Sathamangalam Ranga Iyengar Srinivasa Varadhan, an eminent Indian American mathematician, has etched his name in the annals of probability theory with groundbreaking contributions that transcend traditional boundaries.
Born on January 2, 1940, in Chennai, Srinivasa Varadhan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, dedication, and an unyielding passion for mathematics.
Early Life and Education of Srinivasa Varadhan
Srinivasa Varadhan’s early life unfolded against the backdrop of a Hindu Tamil Brahmin Iyengar family. In 1953, his family moved to Kolkata, providing a unique blend of cultural experiences that would shape his worldview.
His academic journey commenced at Presidency College, Chennai, where he earned his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in 1959 and 1960, respectively. The pivotal moment came in 1963 when he obtained his doctorate from the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) under the mentorship of C R Rao, with the legendary Andrey Kolmogorov present at his thesis defense.
Trailblazing Career at the Courant Institute
Since 1963, Srinivasa Varadhan has been a stalwart at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University. His journey started as a postdoctoral fellow, recommended by Monroe D Donsker, marking the beginning of a prolific collaboration with Daniel W Stroock.
The duo’s work on diffusion processes and large deviations has left an indelible mark on the field. Despite humble beginnings in a windowless office, Varadhan’s impact on post-war mathematics has been profound.
Awards and Honors: A Dazzling Array
Srinivasa Varadhan’s illustrious career has been adorned with accolades, underscoring his remarkable contributions. In 2007, he made history by becoming the first Asian to receive the prestigious Abel Prize.
His accolades include the National Medal of Science (2010), the Birkhoff Prize (1994), and the Padma Bhushan (2008) from the Government of India. In 2023, he was conferred with India’s second-highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan.
The Varadhan Legacy: A Family Affair
Varadhan’s influence extends beyond mathematics, as exemplified by his son, Ashok Varadhan, an executive at Goldman Sachs. The family ethos of valuing education and fostering intellectual curiosity has been a cornerstone of Varadhan’s life and legacy.
A Glimpse into Varadhan’s Philosophical Side
Varadhan’s journey into mathematics began in high school, where an exceptional teacher turned problem-solving into an intellectual game. In an interview, he expressed, “Mathematics is something you can enjoy doing like playing chess or solving puzzles.” This perspective transformed mathematics into a friendly subject, dispelling fears and laying the foundation for his lifelong passion.
Srinivasa Varadhan Today
At 83, Srinivasa Varadhan continues to inspire as a mathematics professor and the Frank J Gould Professor of Science at the Courant Institute. His journey, marked by humility, intellectual prowess, and a commitment to humanity, sets him apart.
Also Read: Sreedharan Pillai: The Legacy of Multivariate Statistical Analysis