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