KATHMANDU: This is an exclusive men’s only organisation formed on the principles laid down by King Arthur for the Knights of the Round Table, and is also named ‘Round Table International’.

Round Table International seeks to instill a sense of parity, brotherhood and fellowship amo-ng its members while promoting constructive activities that benefit society.

The first ‘Table’ in Nepal was formed in 1990 aided by members from India. The popularity, and consequently membership of the table grew over the years, and Round Table Nepal was established as an independent association in 1999. Round Table Nepal has grown from three Tables to 14 Tables (each table consists of a maximum of 25 members) with over 180 odd members located in various parts of the country — Ka-thmandu, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Narayangargh.

In keeping with its egalitarian views, it encourages membership from all walks of life irrespective of caste, creed, profession or social standing. While the process of choosing members varies from Table to Table, it is imperative that they be between the ages of 18-45 and have a strong drive towards contributing to society. “This vast mix of people,” states Sunil Mehta, President of Round Table Nepal, “makes the experience of being a member of this organisation more enjoyable as we meet, interact, exchange ideas and learn from each other while working towards a common goal.”

Round Table, Nepal has been involved in numerous social welfare activities. The Tables individually and collectively support various projects that deal with issues ranging from orphans, welfare for women, children and the aged, education, health, infrastructure and the like with funds raised locally and/or internationally.

Mehta recalls an instance where they ‘adopted’ a village located about 40 km away from Kathmandu. One of their biggest accomplishments, he recounts was building a reservoir which has to a large extent helped solve the water problem there. They also refurbished a defunct health post which now has three qualified doctors visiting it on a weekly basis.

‘Freedom through Education’ is Round Table Nepal’s national theme. It reflects the general consensus among members that educating children is the way to the future. Financially backed by a German association, they have built 87 school buildings in 13 schools across the country. Each of these structures has four classrooms and each classroom can comfortably accommodate 35-40 students. Besides this, the various Tables also independently supply educational aids and materials to these schools.

Mehta reveals they are looking at prospects of tying up with a Belgian association, which will eventually facilitate the building of more schools at a scale that will dwarf all past projects keeping high the motto of ‘Service through fellowship’.