Solving mathematics problem is like a discovery and joy, says Bhavya Tiwari

Bhavya Tiwari, student of Class X, Apeejay School, Noida secured merit position in The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) 2021, organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of the National Board of Higher Mathematics (NBHM), of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.
He also attended Mathematical Orientation Camp (MOOC) held online from May 1 to May 15, 2021 conducted by HBCSE for which he received a certificate of participation.

Tell me something about yourself?
I am studying in Class X-A at Apeejay School Noida. I live with my parents and a younger brother in Ghaziabad. To study at Apeejay, on a daily basis I commute from Ghaziabad to Noida. I like to play table tennis, tennis, cricket and other such sports. I am a dedicated person. If I like something then I dedicate my entire time to it and excel in it. I love Mathematics a lot along with a keen interest in Science.

What are your Future plans?
I want to become a Computer Engineer. My tentative target is to go to IIT-Bombay. Therefore in Grade XI and XII, I will opt for Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Your views about Mathematics
I love to solve problems. Mathematics is all about problem solving. Once you know all the basic theories then all you need to think about is the problem. You don’t need to remember anything. It is more like a discovery.

Why and how Mathematics?
When I was in primary classes, I had an interest in Science. I love to read the encyclopedia. Eventually I realized that if you love Science and pursue it further, you need to have a strong mathematics base. So, I started doing maths dedicatedly, and my interest developed. I used to finish all my school books very soon, so I ordered extra books for Mathematics like S. Chand, RD Sharma.    

Your preparation for INMO?
I did all my NCERT till Class 12th as all graders from 8-12 have to give the same paper. After this I developed a decent base. You can then opt for Olympiad books.
The maths community at Apeejay is very helpful. They tell you the basic tips. They ask you not to pick a thick book just a day before your examination. In case you are unable to solve a random problem, it will demotivate you and break your confidence.

What made you go to this Olympiad?
I used to go to play table tennis where I met a few undergraduate boys.  We started interacting and one day when they got to know about my interest in Mathematics, they challenged me to crack the Olympiad as it is very difficult. I accepted the challenge and the rest is history.

Mantras to win and stay calm during the competition?
In these Covid times, one should not think much about the pandemic rather opt for the precautions and preventions. Second, proper sleep before the competition is important.

“If you clear your concepts and then focus on the maths problem you will eventually solve it“

-Bhavya Tiwari