VSEC Head inspires young minds with “The Art of Understanding Mathematics” Talk

An initiative under the Vidya International Charitable Trust, the Vidya Social Empowerment Center (VSEC) focuses on delivering impactful social empowerment initiatives.

Dr. Siju K. C (Head, VSEC and Asso. Prof, AS Dept) delivered an insightful online talk on 11 May 2025 for the eighth-grade scholarship recipients of the Kovilakam Foundation. The Kovilakam Foundation is a charitable organization committed to empowering children in rural areas through education.

The session, titled “The Art of Understanding Mathematics” offered an engaging exploration of how mathematical concepts are woven into everyday life, aiming to inspire and challenge academically gifted students.

The talk began with real-life examples, such as how vehicles navigate curves, highlighting the geometry behind their movements. Dr. Siju guided students through comparisons between different vehicles, illustrating why some can handle tight turns more efficiently than others. Using relatable scenarios—like bicycles maneuvering through narrow paths versus buses requiring wider turns—she effectively demonstrated how mathematical thinking extends beyond the classroom and into the world around us.

The session then transitioned into practical arithmetic applications. Through relatable shopping scenarios, Dr. Siju illustrated how quantitative reasoning can lead to smarter decision-making. By comparing different discount structures, students learned how mathematical analysis plays a crucial role in everyday financial choices. This part of the session successfully translated numerical concepts into real-life problem-solving skills.Throughout the session, Dr. Siju fostered a warm, interactive atmosphere, encouraging questions and reflections. Her clear explanations and everyday analogies kept the young audience engaged, making the hour-long session both educational and enjoyable.

The talk concluded with a powerful takeaway: mathematics is not merely a subject to study, but a lens through which one can view, interpret and understand the world.Overall, the session bridged the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications, leaving students inspired to see mathematics as a key tool for understanding the world around them.