New Delhi: The Department of Mathematics of South Asian University, New Delhi organized a five day workshop “Instructional Workshop on Applied Mathematics” during the second week of May, 2013. The workshop that saw participation from 8 countries had objectives that include training young scientists in the identified topics in Applied Mathematics and acquainting them with the recent developments in the area. The workshop provided experts in Applied Mathematics from the South Asian region a common platform to interact and share their experiences.

The resource persons who delivered series of lectures include Professor B.K. Dass (University of Delhi), Professor M. K. Kadalbajoo (IIT, Kanpur), Professor Karmeshu (JNU, New Delhi), Professor S.S. Khare (NEHU, Shillong), Professor S. M. Maskey (Tribhuvan University, Nepal), Dr. P. K. Saxena (SAG, DRDO) and Professor A. P. Singh (Central University, Rajasthan). In all, in a total of 16 sessions, 23 instructional lectures and 16 contributory talks were delivered covering a wide range of topics in Applied Mathematics such as Differential Equations, Mathematical Modelling, Stochastic Modelling, Cryptography, Fractal Geometry, Coding Theory, Complex Dynamics and Fuzzy Logic.

In his talk “Mathematics in Nepal”, Prof S. M. Maskey, described the education system in general and mathematics education in particular, in Nepal during different periods of time. According to Prof Maskey, Nepal lacks expertise and there is in tremendous need of motivation among young faculty and research scholars. He felt that the establishment of SAU should cater all such needs of all SAARC nations. In this regard, he appreciated the initiative taken by the department of mathematics for organizing this workshop and suggested that sequels of this workshop should be organized year after year, preferably, in different SAARC countries under the leadership of SAU. Prof Kumudu Mallawa Arachchi of University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka also endorsed this idea and told that, in Sri Lanka, not many universities have even master’s programme in mathematics which is an essential ingredient of any academics. Prof Kumudu told that holding such workshops in Sri Lanka would definitely help in this direction.

Financially supported by SAU, DST, CSIR and DRDO, the workshop was a big success.