Remembering Shakuntala Devi - The Effervescent Yet Dazzling Human Computer

By: WE Staff

Picture this: A complex mathematical problem is written on a blackboard. A French man reads out the daunting number of digits on each side. They are enough to put a calculator in a tizzy.
But, within seconds a confident voice starts to dictate digit after digit. Soon, the correct answer has been found.
One would image that the answer to this complex mathematical problem came from a machine. Instead, the right answer was given by a petite sari-clad Indian woman.
This is not fiction, but a leaf from Shakuntala Devi’s book of life.
She was an Indian mathematician whose dazzling mind and unwavering spirit continue to ignite the flames of curiosity and remind us that true genius knows no bounds. Shakuntala Devi is a name whose legacy extends far beyond her lifetime.
Born in Bangalore, Shakuntala was renowned for being an extraordinary mathematician, author, and mental calculator. She shared the miraculous capacity to carry out challenging mathematical calculations mentally.
Shakuntala showed a remarkable journey in mathematics and calculations from a very young age. Born in 1929, she was only six years old when she began traveling throughout India and showcased her talent. Her mental calculations were incredibly quick and precise, and she could quickly and accurately solve challenging mathematical problems involving large numbers.
Although the mathematical genius left the mortal world in 2013, yet her brilliance and pioneering spirit serve as an inspiration to future generations even today. Her work and skill are still cherished globally which is also a reminder of human potential going beyond imagination, and that with passion, perseverance, and the urge to accomplish dreams can be done by any human being.
Early life
Shakuntala Devi was extraordinarily talented which was noticed by her father, Bishaw Mitra and later he made a decision to encourage and develop it. She began showcasing her mathematical abilities at the age of three. Her father observed the speed and accuracy of her problem-solving ability and started teaching her math and mental calculations.
Shakuntala mastered her arithmetic-solving skills at the age of six and could perform difficult calculations in her mind. Her father later took her to road shows across India so she could show off her talent and astonish people with her quick-thinking ability. Her aptitude for mathematics during her early years extended beyond simple calculations.  She shared a great interest in logical reasoning, puzzles, and equations.
Shakuntala gained huge fame and recognition as a "Human Computer " both in the nation and all over the globe. She started giving public demonstrations and astounded audiences with her speed and accuracy in solving mathematical equations.
Achievements and Recognitions received by Shakuntala Devi
Shakuntala Devi has won several major and prestigious awards for her incredible talent in the field of mathematics. Some of them are mentioned below:
Shakuntala Devi has registered her name in the Guinness Book of World Records for her extraordinary ability to mentally perform challenging mathematical calculations. In just 28 seconds in the year 1997, she multiplied two 13-digit numbers accurately.  
Shakuntala traveled over the globe and showed her calculating skills on global stages. She was acclaimed for her abilities by renewed professors and delegates in numerous nations including, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Her stage performance ls gave the world a glimpse of her exceptional talent.
Shakuntala has authored numerous books on various topics, including mathematics to popularize mathematics to a large audience.  One of her most renowned books, "Figuring: The Joy of Numbers," published in 1977 that delves into the world of mathematics engagingly and enjoyably.
She was also honored by the National Congress with the prestigious Ramanujan Mathematical Genius Award in 1988. In recognition of her significant contribution to the field of mathematics, the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Apart from receiving several prestigious awards, she has been also praised by the Bollywood and film industry of India for producing a biographical frame film based on her entire life. Indian leading actress Vidya Balan has played the lead role of Shakuntala Devi diligently. It is directed by Anu Menon and produced by Sony Pictures Networks India and Abudantia Entertainment.
This film depicts every aspect of her life including her achievements, struggles, and her complex personality.  Being an independent woman and paving her path to success that too in a male-dominated field has been tough for Shakuntala but she overcame all hurdles and made her name as an inspiration for others. The film also highlights the impact of her extraordinary abilities on her relationships and the sacrifices she made to pursue her passion.
Shakuntala Devi's life has been an exceptional journey in mathematics, which was highly supported and nurtured by her father. She was a maths prodigy from an early stage and one of the most accomplished mental calculators in the world. Apart from her journey, she has also inspired a wide number of people to learn about maths and appreciate it. She has motivated generations by her legacy as a mathematical gem and also her way of appreciating its strength.