I write in reference to Jay Strader's letter written in the April 15 edition of The Chronicle giving his opinion on the possible addition of the Hindi major. I am deeply disturbed by his assertion that Hindi is not a very important subject for many students because it "is a language spoken in a Third World country overwrought by disease and poverty."
While it is true that India is indeed "overwrought by disease an poverty" it is also home to a rich and vibrant culture.
More importantly, isn't the mission of the University to prepare students not only to serve themselves and their families but also to make the world at large a better place?
The fact that millions of our fellow human beings in India and countless other places in the world endure unimaginable pain and suffering makes it all the more imperative that languages like Hindi are part of the University's curriculum.
Whether a particular course is of "proven inestimable value" or not depends on one's own personal values.
Prasad Kasibhatla
Assistant research professor
NSOE
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