Science & humanities

Sir, - This refers to the excellent article ``Science & humanities'' by Prof. S. Jagadisan and Dr. M. S. Nagarajan (The Hindu, Nov. 21). The authors have made a valid and strong argument in favour of the humanising influences of the Arts subjects.

Especially in today's world with the sciences, particularly computer technology, ruling the roost, Arts subjects are given stepmotherly treatment and are only the last resort of students who fail to get admission into other science and commerce streams. People think of Arts as non-utility subjects.

It has now become a fashion to jettison the literature component of English and teach it more as a functional language.

Unfortunately both students and professors feel that literature (poetry or Shakespeare) can be done away with, since the focus is on English language learning skills. With poetry and great literature out, I'm sure the future generations would miss much of what the authors have rightly pointed out as the aesthetic experience and humanising influences.

Let students study sciences and keep up with modern technological advancement but let them also spare a little time for the finer and nobler arts - though it may not fill their pockets, at least it shall definitely fill their hearts and minds with joy and pleasure.

A. Sudha,

Chennai

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