‘ I grew up in a semi slum area in Gavipuram, Guttahalli. I haven’t had any formal education. Through the grace of God, I am gifted in Mathematics and English language‘. – Dr.Shakuntala Devi. Having one of the humblest beginning, Shakuntala Devi had her insane ability to tackle intricate mental arithmetic from a very young age, literally starting when she was just 3 years old. When asked about how she could do such a rare deed, she replied that, ‘I don’t even know, it just came natural….I don’t have any explanations’. Shakuntala Devi was such an icon who deserved the world, with her witty and quick calculations, it is more obvious to say that in a way she was owning an entire era.
More than being an eminent mathematician, Shakuntala Devi had a very vibrant social life. As told by her daughter Anupama Banerjee, she used to wear bright colour sarees, loved to spend time with young people in parties, changed her looks frequently , it is obvious that she used to cherish herself a lot, giving ample examples for women to make them choose the way they should embrace their womanhood. Despite being a mathematician, Shakuntala Deviwas none for her taste and significant works in astrology, cooking and mysteries. Shakuntala Devi was one such
noteworthy personality who leaves great impression on others. Nayanika Mahtani, co-writer of the film’Shakuntala Devi’, recalls how Shakuntala Devi came to her school for demonstrating her skills,and how Shakuntala Devi and her show stayed with her over the years. Realising her potential she moved to London, and started touring the world, demonstrating her exceptional arithmetical skills.
Shakuntala Devi always adores the number zero saying, ‘ I always have a particular affection to zero, because it was some of my countrymen who first gave it the status of a number’.Reaching an extraordinary milestone of her life, Dr. Shakuntala Devi has invaded a field where it was even rare to find fellow women mathematicians..She has been adorned with the title of’ Human Computer’, though she never liked this title. She said, human mind has in comparably much capabilities than the computer and it is not appropriate to compare human mind with computers. Dr. Shakuntala Devi has taught the society to be extraordinary and different rather than sticking to the conservative norms of the society. She has been and will remain as an inspiration to young girls and women to break the shackles of the society. Being an authentic icon of our nation, Dr. Shakuntala Devi’s legacy still remains to evoke the sense of epiphany among each individual irrespective of their age, gender,community, race and so on. She has always been the pride of India and her legacy still keeps the population to reach their goals. The authentic heroine was a woman of her words as she always lived up to her own words, ‘Nobody challenges me, I challenge myself’.
