Encouraging creativity
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
With all the difficulties that we have had in the last one decade, Bangladesh has continued to progress. If we want Bangladesh of the future to be a country that is advanced in all spheres, we have to take greater pride in intellectual and creative accomplishments. It is therefore important that our leaders, politicians, intellectuals, teachers, and others should talk about these matters in public and highlight our innovations in science, arts and literature, theatre, and other aspects related to human creativity.
One is not asking for monetary support here, but moral support, and a commitment of society to all spheres of creative activity so that a balanced future for the country is assured. I am, by no means, downgrading or undermining the importance of economic development and industrial growth, but if our primary concern is only commercial benefits, and the number of millionaires in the country, it will distort our development as a society and the values of young people. Young people should be encouraged to take up studies of their liking, get involved in creative endeavours in whatever sphere they like most, since we do need extraordinary people in all spheres, for a great Bangladesh of the future. It is not enough if we routinely create professionals and managers.
Let us not forget that the countries in past history that we admire most are not necessarily the economically prosperous ones, but those that made major contributions to our cultural heritage. Our aim should be to make Bangladesh a country that is recognised throughout the world and throughout history as a country that has significantly advanced the progress of science, art, and literature. Our rulers and planners should therefore come out with an enlightened policy that provides the environment necessary for scientific discoveries and creative successes. We need to create a general atmosphere where there is the realisation that good accounting, while necessary, does not lead to good science, art or poetry.
Gopal Sengupta
McGill University
Canada
gopal.sengupta@mail.mcgill.ca
One is not asking for monetary support here, but moral support, and a commitment of society to all spheres of creative activity so that a balanced future for the country is assured. I am, by no means, downgrading or undermining the importance of economic development and industrial growth, but if our primary concern is only commercial benefits, and the number of millionaires in the country, it will distort our development as a society and the values of young people. Young people should be encouraged to take up studies of their liking, get involved in creative endeavours in whatever sphere they like most, since we do need extraordinary people in all spheres, for a great Bangladesh of the future. It is not enough if we routinely create professionals and managers.
Let us not forget that the countries in past history that we admire most are not necessarily the economically prosperous ones, but those that made major contributions to our cultural heritage. Our aim should be to make Bangladesh a country that is recognised throughout the world and throughout history as a country that has significantly advanced the progress of science, art, and literature. Our rulers and planners should therefore come out with an enlightened policy that provides the environment necessary for scientific discoveries and creative successes. We need to create a general atmosphere where there is the realisation that good accounting, while necessary, does not lead to good science, art or poetry.
Gopal Sengupta
McGill University
Canada
gopal.sengupta@mail.mcgill.ca