Shakuntala Devi and the Power of Calculation
Swarnali Saha
Founder, Welcome2Maths | 15+ years as a Math Teacher & Life Skills Coach
As a math coach and someone who breathes numbers every single day, I find deep inspiration in the story of one of the greatest minds India has ever produced — Shakuntala Devi, famously known as the Human Computer.
Her story isn't just about numbers. It's about the power of natural talent, the beauty of mental calculation, and the possibility of achieving brilliance without formal training. And as someone who guides students through the journey of mastering mental math, I often find myself in awe of her journey.
🧒 A Childhood of Numbers and Wonder
Shakuntala Devi was born in Bangalore in 1929. She didn’t have access to a traditional education in math — yet, by the age of three, she was solving problems that left grown-ups stunned. Her father, a circus performer, first noticed her extraordinary ability when she beat him at a card game using logic and calculation. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with numbers.
By age six, she was giving math demonstrations at universities. Her mental abilities knew no bounds, and over time, she earned the title “Human Computer” for her incredible speed and accuracy.
🌍 Her Genius in Action
One of her most iconic moments came in 1977, when she mentally calculated the 23rd root of a 201-digit number in just 50 seconds — faster than the computer programmed to solve it.
But the one that gives me goosebumps is her Guinness World Record feat in 1980, when she multiplied two 13-digit numbers:
She gave the correct answer in only 28 seconds, all without paper, pen, or calculator.
As a teacher of mental math, I know what it takes for a student to solve multi-digit calculations with speed. And Shakuntala Devi did it with elegance and ease, using mental patterns and number intuition that still remain a mystery to many.
🎓 Why She Matters to Me as a Math Coach
I work with children and competitive exam aspirants from around the world. Many of them struggle not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack confidence in calculation. And every time I teach, I carry a little spark of Shakuntala Devi’s story with me — because she proved that with the right mindset, the human brain can outshine machines.
That’s why I created my Master Calculation Course — a step-by-step journey into building speed, accuracy, and confidence in mathematics. While Shakuntala Devi was naturally gifted, I believe that with structured training, practice, and proper techniques, students can unlock their own mental math potential.
My course doesn’t just teach tricks — it helps students think faster, calculate smarter, and feel genuinely good about math.
🎬 A Legacy That Lives On
In 2020, her story was beautifully brought to life in the Hindi film Shakuntala Devi, and it reminded me once again how powerful her journey was — especially for those of us teaching and learning math today.
Her legacy isn’t just about numbers. It’s about believing in your own potential, even when the world tells you it’s impossible.
💡 What I Take from Her Story
Shakuntala Devi will always be a guiding light for me as a math coach. Her brilliance reminds me why I do what I do — to help every child discover that math is not just a subject, but a skill they can enjoy and master.
If you're a parent, student, or math enthusiast who wants to build real calculation power, I invite you to explore my Master Calculation Course — because genius isn’t born; it’s trained.
Let’s keep the spirit of Shakuntala Devi alive — one calculation at a time. 💡
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