Need to change the way maths is being taught in India:Bhargava

Renowned Indian-American mathematician Manjul Bhargava today said there is a need to change the way the subject is being taught in the country.
"Mathematics is not at all a scary subject, but the way it is taught may be that should changed. Learning mathematics should, in fact, be fun," Bhargava, who was conferred an honorary degree (Honoris Causa) by the Panjab University for his contribution to the field, told PTI.
Asked about suggestions to make the subject more interesting for students, he said, "It should be taught with puzzles, games, some magic and even music and poems. There are many ways but it should not be taught in a dry manner or rote method by which students tend to mug up things."

"For half a century it is being taught the same way in our country (in dry manner). Still the old textbooks are being used, sometimes they are revised, but are taught by the same procedure. Instead, it should be taught in a process of self discovery and fun," Bhargava said.
Bhargava, who won the Fields Medal in 2014, popularly known as the Mathematics Nobel, said that he never went to a maths class and credited his mother for his success.
"I picked it up on my own, my mother is a mathematician," he said.