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New chapter in India-Lanka relations

The editorial “Rajapaksa’s visit” (June 11) aptly emphasised that the visit of Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India might improve bilateral relations. The bilateral ties assume great importance for India as it does not have many friends in South Asia.

Mr Rajapaksa was re-elected as Sri Lanka’s President. Sri Lanka knows that India is the only country that can provide help in its development and extend financial support for the rehabilitation of Tamils. That is why their bilateral relations are of paramount importance for both countries.

Sri Lanka has assured its support to India to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Both countries also signed an agreement in the areas of defence, technology, solar energy, security, education, etc. It seems that India and Sri Lanka have entered a new era of relationship.

AKHIL JINDAL, Rohtak

Unfair to the humanities

Shelley Walia’s article “Crisis in liberal arts” (June 15) made introspective reading while emphasising undue importance given to science at the expense of the humanities. It was interesting to note that science, which claims to be a panacea, has been responsible for many ills that plague modern society and has brought about what the writer calls “ethical and moral bankruptcy”.

The focus today is on a course or a syllabus which would result in a fat pay packet. The humanities thus do not become a natural choice. The natural process of learning too is thus ignored, unlike the learning ethos that existed in premier universities like Nalanda.

The relationship between science and the humanities is also, sadly, left unexplored which widens the chasm between the two disciplines. Much of funding for projects goes to the sciences while the intelligentsia, students and parents ignore the contribution of the humanities. The contribution of science has its own place but the importance of the humanities in moulding thought and attitudes cannot be belittled.

The writer rightly emphasises that the humanities bring long-lasting social reforms.

HARPREET KAUR VOHRA, Asst Professor English, Panjab University Regional Centre, Ludhiana

Foreign varsities

The writer has rightly expressed the view that importing foreign universities will not help in improving our education system (article, “Challenge of education: Importing foreign universities won’t help”, June 16). Quality education can be ensured by bringing reforms in the existing education system. First of all, we should stress upon finding competent teaching professionals within our country.

In order to attract competent teaching professionals, additional benefits, facilities and higher pay packages must be given to the deserving candidates. Talented graduate/post-graduate candidates should be given opportunities to improve their qualifications.

Due to the non-availability of quality education in the rural areas and small cities, parents are compelled to send their wards to big cities for higher education.

Seminars, workshops and training programmes must be conducted at the national level to bring reforms in the existing education system. There is no need to invite foreign universities to start their campuses in India. Talented competent students/candidates presently available in our country can very well improve our education system if opportunities are provided to them.

NIRANJAN SINGH, Chandigarh

Apprehensions regarding the Foreign Educational Institutions Bill are unwarranted. We need to get over the fear that foreign institutions will exploit us and their only objective is profit.

The Bill is a step in the right direction. This move coupled with a gamut of reforms being pushed by the HRD Ministry is going to change the landscape of our education system.

We need to support our proactive HRD Minister who is trying hard to bring about reforms and change.

VARUN MUDEGOWDER, Davangere

Emergency days

Kuldip Nayar’s article “The verdict against Indira Gandhi” (June 12) brought back sad memories of the Emergency and some of the draconian steps taken to remain in power. The enforcement of MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security) was an audacious decision taken by the late Indira Gandhi to stay put in power. Gagging the press proved to be her nemesis as she lost in the ensuing general election.

GURMIT SINGH SAINI, SAS Nagar

Manipur crisis

The editorial “Road to Manipur: Fight the fire, not just the smoke” (June 16) has rightly suggested that both the Centre and state should not be sluggish in taking timely and prompt decisions over vital issues facing the nation. Surely the policy of procrastination aggravates the problem. Only good governance is the panacea for all our ills. Road blockades/ bandhs are unique in India invariably characterised by the virtual absence of the government and appalling inconvenience to the people.

Groups organise road blockades ‘in protest’ and paralyse normal life and bring economic activity to a standstill to show their strength. It is amazing why the Union Home Ministry took two months to flex its muscles and why PM’s intervention was delayed. Genuine steps must be taken urgently to resolve political and ethnic issues.

Capt. SK DATTA, Abohar