Narrative of scientific progress seen through narrow lens: Jaishankar at maths exhibition inaugural

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated *From Shunya to Ananta – The Indian Civilization’s Contribution to Mathematics*, an exhibition at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday. The event, organized by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the India International Centre, showcases ancient Indian mathematical concepts—such as zero, the decimal system, algebra, and algorithms—that spread globally over millennia. Jaishankar criticized the 'narrow lens' through which scientific progress has been documented, arguing that a 'democratization of history' is essential for addressing future challenges. He highlighted how foundational ideas, including binary enumeration and geometry, originated in India and later shaped modern technology. The exhibition traces contributions from scholars like Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara, and the Kerala School of astronomy and mathematics. The event drew diplomats, academics, and UN officials, including India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Consul General Binaya Pradhan, and Princeton mathematician Manjul Bhargava. Jaishankar linked the exhibition to broader geopolitical shifts, stating that cultural rebalancing must accompany economic and political realignments to foster a diverse, democratic global narrative. The interactive display explores how mathematical innovations from India influenced planetary models, combinatorics, and computational astronomy. Jaishankar emphasized that understanding these historical roots is critical for advancements like AI, where past discoveries underpin modern technological frameworks. The exhibition is part of the *SAMHiTA* initiative, supported by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Jaishankar’s remarks followed a recent visit to Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago (May 2–10), during which he briefly stopped in New York. He stressed that correcting historical distortions is necessary for a fair, interconnected world, urging attendees to recognize India’s intellectual legacy as both a past and future asset.