It is without dispute that liberal education plays an equally crucial part, if not more in the intellectual and holistic development of a person (“The case for liberal arts education”, May 11). However while comparing India’s case with that of America’s, the writer seems to have missed a point — of the situation in India. In India, there is a need for more engineers and doctors and administrators on account of it being a developing country. Second, due to limited income opportunities and a lack of social safety nets, these professions have become a sure shot way to gain a minimum level of fiscal and social stability. Therefore, it is not without reason that Indian social norms are biased in favour of the sciences and management studies.
Sushant Singh,New Delhi
The article so resonates with my own life experience! When I opted to pursue psychology honours after studying science in school, I was the butt of ridicule. My course was called a ‘non-serious one’ and a ‘time pass’ activity. I was convinced that society in India thrives on stereotypes that any deviation from it is just not acceptable.
Doctors and engineers are considered “the” only serious professionals in India. Science definitely ought to have a high place but the arts have their own charm which broadens an individual’s intellectual horizons.
Annapurna Garg,Old Faridabad, Haryana
Post-Independence, when Indian universities predominantly embraced science and technology in their academic offerings, it was a decision that rested on meaningful and strategic thought, because of the national drive to create a self-sustaining, industrial nation. Even today, the overall academic framework places immense importance on science and technology, also vindicated by the fact that most students heading abroad for higher education choose to study these subjects. However prudence would have prevailed had we taken midcourse correction by introducing a liberal arts programme in some of our mainstream universities. This requirement assumes relevance and significance as we have as a country allowed corrupt practices to permeate all walks of life. There is an urgent need for a liberal arts programme centred around an ethical value system and which also taps our rich, cultural heritage.
K. Srinivasan,Chennai
It is true that liberal arts education is not promoted by different sections of the society for one reason or other even though such an education is needed to reap the benefits of development through post-industrial growth. Such an education will help foster innovative ideas in almost all fields. A person who is well-versed in the political, historical and cultural moorings of a country could help promote practical solutions in case of conflict and when faced with dilemmas.
Sherry Ahluwalia,Chandigarh
