Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 21: If Srinivasa Ramanujan were a teenager in coastal Karnataka today, where would he cut his mathematical teeth? Starting July 27, CFAL’s new contest hopes to be exactly that crucible.
‘Search for the Next Ramanujan’ is a seven-round puzzle league for students entering Grades 7-10 and it literally pays to keep showing up: the Rs 500 entry fee is fully refunded after any five completed rounds.
The Big Idea
India has national Olympiads, but few grassroots circuits that reward consistency rather than one-off brilliance. By scoring only the best six of seven tests, we focus on growth, grit, and creative problem-solving; traits that defined Ramanujan’s legacy.
Why it Matters—Three Quick Reasons
1. Pipeline for STEM talent - The contest feeds directly into CFAL’s Olympiad and JEE/NEET training, where alumni routinely crack national top ranks.
2. Equity through refunds - Removing the cost barrier after five rounds encourages wider participation from government and aided schools.
3. Culture of curiosity - Monthly league scheduling lets teachers weave contest-style puzzles into classroom practice, multiplying impact beyond our campus.
Zoom In: Nuts-and-Bolts
• Students entering Grades 7 to 10 for the 2025-26 academic year are eligible, with two tracks—Junior (Grades 7 & 8) and Senior (Grades 9 & 10).
• The seven test dates are July 27, August 17, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026, each running from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm IST at CFAL’s Bejai Campus in Mangaluru.
• Top performers will vie for the Ramanujan Award (best overall) and the Harish-Chandra Award (deepest thinker), while every student who attends at least six rounds receives book vouchers worth Rs 1,000.
• To register, simply scan the QR code on the contest poster or visit cfalindia.com, but hurry, the registration window closes at 12 pm on July 23, 2025.
Zoom Out: A Word from the Faculty
“Mathematics thrives on repeated curiosity,” says Dr Smitha Hegde, principal, CFAL. “This league turns that principle into a habit, one Sunday at a time.”
Contest convener Chris Crasta adds, “Ramanujan taught himself with whatever resources he found. Today we provide the puzzles, mentors, and even a fee refund so that nothing stops a child from trying.”
The Bottom Line
CFAL is not just handing out trophies, it is building an ecosystem where perseverance, not privilege, predicts success. The next Ramanujan could be waiting for a nudge—and seven Sundays of joyful struggle.
For more details:
CFAL India Mangaluru
+91 99005 20233
www.cfalindia.com