Every year on December 22, India celebrates National Mathematics Day to honor Srinivasa Ramanujan. A month later, we recall a key moment in India's Constitution about numerals. During the Constituent Assembly discussions, there was a fiery debate: should the country use traditional Devanagari numerals (१, २, ३) or international numerals (1, 2, 3)? Two groups clashed — traditionalists wanted Devanagari to show India’s cultural roots. Moderates pushed for international numerals for practicality. Granville Austin noted in The Constitution of India how some Hindi advocates risked dividing the nation for uniformity. On August 26, 1949, a vote was held. At first, 63 members backed international numerals while 54 supported Devanagari. A requested revision ended in a 74–74 tie. Nehru and chair Pattabhi Sitaramayya urged caution, saying Devanagari numbers shouldn’t be forced by a slim margin. Traditionalists led by Purushottamdas Tandon continued to oppose international numerals. Seth Govind Das said, “If we cannot even adopt our own numerals, what self-respect can this country claim?” But others like Frank Anthony warned, “To impose Devanagari numerals is to impose a culture on those who do not share it. This will not unite; it will divide.” Nehru stressed that science, trade, and governance relied on international numerals. Changing them would cause huge problems. After long talks, the Munshi–Ayyangar compromise was reached. Article 343 of the Constitution adopted the international form of Indian numerals (0-9). The President had limited powers for a 15-year transition, after which Parliament alone could decide on numerals. Since Parliament took no action, international numerals remain official. Dr. Rajendra Prasad called the deal “the wisest possible thing.” The phrase “international form of Indian numerals” honors India’s original decimal system, now used worldwide. This compromise balanced respect for culture with the need for unity and progress. It also sends a lasting message: India’s strength lies in diversity, not uniformity. As its leaders balanced tradition with modern needs, India’s choice of numerals stands for inclusion and strength through pluralism.