T.N. Mahesh: A Pioneer of Puzzle Innovation and Science Communication in India
- S. Adam
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
By S. Adam, Jadetimes News S. Adam is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.
T.N. Mahesh, a passionate educator, former Development Officer at the Life Insurance Corporation of India, and a trailblazer in science communication, has made remarkable contributions to the fields of education and recreational mathematics. Widely recognized for his innovative Magic Square Puzzles and engaging science programs, Mahesh has spent decades inspiring minds across cities, towns, and villages in India.
Mahesh’s journey as a science communicator began with Doordarshan Podhigai, where he presented a series of science-based television programs that brought complex scientific ideas to everyday audiences. His clarity, enthusiasm, and ability to simplify difficult topics earned him recognition from viewers across Tamil Nadu.
His most distinguished contribution, however, is the creation of Magic Square Puzzles — a new and original mathematical innovation that blends logic, symmetry, and fun. These puzzles have found an eager audience among students and educators, having been featured regularly in The Hindu In School – Weekender, a publication from the house of The Hindu. The newspaper also ran a special feature on his work, Multiples of Fun, celebrating his creative approach to mathematics.
Mahesh’s work in the field of magic squares is a continuation of his late mother, Indira Narasinga Rao’s, legacy. She was a pioneer in her own right, having constructed a 1000 x 1000 magic square, a feat that earned her a place in the Limca Book of Records. She, too, was honored by the Ramanujan Museum in Royapuram, Chennai, for her exceptional contribution to mathematics. Remarkably, Mahesh and his mother are the only mother–son duo to be felicitated by the Ramanujan Museum, honored a few years apart — a unique and touching testament to their shared passion for mathematical exploration.
To extend the reach of his puzzles, Mahesh launched www.magicsquarepuzzles.com, a website dedicated to this engaging branch of mathematics. His felicitation at the Ramanujan Museum can be viewed here, reflecting the academic and public recognition of his work.
Alongside puzzles, Mahesh has continued his passion for public science education through his YouTube series Ariviyal Arputham (Wonders of Science), featuring a wide array of science topics made accessible to all. Some popular episodes include:
Optical illusions and perception
The wonders of astronomy
Simple experiments with powerful lessons
In 2024, Mahesh published an inspiring book titled You Can Become a Scientist, now available on Amazon Kindle, aimed at encouraging young minds to develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a belief in their potential to make scientific contributions. His books can also be purchased from www.indirapublishers.com.
Recognizing his efforts in both puzzle innovation and science education, Dr. S. Nambinarayanan, a renowned retired scientist from ISRO, wrote a personal letter of appreciation commending Mahesh’s contributions and his mission to foster a scientific temper among youth.
T.N. Mahesh’s life is a compelling blend of creativity, legacy, and service. As he continues to champion scientific thought and educational innovation, his work — inspired in part by the remarkable achievements of his mother — reminds us that passion for knowledge, passed across generations, can truly shape a brighter, more curious world.
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