Harvard looks at merit, not economic background

IN CONVERSATION

He started out as a farmer's son yet managed to attain three degrees (Masters) in Law from the Delhi, Oxford and Harvard Universities and finally a doctorate in law from Harvard University. Today Surat Singh is President of the Harvard Club of India and Asia and an international laywer practicing in the Supreme Court of India. Singh does not mince words when discussing Harvard University's plans concerning India and the reservation debate with Business Standard.

What makes Harvard take such interest in India?

The idea is simple. If a University like Harvard has to retain its global leadership, it must reach out to the globe. As per Goldman Sachs report, India and China are going to be the hottest country in the near future.

By the year 2050, the American economy would be the largest economy with a GDP of $48 trillion. The next richest economy would be China with $37 trillion followed by India with $28 trillion.

So if India and China are put together, their economy will be larger than that of the United States by $17 trillion. Thus, it is Asia where the action is next "� particularly India and China.

You said that a team is being set up at Harvard Club to undertake operations concerning the Indian government. What will be the team's agenda?

Yes, the Harvard Club of Asia has started Harvard-India Project where the best practices and best ideas from both countries, America and India, will be exchanged. We have learned so much from Harvard University.

But I believe India has a lot to teach Harvard. The Global Resource centre of HBS (Harvard Business School) which was set up in March, 2006 is already contemplating various initiatives as to how research can be facilitated on the topics of mutual interests between India and Harvard.

In addition, Harvard University has launched the South Asia Initiative that comprehensively examines South Asia's economy and culture by establishing a centre of excellence in South Asian studies. The Harvard University Asia Centre wants to make Harvard the best place outside Asia, for the study of Asia.

What initiative is Harvard taking to encourage student enrollment from India?

The commitment of Harvard to India is evident from the fact that the President of the University, Larry Summers, was here in March, 2006 to attend a Global Conference and to interact with some of the key-decision makers of this country.

President Larry Summers made it very clear that no student of merit from India need to worry about the finances to attend Harvard. Harvard has found ways and will continue to find ways to finance the studies of a meritorious student. When I was admitted to Harvard in 1984, I needed $20,000.

But Harvard not only gave me one year scholarship, but also a scholarship of $1,20,000 spread over six years. So if one is committed to excellence in education, Harvard will help him no matter what his economic background is. In fact, this is the best form of reservation for weaker sections of the society about which India is struggling so hard.

What are your views on reservation in educational institutions in India?

The whole issue of reservation is misconceived, both by those who are for it as well as those who are against it. The real issue is how to provide opportunities to the talent of the country irrespective of their accident of birth.

The method of reservation is worse than the disease. At Harvard students are admitted on the basis of their merit irrespective of whether they have the financial resources to study there or not. The scholarship is given as per need, a poor student gets more scholarship than a student from affluent background.

The entire debate in India about reservation is bogus, hypocritical and self-serving. People neither have the courage to face the realissue nor the creativity to come out with meaningful solutions.