Celebrating the International Day of Mathematics at LUMS

The International Day of Mathematics (IDM), also known as Pi Day, is a global celebration of the importance of mathematics and its fascinating concepts. On March 14, 2025, the Department of Mathematics at LUMS, alongside the LUMS Students Mathematics Society (LSMS), organised an exciting event to mark the occasion. Dr. Imran Anwar, Associate Professor at LUMS and newly appointed IDM Ambassador for Pakistan, led the celebrations, emphasising the event’s mission to inspire creativity through mathematics.

This year’s theme, ‘Math, Art, and Creativity’, explored the intersection of mathematics and art. As Dr. Anwar explained, "Our goal was to show how math isn’t just about numbers – it’s a form of creative expression." The event was filled with engaging talks, hands-on activities, and interactive workshops, making math accessible and fun for everyone.

A highlight of the day was Dr. Waqas Ali Azhar’s captivating talk. Dr. Azhar, Assistant Professor at LUMS, seamlessly merged mathematical concepts with artistic simulations, offering a unique perspective. Additionally, Mr. Atif, a skilled origami artist, led an interactive session on folding origami birds, blending art and math.

LSMS also set up stalls in the central courtyard, each featuring mathematical games and puzzles, and logic-based challenges. These interactive activities encouraged students from all disciplines to engage with math in a fun, problem-solving environment. In celebration of Albert Einstein’s birthday, a photo booth featuring his image was set up, adding a fun touch to the event.

The Mathematics Department also ran a ‘Problem of the Day’ challenge from March 1–10, engaging students from Suleman Dawood School of Business, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering. This challenge not only fostered a spirit of friendly competition, but it also served as a perfect prelude to the IDM event by encouraging creative problem-solving. As students tackled these complex, math-inspired problems, they were able to experience firsthand how math can be an enjoyable and intellectually stimulating activity. Winners received souvenirs in recognition of their problem-solving skills.

The International Day of Mathematics at LUMS was not just a celebration of math but emphasised collaboration, exploration, and creativity, uniting the LUMS community.