Dear reader,
On the cusp of the new year, I welcome you to the very first blog of MathBridge. This short post, unlike the ones which will follow isn’t about objective mathematics. Rather it is a subjective post, written to convey the thought process behind MathBridge. Being the first write-up, it is would be customary to start on a holy note. India has a rich history of revered saints, and Vinoba Bhave was one of the more recent ones. Vinoba ji had a deep “faith” in mathematics, as evidenced by his 22nd साम्य-सूत्र called बिंदु-देवतादिवत्, where he drew parallels between the geometric concept of a point and divinity. A point is an imaginary construct with no real area. However, without such an assumption geometry is impossible, and so are its real-world applications. While Vinoba ji acknowledged the inability to physically prove God’s existence, he presented a clever, rational argument rooted in mathematics to support his belief. At the core of a saint’s actions is मैत्री – the goal of bringing people together. Vinoba ji’s mathematical musings served to unite the rationalist and the believer, which is the first reason behind MathBridge.
Vinoba ji also created insightful aphorisms, like the triangle of वृद्धि-बुद्धि-शुद्धि (growth, intellect, cleanliness). While not everyone can attain the heights of intellectual growth like an Einstein, the cleanliness of intellect is accessible to all. Mathematics, like a broom, can cleanse and purify the intellect. Interestingly, the accessibility of cleanliness mirrors the accessibility of mathematics – requiring only a pen and paper. This accessibility is the second reason behind MathBridge.
The satisfaction derived from disciplined, diligent work, akin to “bread labor,” is the third reason for MathBridge. However, the current education system often fails to instill this discipline. Teachers simply solve problems on the board, while students passively copy without questioning. This approach breeds fear and dependence on crutches like coaching classes, rather than cultivating conceptual clarity and consistent practice. As mentioned in the story घामाची फुले written by our beloved teacher Sane Guruji, a constant stream of sweat into the soil is needed to create a field full of fragrant blooms. Overcoming this “fear of mathematics” and eventually fear itself (भयवर्जन) through sustained effort (सातत्य) is the fourth objective of MathBridge.
In summary, the concept behind MathBridge is rooted in Vinobaji’s mathematical insights, the accessibility of mathematics, the satisfaction of disciplined work, and the goal of overcoming the fear through consistent practice. Keeping in mind the goal of Vinobaji, we have tried to bridge science and spirituality, by integrating the most modern tools with the simplest of goals. We are optimistic, that we will touch the lives of many students and bring them the joys of more accessible prosperity and meaningful education.
My warm wishes,
Dr Jaydeep Deshpande