Srinivasa Ramanujan 1887-1920

Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) remains a towering figure in the realm of mathematics, leaving an indelible mark on the field despite his tragically short life. Born into a poor Brahmin family in South India, Ramanujan’s innate mathematical brilliance shone through even in his humble beginnings. Despite lacking formal education opportunities, he exhibited an instinctive genius, fervently exploring numbers and equations in his spare time while working as a clerk in the Madras Port Trust.

Ramanujan’s remarkable journey took a fortunate turn when his amateur mathematical work caught the attention of a mathematician who recognized his talent. This led to a scholarship to study at Cambridge in England, where, in a brief but prolific period, he produced work of profound value and originality. His contributions to the theory of numbers, often considered the pinnacle of mathematics, stand as a testament to his extraordinary intellect.

One of Ramanujan’s areas of focus was the partition of whole numbers, demonstrating his deep engagement with mathematical problems. His exceptional memory, coupled with his devotion to numbers, allowed him to develop an intimate familiarity with the idiosyncrasies of thousands of integers.

While Ramanujan viewed mathematics as a game of manipulating symbols according to given rules, his work transcended pure abstraction. Today, his mathematical insights find applications in diverse fields, from pyrometry to atomic research, underscoring the enduring relevance of his contributions.

His collaboration with mathematician G.H. Hardy at Cambridge remains legendary, with Hardy acknowledging Ramanujan as an equal partner in their endeavors. This recognition speaks volumes about Ramanujan’s mathematical prowess and enduring legacy.

In honor of his 75th birth anniversary on December 22, 1962, the Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a commemorative stamp, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of this great son of India.