The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Learning from U.S.

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Thursday, Dec 22, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Learning from U.S.

This refers to the article "Higher education: learning from the U.S." (Dec. 16). The U.S. system draws its vitality not only from its affluence but also from its competitive spirit, minimal interference from the government and, of course, its prolific industrial linkages. Benefactors comparable to Ezra Cornell, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, and John D. Rockefeller are unheard of even in Europe not to mention the developing world. In India, the private sector in higher education needs to be further developed, cleansed of scandals, and freed from state control if the process of "learning from the U.S." is to be seriously pursued.

Tirumalai Raman,
Chennai

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The article, with its narrative of American success, is inspiring. The ideas and methods for improving the system in our country too are good. However, the situation in America as projected in the essay is more or less an idealistic one and in experience restricted to the referred nation only. The very foundation of "affluence" and private initiative that enthuses the author to offer alternative solutions from the inside of the American system is unthinkable in our context.

Rajbir Parashar,
Kaithal, Haryana

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