Indian mathematician Neena Gupta solves Zariski's Problem to win Ramanujan Prize 2021. 8 points
Neena Gupta, mathematician and professor at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata, has been awarded the Ramanujan Prize 2021. Ramanujan Prize was first awarded in 2005. It is given to researchers less than 45 years of age from developing countries in the feild of mathematics. The prize is named after Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Neena, from Kolkata, received this prestigious prize for her outstanding work in algebraic geometry and commutative algebra.
This journey was not a piece of cake for her. Here are 8 points that will take you through her journey:
1. THIRD WOMAN: Neena Gupta is the third woman in the world and the fourth Indian to receive the Ramanujan Prize.
2. ZARISKI’S PROBLEM SOLVED: Neena Gupta has been recognised for her commendable work in commutative algebra and affine algebraic geometry, especially for solving Zariski’s Cancellation Problem. The Zariski's Cancellation Problem is one of the world's greatest mathematical problems. It is a fundamental problem in algebraic geometry.
3. REJECTION TURNED SUCCESS: In 2009, when Neena was a PhD student at the Indian Statistical Institute, she introduced her idea to crack Zariski's Cancdellation Problem to her professor. But her professor advised her to drop the idea and called it a "waste of time". In 2012, she found a workable solution to the problem, and won the Indian National Science Academy's Medal for Young Scientists for the same in 2014.
4. MATHEMATICS IS EASY: In an interaction with India Today, Neena said, “Mathematics is not difficult. Unlike other subjects, one can't memorise and no one can spoon-feed you. If your concept is clear, even you can solve the problems. Practice is the key. There is no other mantra. The more you practice, the more your mind will open up. Once you start doing it, it will start generating your interest and you will fall in love. What happens is when you get scared you start ignoring it.”
5. WE NEED TO FIND MORE SOLUTIONS: When asked about her future plans, Neena said that this is not the end; instead, it is the beginning. She said that there are many unsolved problems in the world of mathematics. "I need to teach my students and learn from them. One needs to keep learning; there is no end to it," said Gupta.
6. COMPLETED PHD IN 2 YEARS: Neena completed her PhD in 2011 in commutative algebra under the guidance of Amartya Kumar Dutta. She told her father that she needed 5 years to complete her PhD. But like her father believed, she completed it within 2 years only.
7. EDUCATION: Neena studied at Khalsa High School in Dunlop, Kolkata. She studied Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Bethune College, Kolkata. Later, she completed her masters and PhD in mathematics from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, where she works as a professor now.
8. FAMILY SUPPORT: In several media interactions, Neena mentioned that her family is really supportive. She and her family are proud of this achievement.