Sunday, 22 June 2025

Math Books

We will be working on two Mathematics Related Books in this WEEK. 

  1. Piergiorgio Odifreddi's "The Mathematical Century." Originally written in Italian in 1950. Ask for PDF from me. 
  2. E. T. Bell's "Men of Mathematics." Ask for PDF from me.  
  3. Mathematics: Loss of Certainty = Here is a 6-7 pages of short discussion on CERTAINTY issue from the original book. Ask for PDF from me. 
  4. Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid Full Book
  5. And here is an Essay on the GEB = "the most influential book in my life"
  6. Finally, a New York Times BESTSELLER = Love and Math Ask e-Book from me. 

Friday, 20 June 2025

Films - Clips - Trailers

  1. "বাইসাইকেল থিফ" এর সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপুর্ণ দৃশ্যগুলো দেখতে ক্লিক করুন = BICYCLE THIEF
  2. "ব্রেথলেস" এর সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপুর্ণ দৃশ্য/অংশ গুলো দেখতে ক্লিক করুন = 
  3. "পথের পাঁচালী" এর শ্রেষ্ঠ দৃশ্যগুলো দেখতে ক্লিক করুন = পথের পাঁচালী
  4. "চারুলতা" এর সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপুর্ণ দৃশ্য/অংশ গুলো দেখতে ক্লিক করুন = চারু-র ঘরের ভেতরের জগত

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Reading Mathematics with Doubt

Mathematics is often accepted without any doubt. The following materials will create doubt and open a new way of looking at mathematics. I am attaching names of few books, all of which are available of request. 

1. The first article is a conversation between two intelligent minds. It's titled "Mathematics, Philosophy, and Artificial Intelligence." It is one of the most illuminating piece of talk I have come across in my reading of mathematics. I first read it in 2016 and almost after ten years, I find it even more revealing as we have arrived at the ChatGPT era. Link here = Carlo Rota + David Sharp Conversation

2. Lets now look at a film called "The Man Who Knew Infinity". The film is surely about Ramanujan, the enigmatic figure of mathematics who is believed to be an incarnation of Brahma, and that also in the age of airplanes and atom bombs. His works are still studied at the top academic institutions in USA, UK, Europe and elsewhere. 

3. Next we talk about A Mathematician's Apology (1940), a fifty-page essay by prominent British mathematician and an advocate of pure mathematics. He wrote the essay while reflecting on the aesthetics and value of mathematical research. Hardy is famously known for discovering Ramanujan’s work in the early 1910s when Ramanujan sent him a letter filled with theorems and results. Impressed, Hardy invited Ramanujan to Cambridge, where they collaborated closely. Hardy helped Ramanujan refine his work and brought his genius to the global mathematical stage. While A Mathematician’s Apology was written decades later and is largely Hardy’s personal reflection on mathematics, the experience with Ramanujan deeply influenced Hardy’s views on mathematical creativity and beauty. Hardy often referred to Ramanujan’s intuitive genius as a striking example of mathematical inspiration. Link here = Mathematician's Apology

4. Our next book "Men of Mathematics" is often cited as the book that inspired millions of people from poets to painters, from teenagers to big guy philosophers about the chronological figures in the world of mathematics. Please note that there is not there is no exercise to trouble you. You just read about math. Ask for your PDF Copy.  

5. Then we move to "Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics" a slim 200-page HANDOUT which covers everything from ancient counting to irrational numbers to topology. LOGOPHILES students have been using this handout for more than a decade to learn about different fields of mathematics. A MUST Read for all. John Hutchin has this handout available for us all. This can be found in his Github page. Link here = Introduction to Mathematics (latest version 2019)

6. Finally, the star of our reading list - GEB. The name of this book inspires giggle and awe. Its full form title is "Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid". I could talk about for at least 10 pages for this 900 page book. We have been using this book for Logophiles students for the past 10-12 years. We shall talk about the theme of the book, the plans, the ideas and also why the book is put on mandatory reading list of MIT's first year undergraduate students. You can also read a couple of short essays about the book by former Logophiles students. I intend to invite one of our former students to tell us more about this book. 




 



Tuesday, 17 June 2025

ECA = Tell the TRUTH

Logophiles Guide to ECA preparation

1. Understanding Where You Stand

Many of you have strong Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) profiles, but most are either just starting or experimenting with different interests. Some of you are engaged in one or two activities, while others have yet to start seriously. That’s perfectly normal—ECA development is a process.


2. Early Years (Up to Class 9–10): Explore Broadly

This is the time to test your interests. You may:

  • Join dance or karate classes
  • Try photography or art
  • Act in school plays
  • Engage in singing or painting
  • Volunteer with a social organization (e.g., helping the poor or distributing clothes)

The goal is to explore widely and figure out what excites you.


3. Senior Years (Class 11–12): Focus Narrowly

As you grow older, especially in Class 11 and 12, it's important to narrow your focus:

  • Choose 2–3 core ECAs, maximum 4
  • Concentrate your time and effort in those areas

For example:

  • Social service (connected with one or two organizations)
  • Photography or painting
  • Theatre or music

This focused approach shows depth, commitment, and real personal development.


4. Do You Need Certificates or Proof?

Yes and No.

  • If you have certificates—great.
  • If you don’t—it’s okay. You can still include the activity in your resume or personal statement.

However, you must not lie.

  • Any false claim will be evident from how you describe your experience.
  • Even if you worked for just 2–3 days in a social organization, you must know what you learned, what you saw, and how it affected you.

Truthful experiences matter more than decorated lies.


5. The Importance of Social Engagement

Most students have tried various activities, but very few—only about 5–10%—have real, consistent engagement with social causes.

Why does this matter?

  • Universities value applicants who show commitment to community service and social awareness
  • A strong social engagement reflects leadership, empathy, and purpose

So, build genuine involvement, not just a checklist of activities.


6. Final Thoughts

  • Reflect on your strengths and interests
  • Commit to a few meaningful activities
  • Prioritize honesty, consistency, and depth
  • Focus especially on social contribution, which is highly valued in university applications

ECA Summary Table

Stage

Suggested Focus

Key Takeaway

Class 6–10

Explore broadly (dance, art, social work, etc.)

Test different interests

Class 11–12

Focus on 2–3 core ECAs

Show commitment and growth

Documentation

Certificates help, but are not essential

Be honest and prepared to explain

Social Service

Highly recommended

Universities value real-world impact

 



  1. Common Types of ECA Engagement (Class 6–10) – showing the variety of early interests.
  2. Long-Term ECA Commitment (Class 11–12) – highlighting the issue of unfocused participation in later years.