Fascinating talk
December 19, 2020
A few days back, Noam Chomsky addressed the sixth Yohsin Lecture at Habib Uiversity, Karachi. Chomsky, the prominent linguist, political activist and social critic, talked about the implications of the growing threats of a nuclear war, the environmental crisis and the gradual deterioration of democratic values and democracy. He also added that the Covid-19 pandemic is the fourth existential threat. While talking about America’s initial response to the deadly virus, he said that instead of trying to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the US blamed China for the spread of the virus. The fact is that even after the virus wreaked havoc in the country, China was able to control the virus, and has now returned back to normal. He also highlighted the fascist policies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that have badly affected Muslims in India and how the country is losing its secularism. He added that Pakistan hasn’t taken any steps to pro
Missing Out on Science
File photo. Arif Ali AFP
Noam Chomsky’s lament on Pakistan’s educational system raises valid concerns about the country’s future
On Dec. 7, 2020, world-renowned academician Noam Chomsky delivered, via video-link, the 6th Yohsin Lecture organized by Pakistan’s Habib University in Karachi. He said something that shocks no rational person: he regretted the disappearance of science from Pakistan’s educational system. “Pakistan, which used to have advanced science, technology, etc, and produced Nobel laureates, has no future in the free world as it has embraced religious superstition, extremism, religious intolerance, isolationism, and its educational standards have plummeted to unbelievable levels.”
The writer is a former ambassador to the US, India and China and head of UN missions in Iraq and Sudan.
ADDRESSING the sixth Yohsin Lecture at Habib University, Karachi, on Dec 7, the renowned linguist, political commentator and human rights activist, Noam Chomsky, who will this month observe his 92nd birthday, gave yet another fascinating masterclass on the state of the world. More than an icon, Chomsky has been an intellectual, political and moral treasure for the world. He has never sought to make grand philosophical or ideological statements that would encompass and explain the realities and meaning of our existence. Instead, he has always addressed himself to specific issues and challenges as a way to advance the welfare, happiness and security of humanity and similarly to avert and minimise injustice, violence and calamity.