The National Humanities Center, a prestigious institution dedicated to promoting multidisciplinary humanities research, is making waves in India as its president, Robert D Newman, visits the country for the first time. Newman, along with the Center’s vice-chairman Rishi Jaitly, is on a mission to find scholars who can contribute to the institution’s groundbreaking work and build bridges with the humanities community in India.
In a world that increasingly values science and technology, Newman emphasizes the importance of a broad and humane education. He believes that the humanities are essential not just for developing writing skills, but also for encouraging deeper contemplation and critical thinking. Jaitly, a prominent technology executive, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the need for a diverse range of experiences to enrich scholarship.
The visit to Indian campuses like IIT Bombay, Ashoka University, and Delhi University aims to inspire students to embrace the humanities alongside technical subjects. Jaitly emphasizes the importance of being a ‘full-stack human’, capable of drawing on various forms of intelligence to solve problems holistically. He believes that education should focus on “meaning-making” and storytelling, essential skills in the workplace.
Despite criticism that the humanities are too political, Newman defends their role in fostering free inquiry and critique. He believes that the humanities are meant to encourage multiple perspectives, regardless of political leanings. As the discourse shifts towards new technologies like generative AI and quantum tech, Newman and Jaitly stress the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability, qualities that the humanities can instill in individuals.