Shakuntala Devi was an Indian mathematician, known for her incredible mental calculation abilities. Born in Bangalore in 1929, she demonstrated her exceptional mathematical skills from a young age, earning her the nickname "human computer." She went on to become an author and a prominent public figure, advocating for the importance of math education and women's empowerment.
One of Shakuntala Devi's most impressive feats was her ability to perform complex mental calculations in a matter of seconds. She could calculate the cube root of a six-digit number in under a minute, and could multiply two 13-digit numbers together in her head. She even set a Guinness World Record in 1980 for correctly multiplying two 13-digit numbers in just 28 seconds.
But Shakuntala Devi's contributions to mathematics go beyond her impressive mental calculation abilities. She was a strong advocate for math education and worked to make the subject more accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. She authored several books on math, including "Figuring: The Joy of Numbers" and "Mathability: Awaken the Math Genius in Your Child," which aimed to make math more approachable and fun.
In addition to her work in math education, Shakuntala Devi was a vocal advocate for women's empowerment. She believed that women had the potential to excel in fields traditionally dominated by men, including math and science, and worked to inspire young girls to pursue their passions in these areas. She once said, "There's no such thing as a male or female brain. Only brains. All of us are capable of doing anything."
Shakuntala Devi's legacy as a mathematician, author, and advocate continues to inspire people around the world. Her passion for math and commitment to education and gender equality serve as a reminder of the power of individual talent and determination.
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