π Day Talks

This talk will explore the area and perimeter of various geometric shapes, including triangles, rectangles, and circles, by posing thought-provoking questions about their properties. For example, we will examine whether a rectangle with a fixed perimeter can have a specific area and explore the conditions for maximizing or minimizing area. The session will also touch on the story of Queen Dido, linking it to these geometric concepts, in honor of International Women's Day. Read More...

This talk will explore the distribution of prime numbers, highlighting key results like Dirichlet’s and Chebotaryov’s theorems, the prime number theorem, and its connection to the Riemann hypothesis. It will also discuss Chebyshev's bias and its statistical implications, such as Markov chains and conditional distributions, with content accessible to first-year students and beyond.  Read More...

This talk will explore the fascinating intersection of knot theory and protein structure, highlighting how concepts from topology can be applied to biological problems. By examining the structure of proteins through the lens of knot theory, the speaker will discuss both the mathematical intricacies and the practical implications in fields like biology and chemistry. The session aims to inspire mathematicians to engage with important questions in this multidisciplinary area. Read More...

In this talk, Dr. Amartya Sen will explore the historical significance of Pi (π) in Indian mathematics, tracing its early approximations and how it was understood by ancient Indian mathematicians. The session will highlight key works that contributed to the global understanding of Pi and examine its cultural and philosophical context in Indian traditions. Dr. Sen will also discuss the lasting impact of these discoveries on modern mathematics. Read More...

The talk will be an interactive session, leading to philosophical issues about the definition of mathematics and finally arriving at a definition of mathematics. Read More...

Reasoning is considered fundamental to all disciplines, especially mathematics; and yet, logic is not a formal part of most curricula. We suggest that learning some mathematical logic may be helpful for almost all of us, illustrating the idea with some puzzles and examples. We also point to the deep connection between logic and computation. Read More...

On the occasion of Pi day celebrations, Prof. Steven Spallone, from IISER Pune's Mathematics department, will deliver a Jugglology lecture involving a live juggling demonstration.  Read More...