Shakuntala Devi (4 November 1929 – 21 April 2013), commonly known as the “Human-Computer“, was a scientific calculator from childhood. Seeing his talent, his name was also included in the ‘Guinness Book of World Records in 1982. Shakuntala Devi had the ability to tell in a moment the day of any date of the last century. He had not received any formal education. She was also an astrologer.
Life and Career
Shakuntala Devi was born on 4 November 1929, in Bangalore, India. From a young age, she exhibited exceptional mathematical skills, and by the age of 5, she was performing complex mental calculations. Her prodigious ability to solve mathematical problems mentally earned her the title of “Human Computer.”
Shakuntala Devi’s career was marked by her incredible mathematical abilities. She performed in numerous live shows and demonstrations across the world, showcasing her skills in mental calculations, rapid calculations, and mathematical puzzles. She also authored several books on mathematics, including her popular book “Figuring: The Joy of Numbers,” which was published in 1977. She was known for her ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and entertaining to a wide audience.
Shakuntala Devi passed away on 21 April 2013, at the age of 83, due to respiratory failure in Bangalore, India. Her death was a great loss to the world of mathematics and mental calculation, as she had made significant contributions to the field.
Award and Legacy
Awards and Legacy of Shakuntala Devi: Shakuntala Devi’s remarkable achievements earned her several awards and recognition during her lifetime. She received the Ramanujan Mathematical Genius Award in 1988 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in 2013, posthumously. She was also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for her exceptional mental calculation abilities.
Shakuntala Devi’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate people around the world, especially in the field of mathematics. Her pioneering work in mental calculation, her ability to popularize mathematics, and her efforts to make it accessible to a wider audience have left a lasting impact. She remains an icon and a role model for aspiring mathematicians, mental calculators, and individuals interested in the wonders of numbers and human potential.
On her 84th birthday, on 4 November 2013, Google dedicated a Google Doodle in her honor.