towards broader horizons…
Multidisciplinary Academic PerspectiveS MAPS
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Address Multidisciplinary Academic PerspectiveS (MAPS) Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01 691 0277, Email: info@maps.org.np Website: www.maps.org.np
Registration No: 428/063/64, District Administration Office, Kathmandu
1. Background Every individual (and institution, where applicable) goes through a number of varying experiences—physical, intellectual, economic, academic, social, cultural, ideological, occupational, sentimental, and so on. The numerous and rich life-experiences are a source of knowledge to the individual. They not only lead him/her towards being a storehouse of knowledge but also provide him/her with point(s) of view. The individual is thus a close equivalent of an academic discipline, however unintended and/or unsystematic. And, no two individuals can have had completely identical sets of experiences for them to have identical knowledge and points of view. Hence, each individual is a unique discipline in his/her own right. Nonetheless, phenomena taking place in a society are too complex to be comprehended and explained in their entirety by a single discipline (academic, individual, or institutional) no matter how broad its scope be. Individuals and institutions often tend to interpret, understand and explain society and its phenomena, taking as bases a single, closed set of just one's own experiences and stances. When there is an exchange of different perceptions and explanations amongst disciplines (academic, individual, or institutional), the resultant is respect and tolerance among individuals and institutions with differing experiences, perceptions, interpretations, and explanations.
2. Introduction MAPS is a non-governmental, non-profit organization constituted by individuals with youthful energies, who desire and feel an urge to act as positive catalysts for all-round progress of the society. We believe we ourselves are responsible for and capable of bringing about the change we desire. We also believe that the change we expect would best be brought about in an atmosphere where respect and tolerance among differing experiences (physical, intellectual, economic, academic, social, cultural, ideological, occupational, and so on) is practiced and advocated.
3. Vision There exists in society a plurality of social, economic, political, academic, intellectual, cultural, and ethnic experiences and stances. MAPS envisions a society in which plurality in all its forms is acknowledged, respected and learned from—towards broader horizons of knowledge, understanding and societal progress.
4. Mission
5. Categorical Activities
6. Programs
The weekly program Shastrartha is a multidisciplinary practice where the participants get to express their own points of view as well as benefit from perspectives of others. In the Shastrartha, we carry out academic exchange based on different theories, philosophies, ideologies, concepts, interpretations and the like. This 2-hour-long collective expression of perspectives has been proven to develop ideational tolerance among people from different walks of life. The ideas discussed are taken from various academic disciplines. It is hoped this program leads to integration of the best ideas in the different perspectives, thereby laying down a common intellectual foundation for a consensus on the appropriate approach necessary for desired change. Details are available in Annex 1.
6. 2 Membership Orientation
MAPS organized its first membership orientation program on Sept. 23, 2006 at Martin Chautari, Thapathali. The program was followed by a socializing event at Garden de Café, Kathmandu Jaycees building, so that members and well-wishers could get to know each other better.
Currently, the number of members with us is 35-plus. Attending the orientation program is a must for those seeking membership.
6.3 Facilitation of research activities Members from MAPS accepted requests made by research students from Bielefeld University, Germany, to facilitate in their research activities. The studies concerned community forestry, political awareness, basic operating guidelines, etc. They were carried out mainly in the Dolakha, Rolpa, Dang, Chitwan, Parwat districts.
A team comprising of 4 members from the MAPS conducted a research on political awareness among members of a Chepang community in Chitwan, Nepal. This event took place in the month of November 2006. It focused primarily on figuring out the extent to which the Chepang in Chitwan were knowledgeable about the people’s revolt in and around April 2006. MAPS plans a public presentation of the findings in near future. 6.5 Conceptualizing and Planning workshop MAPS organized a conceptualizing and planning workshop on Oct. 14-15, 2006 at NESAC Hall, Anamnagar. Twenty-five MAPS members participated in the program. In the workshop, we conceptualized our vision and mission priorities for the organization, and set goals, objectives, and activities for programs. 6.6 Proposal writing training A one-day project proposal writing training was conducted at the COCAP building, Anamnagar, in September 2006. Eight members participated in the program and Advisor to MAPS Mr. Laxman Acharya bore responsibility of the resource person. 6.7 Youth and Rural Development workshop MAPS, in collaboration with Nepal Institute of Labour Studies (NILS), organized a workshop on “Youth and Rural Development” on Sept. 17, 2006. Included in the program were four separate paper presentations and one oral presentation. Presentations were followed by comments by commentators, and open discussions. Details are available in the Annex.
In addition, the program also included a Kachahari (an open theater) drama entitled “Loktantra” performed by the Gurukul. 6.8 Hike to mark International Youth Day MAPS organized a Hike from Shivapuri to Sundarijal to mark the 7th International Youth Day with the slogan “Tackling Poverty Together”, on August 12, 2006. The hike also marked completion of 3 successful months of the Shastrartha.
As a participant organization in the International Youth Conference titled Deepening our Spirituality, September 23 – 28, 2006, MAPS participated in the peace march in Kathmandu organized to mark the UN International Day of Peace. The march took place on 23 September 2006. The conference was jointly organized by the Children of the Earth and the World Spirit Youth Council. 7. Executive Committee
8. Contact Bhasker kafle President (98510-12848) Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01 6910277, Email: info@maps.org.np Website: www.maps.org.np
Annex 1: List of the Shastrartha programs Venue: Martin Chautari, Thapathali Day: Every Saturday
(Annex 1 contd…)
Annex 2: Program details of the Youth and Rural Development workshop
Topic: Youth and Rural Development Date: 17 September 2006 Venue: Gurukul, Old Baneswor Collaborator: National Institute of Labor Studies (NILS)
Presentations
Presenter: Sunil Pokhrel Commentator: Dr. Damodar Gyawali
Presenter: Rajkumar Pandey Commentator: Prabhash Devkota
3. Topic: Youth and Rural Development in Nepal Presenter: Dr. Shiva Sharma, General Secretary, National Labour Academy
4. Topic: Role of Youth in Rural Development Presenter: Prof. Pitambar Rawal, Professor of Economics, TU
Presenter: Prof. Pradeep Khadka, Head of Department-RD, TU
Note: The first four paper and power-point presentations are available at www.maps.org.np.
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