64. Reading Skills Comprehension: INDIA

INDIA – A DEVELOPING NATION

1. India was once considered the land of knowledge and enlightenment. In ancient times scholars from all over Asia and Europe used to flock to Taxila, Nalanda and other Indian centres of learning. Apart from the arts, culture, philosophy and religion, these scholars came to study medicine, law and martial sciences. But despite having a vastly expanded university system and historical advance”-s, modem India has yet to provide international or even regional leadership in higher education. From the surrounding countries of Asia and Africa, only a few students come to India for higher education.
2. The United States is by far the most successful country in attracting foreign students. But other countries such as Australia. Canada and Britain also aggressively market their universities abroad through their education counselling services and recruitment fairs with the active cooperation of their diplomatic missions abroad.
3. Likewise. India should also capitalise on the advantages offered by its higher education institutions, market Indian universities abroad and facilitate the entry of foreign students into them. The revenue from foreign students can be used to ease the financial crunch faced by Indian universities, improve academic facilities and subsidise the cost of educating Indian students.
4. But apart from economic advantages, many other benefits would accrue to the nation. India would gain global and regional influence, goodwill and become a major provider of higher education. Many Asian and African countries, especially the smaller ones have poorly developed university systems and would look to Indian universities for higher education of their youth. At the same time, Indian students will not be deprived if 10 per cent supernumerary seats for foreign students are created in universities and professional colleges.
5. Already professional education in India has proved accessible and affordable for foreign students especially from Malaysia, the Middle East and South Africa. In these countries higher education training facilities are limited. Many NR1 (Non-Resident Indian) families abroad, especially those from English-speaking industrialised countries are also keen to send their children to study in their motherland and hopefully to become attuned to their Indian roots in the process.
Complete the sentences given below :
(a) In spite of India having a historical advantage and a vastly expanded university system it

(b) Many parents send their children to India hoping

(a) In spite of India having a historical advantage and a vastly expanded university system, it has failed to provide international or even regional leadership in higher education.

(b) Many parents send their children to India hoping that they would become familiar with their Indian roots.

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