Math Olympiad: PM Modi Applauds Shreya Mundhada, Pune Girl Who Won EGMO Gold
Baner, 26th April 2026: Math Olympiad gold medalist Shreya Mundhada and her parents expressed delight and optimism after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted her achievement in detail during his Mann Ki Baat radio address.
Shreya Mundhada, who secured India’s first gold medal at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) after the country’s 12-year participation, said she was thrilled by the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment.
“I was very happy to see that he has mentioned it and acknowledged all of this and the effort so many people have put into this,” she said. She noted that Modi spoke at length about the rigorous selection process, which she hopes will encourage more students to participate in the subject.
Detailing her journey, Shreya explained that the Olympiad problems demand original thinking and deep conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. The multi-stage process begins with the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM), followed by the Regional Mathematics Olympiad (RMO), and culminates in a month-long national training camp with selection tests. She credited official training, regional camps, and student-run initiatives like the Online Math Club and Sophie Fellowship for her preparation.
“My family has been supporting me through the whole thing,” she added, highlighting her mother’s role in homeschooling her until Class 10, which emphasized conceptual clarity. Representing India at the international event was “an honor,” she said, though it came with some pressure. She expressed a desire to continue contributing to the math community through teaching juniors.
Shreya’s mother, Rekha Mundhada, described the Prime Minister’s words as deeply encouraging for both parents and children. “It feels great that Prime Minister Modi acknowledged and encouraged,” she said. She criticized societal pressure that often asks children what they will become (doctor, engineer, etc.) rather than what they want to learn. Rekha praised Modi’s emphasis on an education system focused on conceptual understanding over rote methods, saying it instills confidence that meaningful change is possible.
Her father, Shantanu Mundhada, provided context on the scale of the achievement: out of 260 participants, only 22 received gold medals, and Shreya ranked third globally — with just two students scoring higher.
“Shreya has won the gold for the first time. India has been participating for 12 years now,” he noted. He called for greater popularization of such accomplishments and stronger national investment in research and development, basic sciences, mathematics, and economics. “We are now a different country. Now we have to focus on this area,” he stressed, pointing out that India has historically under-invested in basic research and conceptual understanding. “It is extremely encouraging that the Prime Minister acknowledges, and the system then takes notice and follows,” he added. The recognition, he said, brings pride not only as a parent but as a citizen witnessing the country celebrate its young talents.
