India's First Privately Funded Institute for Mathematics Research Established

Fields Medalist Manjul Bhargava emphasized the need for India to rekindle its passion for mathematics, viewing it not as a tedious task of memorizing formulas but as an exciting act of exploration and discovery. Bhargava, a Canadian of Indian origin, believes that classrooms require a fundamental transformation to become more experimental and playful, with teachers trained to ignite curiosity among students. Speaking at the launch of the Lodha Mathematical Sciences Institute (LMSI), he expressed optimism about the new textbooks and educational reforms but noted that their full impact would take several years to manifest.

LMSI, India’s first privately funded mathematics research institute, is established with a Rs 20,000 crore endowment from the Lodha Foundation and is devoted exclusively to post-doctoral research. The institute aims to foster original thinking and innovation in mathematics, which are seen as essential for strengthening the nation. Abhishek Lodha, CEO and MD of Lodha Developers, highlighted the importance of cultivating innovative minds to build a strong country. The institute is fully funded privately and offers its resources free of cost.

Founding director V. Kumar Murthy, who previously led Toronto’s Fields Institute, described mathematics as the hidden framework underpinning modern life — a foundation crucial for finance, engineering, and technology. Economist Nachiket Mor, also on LMSI’s advisory panel, pointed out that many Western mathematical models fail in India because they do not account for unique local factors such as limited liquidity and the slower pace of economic adjustment. He stressed that these realities make it urgent for India to develop deep capacity in mathematics tailored to its own context.

LMSI’s strategy involves starting with teachers rather than students. Ten senior number theorists have been selected to lead and seed the initiative. Murthy, as president, plans to travel across India to meet mathematicians directly and map ongoing research and talent. The goal is to create a comprehensive network that identifies, supports, and nurtures the brightest mathematical minds early in their careers.

Overall, LMSI represents a visionary effort to transform mathematics education and research in India by promoting curiosity-driven learning, encouraging original thought, and building infrastructure to support cutting-edge mathematical innovation. The institute seeks to position India as a global leader in mathematics by fostering a vibrant community of scholars and educators equipped to address both foundational and applied challenges unique to the Indian context. This initiative reflects a broader recognition that mathematics is critical to the nation’s technological, economic, and scientific future.