Plaque Honoring Math Genius Unveiled in Transylvania
A plaque in honor of Farkas (Wolfgang) Bolyai was unveiled on Monday at the school named after the renowned mathematician in Marosvásárhely (Târgu Mureș, Romania). The unveiling was part of a three-day celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth.
Zoltán Hajdu, the director of Farkas Bolyai High School, highlighted the significance of the event in bridging the past, present, and future in his opening speech. Two commemorative plaques will now serve as a reminder of Farkas Bolyai’s contributions. The school, named after him, is a crucial part of Târgu Mureș, Transylvanian, and Hungarian culture, added Hajdu. He emphasized that aside from his scientific accomplishments, Bolyai was also a devoted servant of the Reformed Church.
The commemoration of Bolyai’s life and work aims to honor his legacy and serve as a valuable lesson for future generations, emphasized the director. The anniversary celebrations will also reflect on the significant events in the history of Bolyai Grammar School and the Reformed College, underscoring the responsibility of these institutions in preserving and passing on Bolyai’s heritage.
The Year of Youth was declared by Vilmos Kolumbán, Bishop of the Transylvanian Reformed Church District. Approximately 900 young individuals participated in the inaugural event, demonstrating the commitment to fostering a promising future. The focus is on providing young people with a future that upholds the beauty and heritage of Transylvania. The Bishop stressed the importance of commemorating the past while looking towards the future.
Mayor Zoltán Soós paid tribute to Farkas Bolyai, acknowledging his significant contributions to the city and universal science. The community of Târgu Mureș remembers him with pride, recognizing his influence on his son, János Bolyai, and the legacy he left behind. The mayor highlighted Bolyai’s dedication to education as a lifelong mission.
The three-day commemorative event includes various activities, such as a wreath-laying ceremony at Bolyai’s resting place, a presentation of Bolyai artifacts at the museum, and a film screening. A commemorative conference on Bolyai’s life and work will also be held, with visits to the Bolyai Museum and a presentation by mathematician Sándor Horváth on the pseudosphere monument.
The Bolyai High School is hosting a photo exhibition and providing insights into the Bolyai workshop, showcasing the versatility of the Bolyai family in various fields. The commemorative events aim to honor Farkas Bolyai’s legacy and inspire future generations to carry forward his legacy in diverse disciplines such as music, literature, theology, and fencing.
The celebration of Farkas Bolyai’s 250th birth anniversary serves as a testament to his enduring influence and the importance of preserving his legacy for future generations.
