Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 31: A session on ‘Mathematics and Social Justice’ was held on October 30 at Robert Sequeira Hall, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). The session was inaugurated at 10 am with Dr Maura B Mast, professor of Mathematics and dean Emerita at Fordham University, USA, as the chief guest.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr Melwyn D’Cunha SJ, pro vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), who presided over the programme. Dr Ronal Nazareth, registrar, was the guest of honour, and Dr S Ruban, dean – School of Engineering (SOE), and Dr Uday, dean – School of Law (SOL), were present. Dr S Ruban welcomed the gathering.

In her address, Dr Mast highlighted the magic of Mathematics and discussed how mathematical thinking, when directed towards societal challenges, can promote equity and justice. Drawing from global and Jesuit educational perspectives, she emphasised that Mathematics should empower individuals to analyze inequalities, understand systems, and advocate for change.

In his presidential address, Dr Melwyn D’Cunha underlined the need for teaching and learning to move beyond the classroom, urging students to integrate ethical reasoning into their professional and personal lives. Adv Rayan from the School of Liberal Arts proposed the vote of thanks, and the event was compered by Glenson Toney, assistant dean – SOE.

Following the inauguration, Dr Mast conducted an engaging session exploring how mathematical literacy contributes to democracy and social transformation. Her talk connected data analysis, fairness in algorithms, and access to education with broader themes of justice and inclusion. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students posed thoughtful questions spanning topics from technology and social justice to liberal arts and ethics.

The event provided students and faculty alike with fresh insights into how Mathematics can serve as a language of empowerment and a tool for social change.