Page 83 - EW May 2025

Teacher-2-Teacher

Critical importance of math for

national development

K.V. NAGARAJA

ATHEMATICS IS AN UNPOPULAR SUBJECT. Robust maths education enables
Indeed many students — and parents — ques-
tion its relevance to daily life. But good grasp systematic problem-solving, strategic
Mof this ‘language of science’ is critical for every decision-making, and critical thinking
nation’s future. It underpins innovation, technology, gov-
ernance, and economic planning. In fact, it’s the backbone — all of which accelerate national
of national growth and development across sectors such development
as education, infrastructure, health, defence, and industri-
alisation.
Foundation of technological innovation. Techno- application of fertilizers and pesticides. Mathe-matics is
logical advancement is a prerequisite of national progress. also necessary to monitor climate change, manage natural
Mathematics is its core. Whether it’s engineering, computer resources, and develop sustainable alternatives. Moreover,
science, data analysis, artificial intelligence, or problem- mathematical modelling and simulations help national gov-
solving, maths is central to all. Innovation-driven countries ernments to prepare for natural disasters and frame policies
such as the US, China, and Germany teach children rigorous related to food security and environment conservation.
mathematics from early age in robust education systems. Healthcare and medical research. A nation’s develop-
This explains their innovative technologies, high productiv- ment is intimately connected with the health of its popula-
ity, and global competitivity. tion. Mathematics supports medical research, epidemiol-
Economics, planning and development. Countries ogy, and the management of healthcare systems. Statistical
around the world rely heavily on mathematics for eco- models are used to predict disease progression, evaluate the
nomic planning. Economic models, financial projections, impact of vaccination programmes, and plan public health
risk evaluation studies and statistical analyses are driven intervention policies.
by mathematical principles. Governments use mathematics Pioneering research and innovation. Mathematics
to draw up budgets, forecast inflation and unemployment, is also the foundation of scientific research, which in turn
and formulate taxation policies. Without strong knowledge drives development. Scientific discovery in physics, chem-
of the subject, policymakers will inevitably struggle to for- istry, biology cannot occur without complex mathematical
mulate viable strategies and interpret data that shapes deci- models and formulae. Problem-solving, data analysis, and
sions impacting millions of lives. theoretical development all require this critical science.
Building education systems. Quality mathematics Moreover mathematical research ensures academic prog-
education is also the cornerstone of a strong workforce. It ress and is the essential pre-requisite of developing new
equips students with critical thinking, analytical capabil- technologies that address modern social challenges.
ity, and advanced problem-solving skills, competencies Empowering citizens. Mathematical literacy empowers
that are valuable in every profession. Strong foundational citizens to calculate personal finances, taxes, and interest
mathematics is especially important in science, technology, rates. Since it touches nearly every aspect of life, giving high
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, essential importance to numeracy education from youngest age is
for national development. By raising standards of math of utmost importance. A healthy democracy relies on an
education, countries nurture talent that drives innovation educated population that can engage with democratic pro-
and fuels economic growth. cesses and hold elected officials accountable in a transpar-
Urban planning and infrastructure. Mathematics ent manner.
competence is essential for planning and constructing in- Against this backdrop, government and society must ac-
frastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and design- knowledge the transformative impact of mathematics on
ing logistics systems. Civil engineers, architects, and urban the economy, technology, health, education, and national
planners apply concepts drawn from geometry, algebra, and security. Investing in mathematics research and devel-
calculus to design structures that are functional, safe, and opment strengthens a nation’s competitive edge. Robust
environmentally sustainable. Robust well-planned infra- maths education enables systematic problem-solving, stra-
structure stimulates economic growth, reduces logistics tegic decision-making, and critical thinking — all of which
bottlenecks, and improves quality of life of citizens. Math- accelerate national development. When aligned with na-
ematical optimisation ensures efficient use of resources and tional policies, infrastructure, and innovation, a nation’s
cost-effective, eco-friendly development. mathematics capability can pave the way for a brighter
Agriculture & environment conservation. Math- future for generations to come.
ematics is equally important for agriculture and environ-
ment management. It aids projection of crop yields, analysis (Dr. K.V. Nagaraja is Professor, Department of Mathematics, School
of soil structure, managing irrigation, and ensuring optimal of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Bengaluru Campus)

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