Academic background
Dr. R. Prabakaran is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Coimbatore Institute of Technology (CIT), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. A distinguished mathematical sciences writer, science fiction author, and Tamil poet, he is widely acclaimed for his innovative efforts to make mathematics engaging, culturally resonant, and accessible to diverse audiences. Dr. R. Prabakaran began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Mathematics from Government Arts College, Coimbatore. He pursued his M.Sc. and M.Phil. in Mathematics at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. He also completed a B.Ed. in Mathematics Education from Bharathi College of Education. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, and further enriched his literary acumen with a Diploma in Thirukkural (DTK) from the same university. In recognition of his unique contributions to the field of ethnomathematics, he was honored with the prestigious World Classical Tamil Conference Memorial Award (2010) by Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi, the then Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His academic and research interests include Optimal Control Theory, Ethnomathematics, Neural Networks, and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS). He has authored over 20 books and published more than 100 research articles in reputed national and international journals. Notably, he is the first author to introduce engineering mathematics through storytelling, a groundbreaking pedagogical approach now adopted in engineering curricula. His UGC-funded research project and active participation in Workshops, FDPs, STTPs, and Schools reflect his strong commitment to academic growth. He is a life member of the Indian Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics and the Indian Society of Science and Technology. He also serves as a reviewer for international journals and as a member of Boards of Studies in reputed institutions.
Some of his popular and impactful publications include:
- Mathematics in Indian Knowledge System
- A Few Minutes with Srinivasa Ramanujan
- A Few Minutes with Newton
- Vector Calculus Through Stories
- Bear and Vector Calculus
- Poetic Calculations: Mathematical Concepts in Sangam Literature
- ஏன் எதற்கு எப்படி இப்படிக்கு கணிதம் – பாகம் 1 & 2
- கரடியும் வெக்டர் நுண்கணிதமும்
- பேசும் கணிதம்
- பேசும் வட்டம்
- நாட்டை மீட்ட வட்டம்
- கோணம் மீட்ட கோமகன்
- கோட்டையை மீட்ட சதுரங்கள்
- உயிரை மீட்ட உன்னத எண் பை
- (a + b)²-ம் மரக்கடையும்
He currently serves as the Secretary of the Kanithavaani Mathematical Sciences Society, a dynamic platform committed to enhancing mathematical awareness through indigenous, creative, and interdisciplinary methods.
Through his profound scholarship, storytelling acumen, and dedication to native linguistic traditions, Dr. R. Prabakaran has redefined the way mathematics is taught, learned, and appreciated. Under his mentorship, scholars explore frontiers in ethnomathematics, Indian mathematical systems, and applied mathematics, carrying forward his vision of mathematics rooted in culture, language, and lived experience.
