Srinivasa Ramanujan Aiyangar (22 December 1887 – 26 April 1920) was an Indian mathematician. Often regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time, though he had almost no formal training in pure mathematics, he made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series and continued fractions, including solutions to mathematical problems then considered unsolvable. During his short life, Ramanujan independently compiled nearly 3,900 results, mostly identities and equations. Many were completely novel.

Ramanujan initially developed his own mathematical research in isolation. He tried to interest the leading professional mathematicians in his work, but failed for the most part. What he had to show them was too novel, too unfamiliar, and additionally presented in unusual ways.

Ramanujan was born on 22 December 1887 in present-day Tamil Nadu. His father worked as a clerk. His mother was a housewife. When Ramanujan was a year and a half old, his mother gave birth to a son, Sadagopan, who died less than three months later. When he was two years old, Ramanujan contracted smallpox, but recovered, unlike the 4,000 others who died in a bad year in the Thanjavur district around this time (1889).

When his paternal grandfather died, he was sent back to his maternal grandparents, then living in Madras. He did not like school in Madras, and tried to avoid attending. His family enlisted a local constable to make sure he attended school. Ramanujan’s father was at work most of the day and his mother took care of the boy, and they had a close relationship.

A child prodigy by age 11, he had exhausted the mathematical knowledge of two college students who were lodgers at his home. He was later lent a book on advanced trigonometry. He mastered this by the age of 13 while discovering sophisticated theorems on his own. By 14, he showed familiarity with geometry and infinite series. Ramanujan was shown how to solve cubic equations in 1902. He would later develop his own method to solve the quartic. In 1903, he tried to solve the quintic, not knowing that it was impossible to solve with radicals.

By the age of 17, Ramanujan independently developed and investigated the Bernoulli numbers and calculated the Euler-Mascheroni constant up to 15 decimal places. His peers at the time said they rarely understood him.

In the next year, Ramanujan ran away from home.

Seeking mathematicians who could better understand his work, in 1913 he began a mail correspondence with the English mathematician G. H. Hardy at the University of Cambridge, England.

Recognising Ramanujan’s work as extraordinary, Hardy arranged for him to travel to Cambridge. In his notes, Hardy commented that Ramanujan had produced groundbreaking new theorems, including some that “defeated me completely. I had never seen anything in the least like them before”.

Ramanujan had numerous health problems throughout his life. His health worsened in England. He was also less resilient due to the difficulty of keeping to the strict dietary requirements of his religion there. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis and a severe vitamin deficiency, and confined to a sanatorium.

He attempted suicide when he was 29 years old by jumping on the tracks of a London underground station. Ramanujan died in 1920 aged 32. In his last days, though in severe pain, he continued doing his mathematics filling sheet after sheet with numbers. He often said, “An equation for me has no meaning unless it expresses a thought of God”.

But what this institution does? Why Ramanujan epitomize the meaning and the mission of what we do here?

G.H. Hardy, a prominent British mathematician, played a crucial role in the life of Ramanujan!

Technical Mentorship

Recognition of Talent: Hardy was one of the first mathematicians to recognize the extraordinary talent of Ramanujan. He invited Ramanujan to Cambridge, where Ramanujan could share his work and ideas in a more conducive environment.

Collaboration: Their collaboration led to significant advancements in number theory, continued fractions, and infinite series. Hardy’s rigorous mathematical background complemented Ramanujan’s intuitive approach, leading to groundbreaking results.

Wellness and Support

Health Considerations: During his stay in England, Ramanujan struggled with health issues, exacerbated by the cold climate and dietary differences. Hardy showed concern for Ramanujan’s well-being, encouraging him to seek medical help and adapt to his new environment.

Cultural Sensitivity: Hardy was aware of the cultural adjustments Ramanujan faced, and he made efforts to be supportive, providing a sense of comfort in a foreign land.

Friendship and Companionship

Emotional Bond: Beyond their professional relationship, Hardy and Ramanujan developed a friendship. Hardy’s open-mindedness and appreciation for Ramanujan’s unique thought process fostered a strong bond.

Intellectual Respect: Hardy admired Ramanujan’s genius and often expressed this respect publicly. This affirmation was crucial for Ramanujan, who often faced self-doubt due to his unconventional background.

Psychological Support

Encouragement: Hardy provided Ramanujan with the encouragement he needed to thrive in a competitive academic environment. He often reassured him of his capabilities, which bolstered Ramanujan’s confidence.

Stability: The friendship with Hardy offered Ramanujan a sense of stability and belonging during a tumultuous period in his life, as he navigated the complexities of being an outsider in a foreign country.

Provider of Opportunities

Access to Resources: Hardy introduced Ramanujan to the academic community in Cambridge, providing him with exposure to new ideas and methodologies. This access was instrumental in helping Ramanujan develop his work further.

Financial Support: Hardy advocated for Ramanujan, ensuring he received funding and support from academic institutions, which was crucial for Ramanujan’s research and sustenance during his time in England.

That’s exactly what we aim at doing, and we dare to state, we have already started this process:

The Rāmānujan Preparatory Institute For Prodigious Young Mathematicians is enmissioned to institutionize and escalate the protectorship of G. H. Hardy [ read “our institution”] to all Ramanujans [read “gifted youth in need”] – at any degree and for every genious intelect levels in South America and worldwide.