Some people think that the government is wasting money on the arts and that this money could be better spent elsewhere. To what extent do you agree with this view?

Some individuals hold the belief that government expenditure on arts is a misuse of funds and that there are better areas to allocate the money. This essay will explore the extent to which I agree with this viewpoint.

Certain members of the population argue that it is essential to preserve a nation’s rich culture and heritage. They contend that this allows future generations to be aware of their glorious past and learn valuable lessons from the experiences of their ancestors. For example, the conservation of historical monuments and sites like the Qutb Minar, Iron Pillar, and the Indus Valley Civilization offers present-day engineers and architects insights into ancient architectural and engineering techniques. The fact that the Iron Pillar remains resistant to rust despite being exposed to nature’s elements testifies to the remarkable metallurgical processes employed in ancient times.

However, there are those who believe that the government should prioritize spending on necessities such as education and healthcare rather than luxury expenses like the preservation of art and architecture. They argue that for the country to progress, investments in building essential infrastructure, such as educational institutions like IITs and IIMs, medical facilities like AIIMS, and improving irrigation systems through dam construction, are paramount.

Considering these differing perspectives, both areas of spending hold significant importance. While infrastructure development ensures the country’s progress, preserving the nation’s heritage keeps its soul vibrant and thriving. It is crucial for the government to strike a balance and allocate funds appropriately to meet the diverse needs of society.

Overall, I partially agree with the notion that government spending on the arts could be seen as wasteful when compared to other pressing issues. However, I believe that investing in the preservation of culture and heritage plays a vital role in shaping a nation’s identity and fostering a sense of pride and belonging among its citizens.

(Word count: 273)