In a landmark event bridging two continents through the power of numbers and knowledge, internationally acclaimed Indian educator and founder of the Vedic Maths Forum India, Gaurav Tekriwal, took center stage as the keynote speaker at the 45th Annual Conference and Award Ceremony of the Uganda Mathematical Society (UMS) held in Kampala, Uganda.
This year’s conference, themed “Mathematics, Art, and Creativity,” brought together some of the brightest minds in mathematics, including educators, researchers, policymakers, and enthusiastic students from across Uganda and beyond. The forum served not just as an academic gathering, but as a vibrant exchange of cultures and ideas aimed at transforming mathematical education.
Tekriwal’s keynote address introduced the audience to Vedic Mathematics—an ancient Indian system of mental math that is known for its simplicity, speed, and creativity. Drawing on the powerful fusion of intuition and technique, Tekriwal illustrated how the system offers an alternative yet highly effective approach to learning and teaching mathematics.
> “The response was overwhelming,” said Tekriwal. “It was deeply fulfilling to witness such curiosity and enthusiasm from Ugandan educators and students alike. The passion for mathematics here is inspiring.”
His talk emphasized the ways Vedic Maths bridges traditional knowledge systems with modern-day pedagogy. He highlighted its role in enhancing cognitive flexibility, building mathematical confidence, and igniting a genuine love for numbers in young minds. Attendees described his session as “eye-opening” and “transformational,” with many expressing keen interest in integrating Vedic Mathematics into local teaching curricula.
Beyond the keynote, the conference featured a dynamic lineup of academic sessions, student presentations, and interactive workshops for teachers. The UMS event has grown in stature over the years, and this edition was particularly noted for its international collaboration and thought leadership.
Tekriwal’s visit also included high-level dialogues with grassroots educators and Ugandan policymakers. These exchanges explored how Indo-African partnerships could deepen in the realm of STEM education. Discussions revolved around potential institutional collaborations, exchange programs, and capacity-building initiatives to train Ugandan teachers in Vedic Maths.
> “Mathematics is a universal language,” Tekriwal noted. “What we witnessed in Kampala is a shared vision to democratize math learning—making it accessible, engaging, and culturally inclusive.”
One of the highlights of the trip was the Uganda Mathematical Society Award Ceremony, where excellence in mathematics education and research was duly recognized. Gaurav Tekriwal’s presence added a global dimension to the event, reinforcing the idea that educational excellence knows no borders.
His engagement in Uganda is not just symbolic—it signals a larger mission to promote mathematical literacy across the developing world. For Tekriwal, who has been conducting Vedic Maths workshops and training programs globally for over two decades, this African outreach marks a new chapter.
> “From the dynamic conference discussions to the lively streets of Kampala, every moment was memorable. I return with lifelong connections and a renewed commitment to promoting mathematical literacy globally,” he reflected.
Outside of the conference hall, Tekriwal immersed himself in Uganda’s vibrant culture. From its music and food to the warmth of its people, he expressed admiration for the spirit of community and learning that defines Ugandan society.
The event and Tekriwal’s involvement have since sparked widespread interest in Vedic Mathematics within the Ugandan academic community. Several local institutions have already shown intent to pilot Vedic Maths modules in classrooms starting later this year.
This visit could mark the beginning of a powerful cross-continental educational movement—uniting Africa and India under a shared goal of nurturing creative mathematical minds. As digital learning platforms expand and the appetite for innovative teaching grows, systems like Vedic Maths are finding fertile ground in classrooms far from their origin.
With India’s Gaurav Tekriwal leading the charge, and Uganda’s educators embracing new possibilities, the future of mathematics education in Africa may well be entering a bold, intuitive, and exciting phase.
For more information, visit: www.vedicmathsindia.org
