Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Arab and Muslim Sciences

The Departments of Mathematics and Physics at M.E.S. Mampad College, in collaboration with the University of Sharjah (SIFHAMS) and the Kerala State Higher Education Council, organized an international workshop titled “Astrolabes and Algorithms." The workshop brought together prominent researchers and enthusiasts in the history of science and mathematics, featuring a keynote address by Prof. Jan P. Hogendijk, a leading historian of mathematics from Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

 

In his address, Prof. Hogendijk highlighted the rich mathematical legacy of India, especially Kerala, emphasizing that many mathematical concepts, including geometric equations still in use today, were known in Kerala centuries before they reached Europe.

 

The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. O.P. Abdurrahiman, Secretary of the College Management Committee, and the inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Manzur Ali, the Principal of the College. The session also featured remarks from distinguished speakers, including: • Prof. Mesut Idris, Director of SIFHAMS, University of Sharjah. • Dr. Sabique, Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell. • Dr. Samina Kalathodi, Head of the Department of Mathematics. • Dr. Megha, Head of the Department of Physics. • Dr. Anas, Workshop Convener. • Mr. Ashraf, Secretary of the Staff Association. Renowned international researchers, including Wilfred de Graaf and Tom Regingout, also contributed significantly to the discussions with their valuable insights. Concluding on November 20, the workshop aimed to explore the historical and practical aspects of mathematics and physics, shedding light on the contributions of various civilizations, particularly the pivotal role of Indian scholars in advancing modern science.