Speakers

K. Ramasubramanian

Prof. K Ramasubramanian is a distinguished Professor at IIT Bombay, currently serving in the Cell for Indian Science and Technology in Sanskrit, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. With a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, a Bachelor's in Engineering, and a Master's in Sanskrit, he brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to his work. Prof. Ramasubramanian holds the esteemed title "Vidvat Pravara," conferred by the Shankaracharya of Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, in recognition of completing a rigorous 14-semester program in Advaita Vedanta. He is a notable author and contributor to explanatory notes on significant works like Ganita-yuktibhasha and Tantrasangraha, highlighting the Kerala School's pivotal role in Mathematics and Astronomy. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Maharshi Badarayan Vyas Samman and the R. C. Gupta Endowment Lecture Award, Prof. Ramasubramanian continues to contribute to the synergy between modernity and tradition. His diverse roles include serving as a Council member of the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, a member of the Second Sanskrit Commission, and the Central Sanskrit Board.

Amartya Dutta

Prof. Amartya Kumar Dutta is a distinguished Professor in the Stat-Math Unit at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. Holding a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Bombay, he has made significant contributions to algebra and commutative algebra. Recognized with awards such as the "Professor Satish C. Bhatnagar Award" and the "INSA Teachers Award," Prof. Dutta's expertise also extends to the history of Indian mathematics, as reflected in his numerous research papers and publications. Currently serving as a council member of the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, he continues to contribute to the field.

M.S. Sriram

M.S. Sriram is a distinguished scholar in the history of mathematics and astronomy. Currently serving as the President of the K.V. Sarma Research Foundation and a retired Professor from the Department of Theoretical Physics at the University of Madras, he holds a Ph.D. in High Energy Physics from IIT Kanpur. With a career spanning over three decades, he has made significant contributions to the fields of Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Field Theory, Nonlinear Dynamics, and Chaos. Since his retirement in 2011, he continues to contribute actively to a project on Indian astronomy. Sriram's expertise is evident in his extensive research, including notable works on the Yuktibhaashaa, Tantrasangraha, and Karanapaddhati of the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics. He has authored key publications, including the English translations of Grahaganita from Siddhantashiromani. He has also contributed numerous articles to esteemed journals, focusing on topics like planetary and lunar models, arc and sine relations, and the Vākya system of astronomy.He also serves as an Additional Member of the Editorial Board for the Indian Journal of History of Science and Ganitabharati, and was a member of the Research Council for History of Science of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA).

Avinash Sathaye

Avinash Sathaye is an Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the University of Kentucky, USA, with a tenure since the mid-seventies. Born in post-independence India, he hails from a family of educators and has continued this legacy. After obtaining his master's degree in Pune, Sathaye moved to the USA, completing his Ph.D. at Purdue University under the guidance of renowned mathematician Shreeram Abhyankar. Notably, he is recognized for proving specific cases of the Abhyankar-Sathaye Conjecture. Passionate about Sanskrit from an early age, Sathaye, tutored by eminent scholars in Pune, has delved into the history of Indian mathematics, particularly focusing on the original Sanskrit works of Brahmagupta and Bhāskara II. He is a member of the Advisory Council for the HoMI project, dedicated to the history of mathematics in India.

Shailesh A Shirali

Dr. Shailesh Shirali, the Director of Sahyadri School, brings a rich academic background to his role, holding a B.Sc. in Physics Honours from Delhi University, an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Dallas. Inspired by J Krishnamurti, he has been an integral part of Krishnamurti schools since 1983. With a deep passion for mathematics and its education, Dr. Shirali offers a unique perspective in his leadership. Beyond academia, he finds solace and inspiration in the serene environments of Python Hill and the "Culture Hut," connecting with nature through the observation of trees, green leaves, birds, and the azure sky.

M. D. Srinivas

Prof. M. D. Srinivas, Chairman of the Centre for Policy Studies in Chennai, is a distinguished academic with a background in Physics, having earned his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester, NY, USA. His extensive career at the University of Madras included roles as Lecturer, Reader, and Professor in Theoretical Physics. Since 1996, he has been a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies, which he founded in 1990. Prof. Srinivas specializes in the conceptual and mathematical foundations of Quantum Mechanics and has notable contributions in the History and Philosophy of Science, focusing on India's scientific and technological traditions. Holding honorary positions, including membership in the Indian National Commission for History of Science since 2013, he also serves as the Chairman of MOP Vaishnav College for Women in Chennai and has played vital roles in advisory boards and commissions related to the history and science of India.

V. Ramakalyani

Dr. V. Ramakalyani is a distinguished scholar with a degree in Mathematics from Madras University, holding M.A. in Sanskrit and M.Ed. from Mysore University, and a Ph.D. from Madras University. A recipient of gold medals in Mathematics and Sanskrit, she is a dedicated researcher in Ancient Indian Mathematics since 2011. Currently serving as a Research Project Associate at The Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute and the Prof. K.V. Sarma Research Foundation for Mathematics and Astronomy in Chennai, she actively contributes to projects for National Mission for Manuscripts and Sanskrit Promotion Foundation, New Delhi. Dr. Ramakalyani has presented papers at numerous national and international seminars, including the World Sanskrit Conference 2016 in Bangkok. Recognized as a "Samskrita Ratna" by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and DKSKSI trust, Chennai in 2019, she has authored papers in reputable journals, with three books in the pipeline. Dr. Ramakalyani imparts her expertise through lectures on Ancient Indian Mathematics at colleges and schools, further enriching the academic community.

Raghavasimhan Thirunarayanan

Dr. Raghavasimhan Thirunarayanan holds a PhD in electrical engineering from EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland. As a Senior Analog/RF Design Engineer at 3dB Technologies, Zurich, he specializes in system and chip design for advanced keyless access. Additionally, Dr. Thirunarayanan is a Guest Professor at IITGn, contributing to the HoMI project while exploring ancient Indian mathematical techniques for their applicability in modern mathematics.

Venketeswara Pai

Dr. Venketeswara R. Pai, Associate Professor at IISER Pune, is a physicist and scholar specializing in the History of Astronomy. With a Ph.D. from IIT Bombay, his expertise lies in technical Sanskrit, Malayalam languages, and mathematical astronomy. Dr. Pai's research centers on the Kerala School, unraveling contributions and exploring the historical development of mathematical ideas in the Indian subcontinent. Proficient in Sanskrit and Malayalam manuscripts, his multidisciplinary approach enriches our understanding of India's scientific heritage.

Clemency Montelle

Clemency Montelle, a distinguished Professor of Mathematics at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, holds a Ph.D. from Brown University and boasts a Fulbright Scholar background. Specializing in the History of Mathematics, she delves into ancient mathematical manuscripts in Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Cuneiform. Serving as the On-Campus Representative for Fulbright New Zealand and the New Zealand Vice-President for the AAHPSSS, Clemency actively engages in research projects on mathematical tables, ancient mathematical astronomy, and the cross-cultural transmission of knowledge. Beyond her scholarly pursuits, she is dedicated to education, investigating acceleration for high-ability students and assessing the impact of NCEA on tertiary mathematics entrants.

Tanya Srivastava

Tanya Srivastava, an Assistant Professor at IIT Gandhinagar, is an Algebraic Geometer with a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Freie University Berlin, Germany. Her interdisciplinary research explores the geometric properties of algebraic varieties through the derived category of coherent sheaves, connecting fields like algebraic geometry, representation theory, and physics. Dr. Srivastava has taught courses in Statistics, Probability, Numerical Methods, Riemannian Geometry, and Topology. She has recently started exploring History of Mathematics and Astronomy.

History of Mathematics in India

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