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About KSoM

Established in 2007 as a joint venture between the Department of Atomic Energy (Government of India) and the Science and Technology Department (Government of Kerala), the Kerala School of Mathematics (KSoM) is an advanced research institute founded with the vision of reviving the glorious tradition of the historic Kerala school of mathematics that flourished between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries. In April 2025, KSoM achieved a landmark milestone when it was officially declared an autonomous institution and elevated to a designated "Centre of Excellence" by the Government of Kerala. This elevation has empowered the institute to embark on a major capacity-building drive, bringing in new permanent faculty and visiting professors to profoundly enrich its scholarly ecosystem. Driven by the core objective of conducting high-quality research, KSoM’s faculty actively engage in diverse fields to push the boundaries of knowledge, creating a vibrant academic environment that contributes significantly to the global mathematical community.

To nurture the next generation of scholars, KSoM offers rigorous, globally benchmarked academic pathways, including an Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. program, a Ph.D. program, and Postdoctoral Fellowships. The success of this comprehensive training is evidenced by the remarkable placements of KSoM scholars, who seamlessly transition into advanced research roles at top-tier institutions worldwide, such as IISc Bangalore, TIFR Mumbai, the University of Jyväskylä (Finland), and the University of Pittsburgh (USA). Beyond its core academic offerings, the institute fosters a dynamic, collaborative environment by hosting specialized seminars, international conferences, and intensive workshops. KSoM is also deeply committed to societal impact through active outreach initiatives—such as the Summer Workshop in Mathematics (SWIM), Glimpses into Mathematics, and School Mathematics Enrichment Day designed to promote mathematical literacy and ignite a lifelong passion for the subject among students across Kerala and India.

About Dr. M. S. Valiathan (1934–2024)

Dr. M. S. Valiathan was a pioneering Indian cardiac surgeon, the founding director of the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute (Thiruvananthapuram), and a key force behind India’s indigenous TTK-Chitra mechanical heart valve. Trained at Trivandrum Medical College, Liverpool, and later at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown, he combined surgery with biomedical innovation and institution building. He was the first Executive Vice President of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). He also served as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, became a National Research Professor, and wrote acclaimed works on Ayurveda (The Legacy of Caraka, Suśruta, and Vāgbhaṭa). Honours include the Padma Vibhushan (2005) and leadership of the Indian National Science Academy.  

Honoring a Visionary: The Dr. M. S. Valiathan Memorial Lecture 

The Dr. M. S. Valiathan Memorial Lecture, instituted by the Kerala School of Mathematics (KSoM) as part of its annual Foundation Day celebrations, commemorates the life and legacy of one of India’s most distinguished scientific visionaries, Dr. M. S. Valiathan (1934–2024). A pioneering cardiac surgeon, institution builder, innovator, and scholar, Dr. Valiathan exemplified the spirit of intellectual curiosity that transcends disciplinary boundaries. Established in his memory, this annual lecture series seeks to bring together eminent thinkers whose work has profoundly influenced contemporary science and mathematics. The inaugural lecture, delivered by Prof. M. S. Raghunathan on “Art That Would Rather Be Science,” explored the deep connections between mathematics, creativity, and human thought. Building on this foundation, the second edition will feature the renowned mathematician Prof. Dr. Shrikrishna Gopalrao Dani, continuing the tradition of presenting transformative ideas from the frontiers of mathematical research.

As an institution founded with the vision of advancing world-class mathematical research, KSoM views this lecture series as an extension of its broader mission to create a vibrant intellectual ecosystem for discovery, dialogue, and innovation. Established in 2007 through a partnership between the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, and the Government of Kerala, and elevated in 2025 as a designated Centre of Excellence, KSoM has emerged as a leading destination for advanced mathematical education and research. The Memorial Lecture serves as a platform where pioneering mathematical ideas, emerging research directions, and interdisciplinary perspectives can be shared with students, researchers, educators, and the wider scientific community. By facilitating meaningful engagement with some of the most accomplished mathematical minds in the country and beyond, the programme aims to inspire young scholars and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty, relevance, and transformative power of mathematics.

Looking ahead, the Dr. M. S. Valiathan Memorial Lecture aspires to establish KSoM as a nationally and internationally recognized meeting ground for mathematical thought and collaboration. Beyond being an annual commemorative event, it is envisioned as a catalyst for sustained academic exchange, fostering interactions between established researchers, emerging scholars, and mathematically curious young minds. Through future editions featuring globally respected mathematicians and scientists, the lecture series will continue to introduce audiences to new mathematical trends, groundbreaking ideas, and unresolved challenges that shape the future of the discipline. In doing so, it will strengthen KSoM’s role as a hub of intellectual excellence while nurturing the next generation of thinkers who will carry forward the spirit of inquiry, innovation, and scholarship embodied by Dr. M. S. Valiathan.

For a reference, you can view the First Dr. M. S. Valiathan Memorial Lecture recording. This video captures Prof. M. S. Raghunathan's original talk and provides excellent historical context to help frame the vision for this upcoming second edition.