Indian mathematicians have made seminal contributions to the study of different branches of mathematics. On the occasion of “National Mathematics Day” (celebrated on December 22nd in India, to mark the birthday of great Indian Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan), let us understand the importance and benefits of Vedic Mathematics discovered from ancient Indian knowledge treasure.
What is Vedic Mathematics?
It is a system of ancient Indian mathematics, which consists of 16 sutras/formulae and 13 sub – sutras/Corollaries. It is rediscovered from Vedic knowledge by Jagadguru Shri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji. It is easy to learn, simple and faster compared to conventional methods.
What are the benefits of Vedic Mathematics?
- It is in coherence with the natural workings of the mind, so complex calculations can be performed using simple formulae.
- It is famous for its speed. Scholars believe that it increases the speed by 10 to 15 times of conventional methods.
- Vedic Math equips the students for metal calculations, hence it improves concentration, focus and sharpens the mind.
- Students can be creative by trying to solve the problems by using most optimal approach. This improves their problem solving abilities.
- Because of its speed, it is proven to be beneficial for competitive exams.
- Vedic Math makes math learning fun for the students and therefore increases their confidence level of the subject.
- Students can avoid silly mistakes in exams by validating their answers (derived using conventional methods) through Vedic math techniques.
- It also covers advanced branches of Mathematics.
How it is relevant in modern education system?
Vedic math directly arrives at the answer using quick simple formulae. This is not accepted in normal schools (though it is logical and rational), where every intermediate step and the detailed calculation carries some percentage of marks. So, it is better to teach Vedic math after students have mastered the techniques of traditional method.
Students should learn Vedic math to strengthen their calculation abilities and mental agility. Since it helps in speed calculations and simplifies the complexity, it will be extremely useful for students in higher grades.
Vedic Math not just covers arithmetic and algebra calculations, it can be used in advanced branch of mathematics. World has started to accept the benefits of Vedic Math, many institutions are already teaching this subject informally. So, let us hope that soon this will be introduced in the school curriculum and large number of students can benefit from this ancient wisdom.
How to use it for the benefit of the child?
Now that we know the benefits of Vedic Math, we are tempted to introduce it to our children right? But what is the right age? How to get maximum benefits from this?
Depending on your child’s age and their mathematical abilities, introduce them to simple arithmetic calculations. When you show them how quickly you can arrive at the answers, it feels like magic to them and piques their interest on this subject.
For kids, who are just learning mathematics concept, Vedic math can be introduced to strength their basics and build confidence.
Grade 5 and above can learn it as a course along with their regular studies.
How to learn?
There are some youtube channels and websites which shows some of the tricks of Vedic math. You can watch those videos/read the blogs to get the flavor of the subject. I found the contents of matherlearns useful.
Once you know how it works and are interested to learn more, you can read and practice from original book “Vedic Mathematics” by Bharathi Krishna Thirthaji.
If you are willing to pay little more, then can take any paid online or offline courses.
