What is in a name, in Mathematics?

Nirmaljit Kaur

Till a few years ago when secularism was not such a bad word, it essentially meant either being religion-neutral or an all-inclusive approach. But it has recently acquired 'pseudo' as prefix. Political parties and analysts specialise in working out the cast, communities and religion specific calculations for suitable electoral gains. Government policies, schemes are drafted and implemented keeping such equations in mind. 

During lunch break, our discussion in the staff room often drifts towards the state of communal tensions. We often worry how to make young minds more tolerant to children of other faiths. “While the language and social sciences teachers have enough opportunity to talk about secular values and gender issues, what can  maths teachers do to promote social harmony?” I asked my friends. After much pondering, a colleague suggested that we can experiment with mathematical questions in classrooms, periodic tests and exams.

After some brain storming we decided to combine social inclusiveness in framing mathematical problems. A problem on ratio and proportion would be framed like, “Suresh, Anwar and Charles are partners in the proportion of…….. or “Amarjit lends Rs 2 lakh to Ajay at the rate of……” Our students were rather amused and did sometime ask us about the names. We welcomed such queries as an opportunity to drive home the theme that the society does not comprise of Rams and Shams but a heterogeneous mix of all who can do business together. In our text books a farmer is usually named as Haria or Bhikhu. We decided to give them dignity by naming them  Navin Chander, Shokat Ali or Baldev Singh in our mathematical statements.

Then a parent suggested we integrate gender equality in mathematics.  Instead of using Sita and Gita we decided to use Pallavi and Peter or Sabina and Sanjay and often portrayed females as leaders, such as, “Ashok, John and Shakil are the employees of Gayatri’s company…….” Initially we noticed that thegirls were elated by the socially upgraded picturing but over time it was accepted as normal, though some innocent questions continue to be asked. We are only too happy to help ease this non mathematical problem of communal and gender equation. Our society could be a lot better if teachers and parents understand the importance of bringing equality without actually making a special effort.

 Yesterday, as we were discussing the next year's plan, a senior colleague quipped, “Girls, the social and gender agenda is only half done, you must include Malayalee, Maharashtrian, Assamese and Manipuri names to complete national integration”. We will be only too happy to do that.