EXPERIENCE REPORT — MATH FESTA 2026 OTEMAE HIGH SCHOOL, OSAKA, JAPAN • 22 AUGUST 2026

Our journey to Osaka, Tuesday, 18 August – Sunday, 23 August 2026 and our participation in Math Festa 2026 at Otemae High School was an experience we will cherish for a long time. We had the privilege of representing Delhi Public School, Dwarka and India at an international platform that brought together students, teachers, researchers and mathematics professors from different countries.
Presenting our research papers and explaining our work to an international audience was both challenging and immensely rewarding. What surprised us most was how enjoyable it was to discuss our research, answer questions and see people genuinely interested in our ideas. University professors and researchers appreciated the depth and interdisciplinary nature of our projects, which brought together game theory, stochastic processes and differential equations.
The question-and-answer sessions were particularly enriching. We were asked challenging questions about our mathematical models, including the Hawk–Dove model, Markov chains, traffic-flow modelling and Fisher’s equation. Responding to these questions helped us realise how important it is not only to know our work thoroughly but also to be able to defend and communicate our ideas with clarity and confidence.
The interactive simulations were another highlight. Students gathered around our displays as we demonstrated our models and visualisations. Their curiosity was infectious. They asked us to explain our work step by step, solve problems on the spot and discuss possible extensions of our models. These interactions made us realise that our passion for mathematics was shared by students from different countries.
One of the most special aspects of Math Festa was meeting students and researchers from Japan and Korea. We were exposed to different mathematical perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. More importantly, we discovered a sense of connection through our shared love for mathematics. We realised that we were not alone in our curiosity and fascination with the subject.
Our experience extended beyond the event itself. We explored Osaka and were fascinated by its culture, people and way of life. We also had the honour of visiting the Consulate General of India in Osaka, where we received an exceptionally warm welcome. Meeting the Consul General and other senior diplomats, sharing our research and receiving their encouragement was deeply inspiring. Their pride in seeing young Indian students represent the country on an international platform made us feel immensely honoured.
We also formed friendships during the trip and exchanged contact details with students we met. These connections were built not merely through casual conversations but through our shared experiences of presenting, questioning, discussing and learning together.
Above all, Math Festa 2026 taught us that mathematics is not about being a genius or finding everything easy; it is about learning to enjoy the challenge of thinking deeply and solving difficult problems. The experience strengthened our confidence, broadened our perspective and renewed our love for mathematics.
We returned to India with unforgettable memories, meaningful friendships and a deep sense of gratitude. Most importantly, we returned proud—proud to represent Delhi Public School, Dwarka and proud to represent India on an international stage. Math Festa 2026 has left an indelible mark on us, and we will carry its lessons and inspiration forward in our academic journey.