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  • Studies in Nepali History and Society

Chautaris are common on the trails of Nepal and at points where roads meet or cross in villages and towns. They are resting places, providing shade and a place to sit. They are also meeting places, where people gather to discuss issues that concern them. Martin Chautari was founded in the spring of 1995 in memory of Martin Hoftun, a Norwegian researcher who died in the Thai airlines crash of 1992. Funds were collected, by Martin's friends and colleagues from Oxford University and from Norway, for a suitable memorial to him. Martin's parents, Odd and Tullis Hoftun, decided that a centre, in Kathmandu, that would facilitate serious intellectual debate about Nepali society, would be the most fitting memorial. They added the proceeds of the insurance settlement from Thai airlines to the funds already collected and Martin Chautari was founded. The work of those who organize Martin Chautari's programs has thus far been entirely voluntary, as have the contributions of those who speak in its programs. Funds are used for rent of the premises (in Thapathali, Kathmandu), a salary for the family who used to work for Martin Hoftun's family and who now live in and look after the Martin Chautari house, and for the purchase of materials for a resource library (mainly in the Nepali language) for the use of students in CSRD's Student Research Training Program and for other researchers (the library is also housed at Martin Chautari). The initial fund is sufficient to support the centre for an initial five year period. After that, Martin Chautari will have to find other sources of funding if it is to survive. Martin Chautari has a growing reputation as an independent forum for exchange of ideas across divides (disciplinary, political, etc.) that frequently prevent communication, and for searching debate that refuses the slogans too often put forth as answers to Nepal's problems. Suggestions for sources of funding to keep Martin Chautari alive after 2000 are most welcome.

All are welcome at Martin Chautari's talk programs which take place each Tuesday in the Mangalbare Forum. (Cf. the list of talks held from May 1996 to April 1997 in the Nepal Studies Group Seminar Series). Presentations are made in either Nepali or English. Monthly schedules are available at Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, Kathmandu (Tel. 227711), and are also posted on these pages for the information of those who cannot attend. Martin Chautari is located in Thapathali, Kathmandu (Tel. 246065). Information is also available from Pratyoush Onta, CSRD, 15/1 Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal (Tel. 260850). Anyone wishing to discuss the possibility of giving a talk at Martin Chautari can contact Pratyoush Onta at the above address.