This refers to the article “Don't tie down the India of ideas” (Feb. 4). Creativity does not come without hard work. Regulations are necessary to regulate those who don't work. As one who is associated with a science research institute, I know how autonomy is misused to recruit one's own people. The underperforming scientists then engage in the so-called science popularisation programme rather than doing any research work.
Ramesh Pandey,
New Delhi
India was a land of ideas. It was the scientific and intellectual powerhouse of the world. But during the colonial rule, rulers wanted workers, not reformers. They educated Indians to work for them. But now, India needs reformers rather than workers. Unfortunately, we still live in the colonial era as far as education is concerned.
Santosh A. Navalur,
Hyderabad
I often wonder why an American or British professor should be interested in what a college lecturer in Tamil Nadu or Gujarat does in Tamil or Gujarati literature. I see little sense in compulsorily sending our PhD theses to foreign examiners, most of whom have no interest in what we do.
Most English professors do not recognise the authenticity of what we practise as Indian English writing. We, in India, proudly mention foreigners in our research papers but how often do they refer to our work done here?
R.K. Singh,
Dhanbad
