On October 4, 2024, Department of Mathematics at SRM University-AP hosted its 10th Distinguished Lecture, featuring renowned mathematician and educator Prof. R Ramanujam. The event attracted a diverse audience, including BSc and BTech students, PhD candidates, and faculty members, all eager to engage with the critical topic of mathematics and science education for students from socially and economically marginalised backgrounds.
Prof. Ramanujam’s lecture posed a thought-provoking question: “What do mathematics and science education mean to a student from socially and economically marginalised sections?” Drawing from his extensive experience in various educational contexts, he provided valuable insights into the intersection of education and social equity. His work with the Tamil Nadu Science Forum, government curriculum bodies, and teacher education programs at Azim Premji University in Bengaluru informed his perspective on the necessity of aligning educational practices with the realities faced by marginalised communities.
During his talk, Prof. Ramanujam emphasised the importance of conducting educational research that is deeply rooted in social contexts. He argued that curriculum-making decisions should be informed by such research to ensure that education is socially inclusive and responsive to the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged students. His advocacy for an education system that addresses the needs of all learners resonated strongly with the audience, highlighting the potential for education to serve as a transformative force in society.
Prof. R Ramanujam is a distinguished figure in the fields of mathematics and education. He completed his PhD at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and pursued postdoctoral work at the City University of New York (CUNY), USA. His long-standing association with the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc) in Chennai and his current role as a visiting professor at Azim Premji University further underscore his commitment to advancing educational practices.
The lecture provided a stimulating exploration of how mathematics and science education can help address social inequalities. Prof. Ramanujam’s reflections on education, grounded in his experiences with marginalised communities, left a lasting impact on attendees. The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants raised questions about the challenges of implementing socially rooted educational reforms. This discussion reinforced the lecture’s key themes of inclusivity and the transformative potential of education when designed to meet the diverse needs of learners.
The 10th Distinguished Lecture at SRM University-AP not only highlighted the importance of educational equity but also inspired dialogue on how institutions can better serve all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
