Bristy Sikder and Sourav Das are having a hard time – having the opportunity to study at 14 world renowned universities including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, Cambridge University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Stanford University, Duke University. But only one to choose. Which university will these two talents choose? ….
How did this happen?
It happened through the introduction of Mathematical Olympiad ‘culture’ in Bangladesh.
That is the story I am telling today.
Keep listening!
We have noticed some changes in the culture of Bangladesh since the inception of Mathematics Olympiad.
As we have seen, many children spend part of their days solving mathematical problems with deep interest.
Exercise vs Problem Solving
The math we do in school and college is exercise. When we do physical exercise, we practice the same rules (the practice is physical). In school or college we do a lot of the same thing when we do mathematics – we practice the same rules by following certain steps.
Suppose you learn the rules of multiplication of two numbers – first multiply the two numbers on the far right, then hold the carry in your head, then …..
Then when you multiply two numbers from the Exercises given in the book according to the rules – you are doing Exercise (as I was saying – practice according to the same rules).
Those who have studied Computer Science know that this is called following Algorithm (in the terminology of Computer Science) to solve a problem by following certain steps.
Do you know the interesting thing about the Mathematical Problems of Olympiad?
To solve the problems of Mathematics Olympiad – this step by step solution to the problem has to be invented by you. In other words, math has to be created.
In terms of computer science, the ‘algorithm’ has to be created.
Think of it this way – no one has taught you how to multiply two numbers or how to divide one number by another. You have to figure out for yourself – how to multiply two numbers or divide one number by another.
In Mathematical Olympiad you have to solve most problems this way – no one has taught you the way or rules to solve the problems – you have to think and figure out! That means creating mathematics!
We say, you do exercise in school and college, while in Mathematical Olympiad we do “Problem Solving”!
So for those of you who haven’t solved problems yet, I hope you will join our team soon!
Those who solve problems have to think a lot. By thinking, they are “resonating neurons”! They learn to think and analyze very well.
Since the inception of the Mathematical Olympiad, a generation has risen whose average IQ is higher than that of previous generations. These children of new generation can think much better. Seeing one’s picture in our country’s most popular daily newspaper, representing one’s country in the world competition – are great inspirations.
When this talented generation will take charge of the country and society, we will build a new developed country.
To prepare for this goal, our young mathematicians need to do something:
The ability to think, to analyze, which has amplified in the process of solving mathematical problems, has to be applied to solve various problems in the real world. Whatever you learn from reading a book – you have to think and figure out how to apply the knowledge in real life. If you read my writing you will notice – I apply the knowledge I learn to the world around, in every domain or field of life. My life is based on knowledge of Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Economics, even Politics! Call it – Knowledge based Life! Don’t delay – your knowledge based life should start from today!
Let us get back to Mathematical Olympiad.
Dreams and Aspirations
Mathematical Olympiad for Elementary School to High School students
As we have noticed, there are a lot of good talks held in Mathematics Olympiad events. Children are inspired to grow up as enlightened people, to love the country. Young children get a chance to see, ask questions, talk and even get autographs from the talented people of the country!
Two of the wonderful things:
- The theme “Learn Mathematics, and Dream” – Many children are dreaming about their own country and more importantly, believing in those dreams. Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Committee President Professor Dr. Jamilur Reza Chowdhury has set two goals for the country’s young mathematicians – winning a Fields Medal by a Bangladeshi mathematician by 2022 and a Nobel Prize by a Bangladeshi scientist by 2030. Our little mathematicians are preparing themselves to realize these dreams.
- Another is – even the children of grade three and four (elementary school students) in the words of Professor Zafar Iqbal come to solve mathematics problems “biting pencils”!
Admission in World class Universities
We have noticed that some children of Bengali medium high schools have got the opportunity to study at undergraduate level in the best universities of the world. They are studying at MIT, at Harvard University, Stanford University, Caltech, and at Cambridge University.
We used to go to graduate schools in America, Europe, Asia or Australia to do MS or PhD. Children with English medium background would study at undergraduate level. But going from “Bengali Medium” to study at “Best Universities in the World” at “Undergraduate” level with “Scholarship” is new!
There was a question and answer session on “Einstein and Physics” at the 2005 Bangladesh National Mathematical Olympiad in commemoration of Einstein’s “Miracle Year” in 1905. I answered some questions there. So in the math camp Dr. Mahbub showed interest in discussing physics with me. He appeared at our press conference with a paper on string theory before leaving for Mexico! Dr. Mahbub is one of the chief persons behind this trend of studying at world class universities.
Success at IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad)
Another thing to note. Our success at the International Mathematical Olympiad is increasing rapidly. Our teen mathematicians won Honorable Mention for the first time in 2006, the Bronze Medal for the first time in 2009, and the Silver Medal for the first time in 2012. We hope that by continuing this trend, Bangladesh Mathematical team will return from International Mathematics Olympiad in near future with Gold Medal! You can be the gold medal winning mathematician!
Participation in APMO (Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad)
In addition to the International Mathematical Olympiad, our junior mathematicians are participating in the Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad (APMO) and winning medals.
Books on Mathematics, Mathematical Olympiad for University students and the start of a new ‘Culture’
I mentioned the word “culture” in the title. The biggest reason for this, of course, is the practice of mathematics and talent of the young children of Bangladesh. But this wave of intellectual practice has come in different parts of our culture, in different parts of our nation. Books are being published for the practice of Mathematics. Children are gathering at the mathematics book stalls at Ekushey Book Fair. Regular Mathematics Olympiads are being held at the undergraduate level in the universities.
Science Olympiads
Following the launch and success of the Mathematical Olympiad, Olympiads have been started in various fields of science.
- Physics Olympiad
- Chemistry Olympiad
- Biology Olympiad
- Biochemistry Olympiad
- Informatics Olympiad
- Computer programming competition. Our school and college kids are now winning medals in international programming competitions! Just imagine!
Volunteers
This culture of Mathematical Olympiad has been made possible by the voluntary work of some young people. We know them as “Movers” (MOVERS – Math Olympiad Volunteers). The enthusiastic participation of the young people of the country in a good initiative defines our young generation that they are full of vitality.
Let this culture of Mathematical Olympiad spread more widely in our country.
Link:
Syed Tahsin 