Meet Sagun Tala Devi
The human-computer and her achievements
Remembering Prodigious Human Calculator Her Life And Achievements
Shakuntala Devi, born on 4th November 1929 in Bangalore, Karnataka, was an extraordinary Indian mental calculator and writer renowned worldwide as the “Human Computer.”
Her exceptional talent for mental calculations earned her a well-deserved place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records. Despite achieving her world record on 18th June 1980 at Imperial College, London, the certificate for her accomplishment was awarded posthumously on 30th July 2020.
Devi displayed a remarkable aptitude for mathematics from an early age without any formal education. Her father, C V Sundararaja Rao, a circus performer, discovered her extraordinary memory and numerical abilities when she was three. He recognized her potential and took her on road shows, showcasing her ability to perform complex calculations, captivating audiences worldwide.
In addition to her remarkable mental calculating skills, Devi also had a keen interest in simplifying numerical calculations for students. Throughout her life, she authored numerous books on various subjects, ranging from mathematics and puzzles to astrology.
Devi’s prowess as a mental calculator took her to different countries, where she demonstrated her extraordinary abilities to audiences and experts alike. In 1976, she was in New York City, and in 1988, she traveled to the United States to have her abilities studied by renowned educational psychologist Arthur Jensen.
She effortlessly solved complex mathematical problems during these demonstrations and tests, leaving researchers astounded. In one instance, she accurately provided the 23rd root of a 201-digit number in less than a minute, probably in 50 seconds a feat confirmed by the US Bureau of Standards.
One of her most famous demonstrations was on 18th June 1980 at Imperial College, London, where she multiplied two 13-digit numbers in an astonishing 28 seconds, setting a record that was later recorded in The Guinness Book of World Records. Devi’s exceptional calculation skills earned her praise and admiration from experts worldwide, with her accuracy surpassing anything previously reported.
Besides her talent as a human computer, Devi was also an accomplished astrologer and author. She had diverse literary works, including cookbooks, novels, short stories, and murder mysteries. Her love for music added another dimension to her multifaceted personality.
Despite her extraordinary achievements, Devi remained down-to-earth and approachable. In the mid-1960s, she returned to India and married Paritosh Banerji, an officer of India.
Administrative Service. The marriage ended in divorce in 1979. Devi even entered the political arena, contesting the Lok Sabha elections in 1980 as an independent candidate for Mumbai South and Medak in Andhra Pradesh (now in Telangana).
In April 2013, Devi faced severe health issues and was admitted to a hospital in Bangalore.
Unfortunately, she passed away on 21st April 2013, at 83. Her remarkable legacy as the “Human Computer” continues to inspire generations, and her contributions to mathematics, literature and her progressive views on social issues remain etched in history. Shakuntala Devi’s journey as a prodigious human calculator and pioneering intellectual will be remembered and celebrated forever.
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