Shakuntala Devi

Primes are the important main ingredient of numbers, for every number is either a prime or a product of primes.

The concept of zero is attributed to the Hindus. The Hindus were also the first to use zero in the way it is used today.

I don't even possess a car. I ride in auto-rickshaws because I like to be a part of the masses. I don't want to single myself out as someone up and above.

I have been running maths clubs for children completely free. In my building in Bangalore, I conduct maths clubs for several months, and every child who attended the club was poor in mathematics and is now showing brilliant results.

I relax completely when I'm at rest. I don't think of numbers; I don't think of work.

If you do not use a muscle or any part of the body, it tends to become atrophic. So is the case with the brain. The more you use it, the better it becomes.

Numbers have life; they're not just symbols on paper.

Students shy away from Maths, but in reality Maths is the best friend of man.

I haven't had any formal education. Through the grace of god, I am gifted in mathematics and the English language.

I cannot transfer my abilities to anyone, but I can think of quicker ways with which to help people develop numerical aptitude.

I grew up in a semi-slum area in Gavipuram, Guttahalli.

Why do children dread mathematics? Because of the wrong approach. Because it is looked at as a subject.

Nobody challenges me. I challenge myself.

I travelled round the world giving demonstrations of my talents. In every country, I performed for students, professors, teachers, bankers, accountants, and even laymen who knew very little, or nothing at all, about mathematics.

Solving wits and puzzles, in a way, helps to develop wit and ingenuity.

I have written a book called 'In the Wonderland of Numbers.' It's about a young girl, Neha, who is very poor in mathematics, but in a series of illusory experiences, she becomes a great mathematician.

I have a particular affection for zero because it was some of my countrymen who first gave it the status of a number.

What is mathematics? It is only a systematic effort of solving puzzles posed by nature.

At three, I fell in love with numbers. It was sheer ecstasy for me to do sums and get the right answers. Numbers were toys with which I could play.

Knowing more about numbers and being acquainted with them will not only enrich our lives but also contribute towards managing our day to day affairs much better.