In a resounding victory for India, Assam's Ananda Bhaduri, a math prodigy, clinched gold at the 2024 International Maths Olympiad (IMO) held in Bath, United Kingdom.
The Indian team’s stellar performance, from July 11-22, marked a historic achievement since India’s debut in the Olympiad in 1989.
“Understand the formula, don’t memorise it,” says Bhaduri, highlighting his approach to conquering mathematical challenges. His insights resonate with students across India, shedding light on the power of comprehension over rote learning.
The Indian contingent included Adithya Mangudy Venkata Ganesh from Maharashtra, Kanav Talwar from Uttar Pradesh, Rushil Mathur from Maharashtra, Arjun Gupta from Delhi, and Siddarth Choppara from Maharashtra.
Their collective effort brought home four gold medals, one silver, and an honorable mention, securing India’s 4th place out of 108 participating countries. This ranking is India’s best-ever at the IMO.
The IMO, renowned as the most prestigious international maths competition, gathers the brightest young minds globally.
Participants endure two rigorous days of examinations, each lasting 4.5 hours and comprising three complex problems.
Solutions are meticulously scored, with medals awarded based on performance.
Bhaduri’s journey began in the 6th grade when he participated in local Olympiads.
Now, having recently passed his 12th grade, he stands as a testament to the rewards of understanding mathematical concepts deeply.
His approach, pressing on comprehension over memorisation, aims to dispel the fear of mathematics.
Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat program, Bhaduri reiterated his philosophy: “Those who are afraid of maths need a lot of patience. Often, a formula is given and memorised, followed by hundreds of practice questions. But what happens if you forget the formula during the exam? Hence, I say, understand the formula.”
His sentiments were echoed by teammate Rushil Mathur, reinforcing the importance of grasping the underlying principles.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media to congratulate Bhaduri, stating, “Heartiest congratulations to Assam's son, Master Ananda Bhaduri, on clinching a gold at the International Maths Olympiad and being part of the Indian team in its best-ever performance.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed pride in the team’s achievement, noting, “It’s a matter of immense joy and pride that India has come 4th in its best-ever performance at the International Maths Olympiad. Our contingent has brought home 4 golds and one silver medal. This feat will inspire several other youngsters and help make mathematics even more popular.”
The IMO, the World Championship Mathematics Competition for high school students, has a storied history.
Since its inception in 1959 in Romania with seven participating countries, it has grown to include over 100 countries from five continents.
The IMO Board ensures that each host country adheres to the competition’s regulations and traditions, maintaining the event’s high standards.
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