Decoding Vedic Maths

As per a recent newspaper article, Vedic Maths only aids in speedy calculations and not in logical thinking and clarification of concept. Do you agree?

All formulas in Vedic Mathematics have an algebraical proof which has been duly given in the book 'Vedic Mathematics' by Tirthaji and also in the new book 'Vedic Mathematics Proofs' published in 2013. Some proofs needed to be generalized have been done so in this new book. For example in the method of multiplication by the 'Vertically & Crosswise' rule one understands that the process is through a visual pattern, with a solid algebraic proof. You first multiply the units with the units place to arrive at the unit's digit of the answer and so on. Vedic Maths, one is given a choice of methods to arrive at the answer, rather than sticking to one method of solving a problem.

How is Vedic Maths different from conventional Mathematics?

Firstly India is facing a huge Maths Crisis. According to the ASER 2014 report, only 26.3 per cent of Class III children could perform a two digit subtraction. Only 26.1 per cent of children in Class V knew division and only 44.1 per cent in Class VIII could solve a three digit by one digit division problem. This is a serious cause for concern. The current Math methods have failed and hence there is a need for alternate methods which simplifies the concepts for them. Instead of making kids love the math they hate, why can't we make math they would love to learn? That is where Vedic Maths steps in. Since the current set methods have failed; why not introduce some new Vedic Maths Methods in the curriculum? In my opinion Vedic Maths helps in speedy calculations and provides a solid foundation of proofs.

With the emergence of technology like computers and calculators, the relevance of speedy calculations through Vedic Maths has diminished. Your views?

I do not think that the relevance of Vedic Maths has diminished because of technology. According to a survey in the United Kingdom (UK), 17 million adults had math skills less than that of a 11 year old kid. So when the UK government understood this, they brought about a series of educational reforms and as part of the reforms they banned calculators in the primary level from 2014. The government felt that "Over-reliance on calculators meant children missed the rigorous grounding in mental and written arithmetic they needed to progress." I think mental maths skills are necessary for children who are not introduced to technology. In South Africa where students have not been exposed much to technology, we found out that after introducing them to the Vedic Maths system they understood Maths much better and their scores improved by a huge margin.

Is there a perception or awareness problem about Vedic Mathsin India ?
I think there is an awareness gap about Vedic Maths, in its own country of origin. People are yet to find out about the benefits of it and once they do – they simply love the concept. Also, there is no acknowledgement by the Government of India so far, and hence large cross sections of people do not know about it yet. To promote Vedic Maths, just as Yoga or Ayurveda, there has to be some involvement by the Government with respect to building an opinion.