Volume 3 Issue 3 March, 2013
Are Humanities Missing in the Field of Science & Technology?
Recently, the University Grants Commission which oversees nearly 600 universities in India sent a letter to all Vice Chancellors, recommending that students should be sensitized about human values. It further noted that as per UGC decision, science and technology students should be asked to take courses under humanities and social sciences as part of their curriculum!! This was based on National Integration Commission recommendation to UGC in order to stop radicalization of youth!!
This indeed appears very welcome step, but the million dollar question is, can human values be taught through books and evaluated by answers?? However, the decision made by the UGC raises many questions: are human values higher in those specialized in humanities than in those from a science background; does the role of the university encompass ensuring that the students develop human values, given that the individual is already an adult when he first enrolls; what then is the role of parents, schools, neighbourhood, community leaders and the society, in guiding the young. Can we claim that the young will learn what the adults in a community do not practice?
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