With an accent on excellence

"OUR UNIVERSITIES are on the decline. Our intellectuals and research scholars are not available for teaching, unlike in Harvard and Oxford where knowledge is revered," the mathematician, Dr. C. S. Seshadri begins, expressing a mixture of concern and enthusiasm in his soft voice.

"In the U.S., people have a great regard for universities. The quality of education remains untouched. In France, where there is a high level of awareness and competency as far as education in Mathematics goes, universities generate a lot of public interest. They follow the Ecole Normale Superieure, which is what we have adopted in India. Why should people involved in research not teach? Maths education in our country is dwindling. It serves only to fill up vacancies in banks, or similar jobs", notes Seshadri.

Dr. Seshadri is the founder of the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI). Algebraic Geometry is his special area of interest and the undergraduate programme in mathematical sciences, his pet project. A major part of the Institute's funding till now has come from SPIC.

From this year, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), ISRO and other organisations in India and the U.S., will also assist the CMI.

Hailing from Kancheepuram, Dr. Seshadri's early education was in Chingelpet and Madras. "I had an uncle, a brilliant person, who was a recluse. He used to give me maths problems to solve, and my interest in Maths grew. Later, I joined the Loyola College. Those days, awareness of high level Maths was very high."

Later, he went to Bombay, and then to France where he lived and worked. "I had never thought of starting an institution..." For Dr. Seshadri, what is "right" and what is "wise" in life, as he puts it, may be different, but looking ahead at what the future generation can be proud of, they merge at a point.

Today, CMI has established itself as one of the best institutions in India for pursuing research in mathematics and computer science. It has an excellent teaching faculty (drawn not only from the CMI but also from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research , Mumbai) well-established Ph.D. programmes and interaction with other reputed institutions in India and abroad. The National Undergraduate Programme (NUP), a three-year undergraduate course in Maths and Computer Science leading to a B.Sc. (Honours) degree, is being well received.

Students from different parts of India have joined the course. Though it is in its initial stages, its teething problems are almost over. Under this programme, a select group of students are given intensive training in the two subjects.

From 2001, an M.Sc. component will be added to the teaching programme. The degrees will be awarded by the Bhoj University.

CMI has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for the exchange of students and teachers with the Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS), France. A similar agreement has been worked out with the School of Mathematics at TIFR, Mumbai.

In Dr. Seshadri's words, "This research group is our goodwill. Any creative profession requires a good teaching faculty so that it grows and evolves naturally into a full-fledged institution, a university. CMI is the nucleus around which, in course of time, a first-rate university will grow."

A noticeable aspect of CMI is the process it has adopted in its growth plans. The institute believes in first creating a sound base, one made up of highly qualified teachers, before reaching out to students and the society at large. A truly creative venture, professional and sound in its approach. A hope for the future.

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Points of view

YASHONIDHI, HIMADRI and Saket are new to the city. They came down South to join the Chennai Mathematical Institute. They are very happy with the quality of education at the Institute, specially since they get a chance to study under mathematicians of repute. The Institute has provided accommodation and a mess for the students.

According to Yashonidhi from Delhi, people in Chennai are very cultured and traditional. Obviously he hasn't explored much of the city, though. "The only places I get to visit are T.Nagar and Guindy. We hardly get any time." His life in the city is not lively enough. "I like to play. The city doesn't have enough parks and playgrounds." He is not much inclined towards the arts and culture. "People are very cultured here. They're very nice and understand our feelings. And language has never been a problem. Even the vegetable vendor speaks English."

However, his experience with the electricity department has not been too happy. "They were very indifferent. Their forms are all in Tamil, and even the officials who know English refused to speak it."

Saket, who is from Bihar, loves music and seems the adventurous kind. "What I like about the people is their simplicity. They are down-to-earth and sober!" He prefers Hindustani to Carnatic music, but rarely gets to hear it.

"One thing I miss here is the change in seasons. Nature doesn't change much, it's hot most of the time!" He voiced his concern about autorickshaw drivers. "When they ask for directions, they understand English, but once your destination is reached, they pretend ignorance when you question their exorbitant fares."

They all agreed that policemen in the city were friendly and helpful. Very dependable too. The talk turned to sambar.

"It is available everywhere in the country now. But here it seems to be more expensive!" Saket added, "Most of the shops close very early. It's difficult to commute after a certain time in the night." Saket, it seems, has been learning a lot about Chennai, although he hasn't been around much.

Himadri, from Calcutta, is happy to be in this culturally sensitive city. "I wish there were more bookshops catering to students. In Calcutta, we have a whole market devoted entirely to books." Himadri loves music, and sings too. Oh yes, he definitely misses the sweets of Calcutta. He feels sweets are expensive here.

Listening to them, one feels nostalgic. It is not just the city life that is affecting them. It is the freshness and the new- found freedom. Everything is still so new!

GEETA VARMA

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