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Rosenheim under the sign of the arithmetic miracle: Shankuntala Devi thrilled!
Find out more about Shankuntala Devi, the "arithmetic miracle", and her appearance in Rosenheim in 1975 - a fascinating mix of mathematics and tragedy.
Rosenheim under the sign of the arithmetic miracle: Shankuntala Devi thrilled!
On June 14, 1975, a fascinating report about the extraordinary abilities of Shakuntala Devi, also known as the “Indian arithmetic miracle,” appeared in the Oberbayerisches Volksblatt (OVB). In the small town of Rosenheim, she performed before an enthusiastic audience and demonstrated through her amazing mathematical calculations that she could solve root calculations faster than a calculator. Among those present were Mayor Dr. Michael Stöcker as well as Josef Großmann, Anton Kathrein and Siegfried Wiedemann, who were all impressed by Devi's talents.
Shakuntala Devi, born on November 4, 1929 in Bangalore, grew up in a family of circus artists. Her father, C.V. Sundararaja Rao discovered her talent for numbers early on, which she showed at the age of three. Her first appearance at the University of Mysore at the age of six was impressive, where she amazed scientists. Despite her impressive abilities, she never attended school and accompanied her family on trips around the globe since she was 15. In 1977, she performed at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and calculated the 23rd root of a 201-digit number in an incredible 50 seconds - a record confirmed by the United States.
A life for the numbers
Shakuntala Devi's extraordinary achievements received worldwide recognition and in 1982 she was included in the Guinness Book of Records. Her biggest challenge was multiplying two 13-digit numbers, which she mastered in just 28 seconds - also a record. These achievements fascinated many, but she often questioned the practical utility of her mathematical skills. This complexity of her personality is also reflected in her reflection as a writer and astrologer, where she wrote several books, including “The World of Homosexuals,” one of the first studies on homosexuality in India. The impetus for this book came from her personal experience when she discovered her former husband's homosexuality
Shakuntala Devi was more than just a math prodigy; She was a cultural ambassador who demonstrated her skills in countries around the world and addressed social issues, particularly those related to LGBTQ+ rights. She also became politically active in the 1980s when she contested the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate. Although she was unsuccessful, she remained a distinctive figure who emphasized equality and individual identity.
A lasting legacy
Her life's work was recognized posthumously when a Google Doodle appeared on her 84th birthday in 2013. Many still remember her and her impressive skills today. The film Shakuntala Devi, announced in May 2019 and released on Amazon Prime Video on July 31, 2020, was dedicated to her remarkable life and legacy.
But while Shakuntala Devi amazed everyone in Rosenheim with her mathematical skills, not long ago another tragic news broke through the city. A seven-year-old boy choked on a bratwurst in Tüßling, which led to the emergency services being immediately alerted. Unfortunately, all efforts to save lives were unsuccessful and caused great horror in the region. This shows once again how everyday life is often filled with sad events.
Both impressive talents and tragic incidents characterize the reporting from the region. Shakuntala Devi is remembered as a fascinating personality who inspired many people with her skills and life story.