Organisation doing in the Himalayan region

INTRODUCTIONS
Himalayan Research Group
The Himalayan Research Group is an inter-disciplinary forum for those engaged in study and research in the Himalaya, Its goal is to further the exchange of ideas in what its brochure calis the "greatest highland region in the world", and to promote "meaningful collaboration" so that a proper understanding of the environment can lead to appropriate development.
Not limiting itself to the Indian Himalaya, the Group has lately extended its activities to other parts of India, particularly in areas where there are common environmental concerns.
The society publishes a twice yearly journal, Himalayan Research & Development, which is dedicated to research and investigations that help correct misperceptions, and identify and analyse problems in the Himalaya. Besides the journal, the Group also publishes region and problem specific books.
Two recent studies take a "geo ecological perspective" on the Nepal Himalaya and on mining and the environment in India. Two new books are planned, one on the dimensions   of

 
environmental change in the region, and the other on ecological, economic and environmental aspects of Himalayan forests.
The Group is a self-sustaining society which is largely dependent upon membership subscription and funds generated from its publications. Membership is open to all, and the annual fee for regular membership for individuals is IRs. 60 or U$ 20. Write to: Post Bag No.l, Tallital, Naini Tal 263 002, Utlar Pradesh,
 
Nepal Business and Professional Women´s Club
The Nepal Business and Professional Women´s Club is a lobbying group for working women in Kathmandu, but it is also much more than that. It was established in 1974 as a forum to articulate the interests and problems of professional women in Nepal, but now it has turned its attention to other complex societal matters. Says the Club´s   President, Ambica Shrestha, "We
 
want to see women join the mainstream of the work force and become full participants in the economic life of the country. But we also feel it important to work to enhance the lives of our less fortunate sisters."
The Club has had notable success in establishing free day care centres in the industrial districts in Patan, Balaju, Pokhara, Hetauda and Birganj, where working mothers can leave pre-school children. Initial skepticism has turned into enthusiasm, even among the factory owners, and two of the centres have now been handed over to industrialists to run and maintain. Plans are being made to hand over the rest.
The club offers fortnightly classes to educate working mothers on the use of local foods, the spacing of children, immunization, hygiene and breast feeding. It selects "motivators" in communities and trains them to be more effective in enriching others´ iives. The Club also imparts skills training and provides small loans for women to start their own businesses. The Club is getting ready to start a family health clinic in downtown Kathmandu,
The Club has about 350 members, with chapters in Pokhara, Birgunj, Hetauda and Biratnagar. Contact: GPO Box 459 Kathmandu.