Srinivasa Ramanujan is remembered as one of the greatest mathematical minds in human history. His story is not just about numbers and formulas—it is about passion, struggle, faith, and extraordinary talent. The book “Ramanujan – The Man Who Knew the Infinity” beautifully captures the life of this Indian mathematical genius who rose from a small town to become a global icon. This PDF book summary will help you understand his inspiring journey in simple and easy Indian English.

🌟 Early Life and Childhood

Ramanujan was born on 22 December 1887 in Erode, Tamil Nadu. His family lived a simple life, and they were not financially strong. From a young age, Ramanujan showed a natural interest in numbers. While other children played outside, he spent time solving mathematical puzzles on his slate. His mother noticed that he had a unique brilliance, but even she couldn’t imagine that her son would one day become a world-famous mathematician.

In school, Ramanujan was not good in all subjects. He struggled in English and other languages, but when it came to mathematics, he surprised everyone. Teachers could not understand how a boy with no formal training could solve problems that even they found difficult. His notebooks were always filled with equations, patterns, and ideas far ahead of his age.

📘 The Turning Point – The Notebook of Formulas

One day, Ramanujan discovered a mathematics book written by G. S. Carr. This book changed his life forever. It had thousands of mathematical results without detailed explanations. Ramanujan understood these formulas and created his own new ones. Slowly, he began developing ideas that were completely original.

By the age of 16, he had already mastered advanced mathematics. However, life was not easy. He had no stable income, no proper guidance, and no support from the academic world. Still, he continued his work with full dedication.

💼 Struggles and Search for Recognition

Ramanujan tried to get a job to support his family but was rejected many times. Most people did not understand his talent because he had no formal degree. But he never gave up. He wrote letters to many mathematicians in India, sharing his results and seeking help. Only a few responded, and even they could not fully understand his ideas.

Life took a positive turn when he met R. Ramachandra Rao, the secretary of the Indian Mathematical Society. Rao was amazed by Ramanujan’s mind and decided to support him financially. This allowed Ramanujan to focus fully on mathematics again.

✉️ The Letter That Changed Everything – Meeting G.H. Hardy

In 1913, Ramanujan wrote a long letter to G.H. Hardy, a famous mathematician at Cambridge University. The letter included many mathematical formulas, some so original and complex that Hardy could not believe they came from an unknown man in India.

Hardy discussed the letter with his colleague J.E. Littlewood. Both agreed that these results could only come from a genius. Hardy immediately sent an invitation to Ramanujan, asking him to come to Cambridge.

🌍 Journey to England

In 1914, Ramanujan travelled to England. It was not an easy decision because travelling overseas was culturally sensitive in India at the time. But he took the step, knowing it would help him grow.

At Cambridge, Ramanujan and Hardy worked together for several years. Their partnership became famous in mathematical history. Hardy introduced Ramanujan’s work to the world, and Ramanujan produced groundbreaking results in number theory, partition functions, infinite series, and continued fractions.

His ideas were so far ahead that even today, mathematicians continue to study and explore his notes.

🧮 Contributions That Changed Mathematics

Ramanujan did not just solve problems—he created new ways of thinking. Some of his major contributions include:

• Ramanujan Prime

• Ramanujan Theta Function

• Partition Theory

• Mock Theta Functions

• Infinite Series for π (Pi)

• Highly Composite Numbers

Many of his formulas were later used in physics, computer science, cryptography, and space research. His work is still guiding modern scientists.

😔 Health Problems and Return to India

The cold weather, strict diet issues, and loneliness in England affected Ramanujan’s health. He became sick and weak. Even then, he continued working and produced incredible results.

In 1919, he returned to India, hoping that the warm climate would help him recover. But his health kept declining. On 26 April 1920, at just 32 years old, Ramanujan passed away.

His life was short, but his impact was eternal.

🏆 Legacy – The Man Who Knew Infinity

Today, Ramanujan is celebrated globally. His notebooks remain a treasure for mathematicians. Schools, universities, and research centers are named after him. His birthday, 22 December, is celebrated as National Mathematics Day in India.

The book “Ramanujan – The Man Who Knew the Infinity” captures this emotional, inspiring journey. It shows how a simple boy with no resources changed the world with his pure passion and extraordinary talent. His life teaches us that genius can rise from anywhere, even from the most unexpected places.

🎯 Final Thoughts

This PDF book summary helps readers understand the life of Ramanujan in a simple and motivating way. His journey from a small-town boy to a global mathematical legend is truly inspiring. Whether you love maths or not, his dedication and determination will touch your heart. His story is a reminder that with passion, focus, and hard work, even the impossible becomes possible.