Mihir al Mahmud

Student

Mihir Al Mahmud is a final-year Mathematics student at Cox’s Bazar Government College under the National University of Bangladesh. He is deeply interested in mathematics, data science, and the power of analytical thinking to solve real-world challenges. Mihir believes that knowledge and ideas can transform lives and communities. Through learning, mentoring students, and engaging in meaningful discussions, he aims to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation among young minds.

I am passionate about learning, teaching, and inspiring curiosity among students. Mathematics has always fascinated me because it reveals the hidden patterns behind the world around us. Beyond academics, I am deeply interested in data science and how data-driven thinking can help solve real-world problems. I also enjoy mentoring students and helping them overcome their fear of mathematics. Seeing someone understand a concept they once struggled with is incredibly rewarding for me. My passion lies in continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and encouraging young people to think critically and explore new ideas.

In many parts of the world, especially in developing communities, mathematics is often seen as a difficult subject that students try to avoid. But the real problem is not mathematics itself; the problem is how we teach and perceive it. My idea is simple yet powerful: mathematics should be taught as a way of thinking, not just a subject to memorize. Mathematics trains the human mind to think logically, analyze patterns, and solve problems step by step. These skills are not limited to classrooms—they are essential for innovation, technology, research, and everyday decision-making. When students develop mathematical thinking, they become better problem solvers and more confident learners. Unfortunately, many students grow up believing they are “not good at math,” which slowly limits their confidence and potential. If we change the way mathematics is introduced—making it more practical, relatable, and connected to real life—we can transform this fear into curiosity. I believe that when students understand the beauty and usefulness of mathematical thinking, they begin to see the world differently. They start asking deeper questions, exploring new ideas, and approaching challenges with confidence. My vision is to inspire young minds to embrace mathematics not as a burden, but as a powerful tool for understanding the world and creating meaningful solutions for the future.

My journey with ideas began with curiosity. As a student of mathematics, I gradually discovered that mathematics is not only about numbers, formulas, or exams. It is actually a powerful language that helps us understand patterns, logic, and the structure of the world around us. During my academic journey, I noticed something interesting but concerning: many students are afraid of mathematics. They often believe that mathematics is only for a few “gifted” people. Because of this belief, many talented students lose their confidence before they even try to understand the subject. This experience changed the way I looked at learning and teaching. I started helping other students understand mathematics in a simpler way. When I explained ideas with logic, examples, and real-life connections, I saw something amazing happen—fear slowly turned into curiosity. Students who once thought mathematics was impossible started believing that they could understand it. That transformation inspired me deeply. It made me realize that sometimes the biggest barrier to learning is not the subject itself, but the mindset we develop around it.The mission of TED and TEDx—spreading powerful ideas that can change perspectives—resonates strongly with me. I believe ideas have the power to reshape how we learn, think, and solve problems. Through conversations, mentorship, and sharing knowledge, I want to contribute to a culture where curiosity is encouraged and learning becomes an empowering experience. For me, TED is not just a platform of talks—it is a community of thinkers, learners, and dreamers who believe that one idea can change how people see the world. And I want to be a part of that journey.

Many people know me as a mathematics student, but they often do not realize that I also enjoy mentoring and simplifying complex ideas so that others can understand them easily. I have a natural ability to break down difficult concepts into simple explanations. I am also good at analytical thinking and problem solving, which helps me approach challenges logically and calmly. Whether it is helping students understand mathematics or analyzing problems step by step, I enjoy finding clear and practical solutions.