Magic with numbers

"Keep trying. Never give up. People will discourage you, but remain optimistic and you will find success,” is the mantra of 38-year-old Minoo Jokhi, well known for his mathematical skills. On a visit to the Parsiana office on November 4, 2015, speaking from personal experience, the noted mathemagician admitted that until 1992 he was "weak in maths” and it was only with his mother Katy’s help that he trained to overcome this handicap and make it his strength. For her support he remains ever grateful, advising youngsters: "Respect your mother. She is the most important person in your life.”
In addition to mathemagics performances (over 600 so far, he mentions), Jokhi has been conducting memory development classes since 2002. "It is a misconception that memory worsens with age. One has to do the right mental exercises. As I have grown older, my memory has become better,” Jokhi shares. He is also a consultant on numerology, he mentions, offering to do a reading for the reporter which was politely declined.

Minoo Jokhi (center) with youngsters after a show

Often invited to perform in various schools, colleges, clubs and corporate concerns in Bombay and other Indian cities, Jokhi has also displayed his skills at the VII World Zoroastrian Congress in Houston, USA in 2002; the Parliament of World Religions in Barcelona, Spain in 2004; at the Quest for Global Healing Conference in Bali, Indonesia in 2006; at the 14th North American Congress in Toronto in 2007; and several times at the International Medical Conferences in Colombo between 2002 and 2012, states his bio data. In Bangalore he has put up six performances for the Parsi community, three for schools and others for the Rotary Club of Spandana and Rotary Club of Cantonment. Wrote Phiroze Bharda, president of the Bangalore Zoroastrian Association, appreciatively: "Of particular interest was your very unique ability to solve difficult mathematical problems in the wink of an eye. Truly this was incredible.”
Among Jokhi’s skills is mentally calculating in a few seconds factorials of numbers up to 30, though the most advanced calculator can manage factorials only up to 14. He can also recite tables from one to 1,00,00,000 and cube roots up to 1,00,00,00,000! His shows are "interactive and entertaining,” says the showman who arrived at the Parsiana office resplendent in a flaming red satin shirt!
He has been conferred honorary membership of the Rotary Club of Bombay Hill South, notes his bio data. Acting is another interest; he has taken part in 10 television shows of Frohar Foundation as well as in Zee TV serials. A green belt in karate, Jokhi excels in tennis for which he has earned a number of trophies. "Running helps in discipline and maths,” he informed Parsiana, revealing that he has run the Standard Chartered Mumbai half marathon thrice and the Vasai-Virar Mayor’s Marathon twice.
The bachelor, who lives with his mother and brother Hoshang in south Bombay, is founder of the Colaba Cooperation Circle and International Interfaith Peace Colaba Cooperation Circle which has members from India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, his bio data states. Jokhi may be contacted by telephone at: 65666463; 9821407519; email: minoojokhi@rediffmail.com; website: www.minoojokhi.in