Jakarta Globe, Pooja Punjabi, May 08, 2010
Don’t fret about the departure of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati for the World Bank, for the stars are harmoniously aligned for Indonesia, says visiting Indian math guru and astrologer Shakuntala Devi, who believes Sri Mulyani’s exit will not impact the country negatively.
“The political scene is going to be more compatible next year,” Devi said on Friday. “By the end of this year, things will begin to pick up nicely and the [economy] will improve in a big way.”
Famous for feats such as extracting the 23rd root of a 201-digit number faster than a computer, Devi, 71, is in the country for a few days of lectures and consultations with clients seeking her insight into astrology and numerology.
“I wish I could settle down in Indonesia,” she said, citing the “favorable trends” here.
Given the dismal pass rate in the recent national examinations, Devi might be a source of inspiration for some. “Make friends with numbers and numbers will be friends with you,” she said.
In 1980, Devi correctly multiplied two 13-digit numbers chosen at random by a computer at Imperial College, London, in 28 seconds. That feat, along with other such mental gymnastics, have landed her in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Demure in a bright red sari, Devi says she cannot explain why she has never needed a calculator. “I don’t believe in computers,” she said. “Our minds are capable of performing complex tasks without any mechanical aid.”
Devi also conducts seminars and workshops on what she has dubbed “Mathematics Through Mind Dynamics.” She claims to be able to turn number haters into math addicts. “Mind dynamics is all about controlling your mind to perform better, strengthening your memory and various techniques to boost your mental performance,” she said.
Her regimen, she said, was nothing special. “A daily prayer to Lord Ganesha is what keeps me going strong,” she said.
“I believe in sharing my knowledge,” she added, citing her planned Mathematical Center in Bangalore, India. “The government offered me land and the building is nearing completion. The center will offer courses to students from all over the world. I would also like to help underprivileged children who have knowledge but not resources.”
Devi has visited more than 100 countries and written numerous books that have been translated into several languages. “I hope my books will be translated into Indonesian as well, so I can impart my ideas and share my love for numbers with everyone in this beautiful country,” she said.
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