The math teacher we always wanted but never had
Manjula Bhargava is the first Fields Medal winning mathematician of Indian origin (there’s only one other person).
He gave a talk few years ago at Infosys. The topic starts at about 9 mins, he speaks about:
How his love for mathematics started.
The connection between patterns, numbers and nature itself and how mathematics helped understand them better.
His area of expertise - Number Theory, which is the universe of whole numbers.
The unexpected relationship between different types of sequences.
His first mathematics problem as a child and how his mother helped him instill this love(she was in the audience as well).
The most common number sequence in nature. You probably know this from school by a different name. Also, how it was discovered by linguists to solve a problem in Sanskrit poetry.
The most beloved sequence for number theorists. As they presumed they might not have any practical applications.
How cicadas used the knowledge of this sequence to increase their chances of survival in nature.
This particular sequence (or rather a unique quality of it is an unsolved problem in mathematics for over 2000 years) forms the basis of all modern day information security.
Self-similarity and fractals in nature and in man-made creations across the world.
Towards the end, He also gives some homework like a true teacher, unsolved problems for recreation mathematicians like you and me.
Definitely check out some of his other talks and lectures as well (links below).
Until next time ✌️