Mathematics has long been seen as a daunting field, but for Sujatha Ramdorai, it was a universe to explore. Born in Bengaluru in 1962, Sujatha’s passion for patterns and numbers started early, guiding her through a B.Sc., an M.Sc., and a Ph.D. at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
Specializing in number theory and Iwasawa theory, she ventured into one of the most challenging branches of mathematics, proving new theorems and opening doors in a male-dominated discipline. Her groundbreaking work earned her India’s Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, the ICTP Ramanujan Prize in 2006 (making her the first Indian woman recipient), and the Padma Shri in 2023.
Beyond research, Sujatha has been a mentor and influencer in Indian mathematics education. She co-founded the Ramanujan Math Park, creating an interactive space for students to discover the beauty of numbers. Serving on national committees, she has helped shape policies in education and research.
Sujatha Ramdorai’s story is a testament to persistence, curiosity, and breaking stereotypes. She shows that mathematics is a field of exploration and creativity, inspiring a new generation of learners to see numbers not as barriers but as gateways to discovery.
