Neglected quality:

This refers to Mana Prasad Wagley’s article entitled ‘Universities in Nepal: More commercialisation, less quality’ published in THT, Oct. 3. Dr Wagley has raised some pertinent issues relating to the deteriorating quality of education in Nepal’s universities. The government’s apathy owards promoting quality in universities, the universities’ apathy towards affiliated colleges and lack of infrastructure are some of the burning problems. The government, without understanding the infrastructural and other fundamental needs of a university, has permitted more universities, thus leading to unhealthy competition.

Unless the government and universities realise this fact, they cannot provide quality education. Along with earning money, they also have to focus on basic infrastructure and quality-centred education in order to compete with international universities.

Keshav Raj Adhikari, Pokhara

Another view:

This refers to “Universities in Nepal: More commercialisation, less quality” by Professor Mana Prasad Wagley (THT, October 3). I disagree with the proposition that more commercialisation has led to less quality in Nepal’s universities. I have had experience with Tribhuvan University and Purbanchal University. The problem of declining quality was there with TU even before any commercialisation was taking place and it is still there. There are pockets of excellence within TU and private commercial universities. Such pockets of excellence have increased as a result of greater commercialisation in university education; therefore, the students now have more choices for better education than when TU ruled the roost. The problem of declining quality has other more deeper roots relating to the mores of our traditional society and how it is undergoing transition in the face of capitalism and modernisation.

Amulya Ratna Tuladhar, via e-mail

In poor light:

The recent protest at Tribhuvan International Airport was simply blown out of proportion by the media to create a sensation. It is difficult to understand why these leaders are interested in solving our internal problem when they have not been able to solve their own. For example, the north-eastern parts of India are still full of problems. Sitaram Yechuri and other members of the delegation were here at the invitation of the agitating political parties, which are creating mischief. It is good that some nationalists dared to protest.

Prem Sarkee, via e-mail

Real problem:

Nepalis complain about caste system and corrupt officials. They openly vent their anger against the government. But have they ever thought about their country’s real problems? Nepal’s real problems are lack of patriotism and lack of love for each another. This is the conclusion I have reached during my stay here. Just after the Korean War, which claimed more than five million lives, Korea was one of the poorest countries. Without natural resources, Korea had no choice but to desperately struggle for its survival. Under this gloomy scenario, Koreans envied other Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Nepal.

Ban Whi Min, via e-mail