Date:12/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/12/stories/2005081206640200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Mathematical geniuses

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: This was a State-level competitive event where mental stamina rather than physical endurance mattered. The first maths competition of its kind organised by Ideal Play Abacus, Karnataka, saw 500 children between the ages of four years and 12 years gather at the Town Hall. In all, 120 children won prizes at different levels.

For those who are used to having a calculator at hand, the task that these children accomplished was mindboggling. The children were asked to solve 50 mathematical problems in five minutes with the abacus and 50 sums mentally, and were tested for accuracy and speed.

The competition was tough on the evaluators as well, for they found that most of the children got the answers right in their respective levels. This resulted in the organisers having to hand out five or six first and second prizes.

Children from smaller towns such as Tumkur, Davangere and Karwar performed well and showed that they are as smart as the kids from big cities. It was a real treat for parents and teachers to watch two children, Abhishek and Padmapriya, who managed to do the calculations faster than most others.

Abhishek solved sums involving 11 rows and 11 columns in less than a minute.

Lalitha Murthy, principal of Navkis Educational Centre, and Lokesh, Director of the SOS Childrens' Village, were the chief guests. They admired the mathematical skills of the children and wished them luck.