Decades old BBC An interview with Indian mathematical prodigy Shakuntala Devi has resurfaced on the Internet, again highlighting her exceptional ability to perform rapid mental calculations.
Often referred to as the “human computer”, Devi has become a household name for her numerical skills, which she has demonstrated around the world through public and media appearances. She died in 2013 at the age of 83, but her work and legacy continue to attract attention.
Known for solving complex problems in seconds
In the new skin clip, Devi is seen performing advanced calculations with remarkable speed. During the interview, she calculated the 23rd square root of a large number in under a minute, visibly surprising the presenter.
Her abilities extended beyond roots to include multiplying large numbers and determining the day of the week for historical dates almost instantly. These feats were performed without the aid of calculators or written methods, relying entirely on mental calculations.
The Internet is responding
The video caused a lot of reactions on the Internet.
One user commented, “Not just a math wizard, but an incredibly articulate and intelligent human being.”
Another user commented: “LEGEND!! She came to our school and had the opportunity to ask her to solve a math equation, not only did she tell me the correct answer but she also mentioned that the numbers I had on my piece of paper were wrong because I used a calculator and the answer was wrong… what a privilege.”
A third user wrote: “She didn’t just have skill, she built a legacy. We can all learn a lot from her focus and determination!”
Watch the video here:
Early talent discovered without formal education
According to documented reports, Devi’s numerical abilities were evident in her early childhood, despite having no formal education. Her father, who worked as a circus performer, is said to have discovered her talent while playing card games with her.
She was observed to be able to memorize and recall sequences of cards, a skill that later turned into advanced numerical abilities. At the age of six, she was already performing in public and earned recognition as a child prodigy.
Global recognition and record performances
Over the years, Shakuntala Devi has gained international recognition for her abilities. She was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for her computational speed, including her ability to multiply large numbers quickly.
In 2020, Guinness World Records awarded her the title of “fastest human calculation”, a decade after she first achieved the feat.
In addition to live demonstrations, Devi has also written several books aimed at simplifying mathematics and making it accessible. Her works included titles such as Fun with Numbers and Puzzle to Puzzle You.
“God’s gift”, she said of her ability
In interviews, Devi often described her skills as “a gift from God”, while also emphasizing the effort she put into perfecting them over time. She argued that mental calculation was a skill that could be improved with practice, although she acknowledged her natural talent.
She also advocated continued mental development, arguing that reliance on machines should not replace the human ability to think and calculate independently.
Legacy continues to inspire
Even years after her death, Shakuntala Devi remains an influential figure in the fields of mathematics education and popular science. Her techniques, while not widely adopted in formal education systems, are remembered for their simplicity and accessibility.
The renewed conversation reignited interest in her work, with audiences returning to her demonstrations and pondering the range of human cognitive abilities.
