilities of human thought and the enduring power of curiosity and intellect.
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