The Aims of the General Paper

Abstract

Specialization restricts the outlook of the student making him feel at home only in his chosen field. We have never had a tradition of reading for general knowledge in this country. Reading and studying for examinations makes sense but reading for culture and to understand the world around us is hard to come by. I feel that science students are particularly guilty of this “sin” of omission. In some institutes of technology science students are required to follow courses in the humanities and social sciences. This is important mainly because a scientist who knows little beyond his laboratory is a danger to society. By seeking to be innocent of social involvement, he is a ready prey to all manner of pressures — especially political pressure.