MT-CT-AT What Prim has taught us through his MST algorithm?
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MT-CT-AT What Prim has taught us through his MST algorithm?

Speaker: C Pandurangan, IISc (formerly professor at IITM)

General
  • Date 07 May 2026
  • Location CS24
  • Time 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

About

Abstract thinking and problem solving are among distinguishing abilities of the human race. Mathematical thinking (MT) is at the heart of solving real-world problems. Algorithmic thinking (AT) is a specialised style of thinking. It is nothing but mathematical thinking needed to arrive at a computational process ( CT!!) that is efficient and suitable for computer based problem solving..
Amazingly great ideas have emerged during the golden period for Algorithmic thinking. Most great algorithms, when viewed as a finished product, have several puzzling and surprising elements and we feel at the end a bit mysterious about the whole solution. Prim, while writing his Bell labs report has discussed a few insightful points and when we know them, Prim's algorithm becomes a PURE DELIGHT!!!!

About the Speaker

Prof. Pandurangan joined the CSE Department of IIT Madras in July 1985 and served with distinction until July 2021. His research spans cryptography and security protocols, graph theory, computational geometry, and randomized & parallel algorithms. Among his honours, he was appointed Institute Chair Professor at IIT Madras in 2018 and was elected Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering in 2006. Prof. Pandu Rangan’s deep expertise and influential work in algorithmic foundations and security frameworks make him a valued speaker and mentor for both theoretical and applied research communities.