Mathematical Crusade

Growing into adolescence, I found solace in the definitiveness of Mathematics in an otherwise unpredictable world. Learning classical dances and music introduced me to 'taal' (beats) which is yet another display and use of Mathematics that is an integral part of performing arts. Unfortunately, by the time I was introduced to calculus, I had reached the dreadful stage in our education system where everything had become about the score or the percentage.

I always loved Mathematics. I consider it to be the purest form of human creation. The basic nature of solving problems and simplifying them to find the solution appealed to me from a young age. Being able to find unknown quantities is just surreal and in a way magical. I can still recall being absolutely blown away when my teacher solved an equation for the first time by juggling the components over the equal sign, and the addition turns to subtraction and voila….you have the unknown value. For my 10-year-old brain that was nothing less than a magician pulling a bunny out of their hat.

As fascinating as I did find it, amidst the endless mugging up of formulas, I was unable to fully appreciate it. Still, I thoroughly enjoy how calculus teases my brain and the sense of satisfaction I receive on finally reaching the solution is incomparable.

The idea of interpreting Mathematics as literature and adapting a numerical approach to human thinking intrigued me. It also led me to the realization of how I subconsciously always did. From introducing logic into decisions, interpreting art and understanding the flow of music in terms of graphical nature.

Classical music consists of ‘taal’ onto which the pieces (the ‘bandish’) is set to create a beautiful melody. Instinctively, I visualized classical Raagas and Bandish like a line flowing on a graph creating loops and turns as the 'sur' demands forming a mesmerizing piece of art even visually. I even traced some of the pieces on a handmade graph for myself to better remember the Bandish.

If I’ve to be completely honest, I do not have a specific career plan. However, the idea of translating any subject into Mathematics to derive a higher understanding of it is inspiring to me.

-Disha Desai