The 20th century witnessed countless tragedies, but the untimely death of Srinivasa Ramanujan at just 32 years of age remains one of the most poignant. A self-taught mathematical prodigy from humble beginnings, Ramanujan broke societal and institutional barriers to unlock the universe's hidden truths. Even as illness consumed him, he continued to work tirelessly, producing groundbreaking mathematical results.
When Ramanujan passed away in 1920, he left behind three notebooks and loose pages filled with profound insights that mathematicians continue to study today. His equations and discoveries inspire not only mathematicians but also modern advancements in quantum theory, string theory, biology, economics, and more.
Truth and Divinity in Ramanujan’s Work
The Rigveda (1.164.46) proclaims the timeless wisdom: "एकम सत विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति" (Truth is One, but sages call it by various names). For Ramanujan, mathematics was not merely a collection of numbers and symbols; it was a divine language that expressed the thoughts of God. He once said, "An equation means nothing to me unless it expresses a thought of God."
His approach transcended the ordinary, bridging logic and spirituality, science and metaphysics. Ramanujan’s discoveries serve as a testament to the interconnectedness of all knowledge, a reflection of the divine unity expressed in the Vedas.
The Partition Formula: A Bridge Across Disciplines
As per the Rigveda (1.164.46), "Truth is One, but sages call it by various names"—a principle beautifully illustrated in the partition formula. This mathematical concept calculates the number of ways an integer can be expressed as a sum of positive integers. For example:
For 5:
- (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1)
- (1 + 1 + 1 + 2)
- (1 + 1 + 3)
- (1 + 2 + 2)
- (1 + 4)
- (2 + 3)
- (5)
The number 5 can be expressed in 7 distinct ways.
For 9:
- (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1)
- (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2)
- (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3)
- (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4)
- (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 5)
- (1 + 1 + 1 + 6)
- (1 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1)
- And many more. In total, there are 30 distinct ways to partition the number 9.
If we consider these integers as truths, their partitions demonstrate how a singular truth manifests in multiple forms. This mirrors the wisdom of "Truth is One, but sages call it by various names", as it unifies disciplines as diverse as mathematics, quantum mechanics, computer science, and biology.
Ramanujan’s Enduring Impact
Ramanujan’s life, though tragically short, was a beacon of intellectual and spiritual brilliance. His contributions remind us of the profound unity underlying all fields of knowledge, echoing the philosophy of the Vedas. His work continues to inspire scientists and thinkers, proving that even in adversity, the pursuit of truth and divinity can illuminate the world.
The partition formula, a cornerstone of his work, stands as a mathematical embodiment of the universal truth expressed in the Rigveda. It is a testament to Ramanujan’s belief that mathematics is not just computation but the very language of God.
Let us honor Ramanujan’s legacy—a legacy that bridges the finite and the infinite, logic and spirituality, truth and its myriad expressions.
