Why is mathematics loved but rarely pursued as a career in India? In this episode of the Prof Mahesh Podcast, we sit down with Prof. Madhavan Mukund, Director of the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), to uncover why mathematics is misunderstood and why it remains one of the most powerful career paths of the future.We discuss how school teaching and university research must evolve, why mathematicians are in demand across finance, logistics, computer science, and AI, and the many specializations available—geometry, algebra, topology, discrete mathematics, and more. Prof. Mukund also highlights the role of theoretical computer science, the long road ahead for artificial intelligence, and the importance of computational thinking in shaping the future workforce.This episode is a must-watch for students, parents, and young researchers looking to understand why mathematics is the language of problem-solving and innovation.