Nepal, June 4 -- When scholars take turns to speak about a book that very few in the audience have even seen, let alone read, most attendees pretend to listen with rapt attention. The participants who have either not paid enough attention during the presentation, or had arrived too late to hear the scholars deliberate, speak most confidently during the discussions. The book talk about Kathmandu: A Reader (Edited by Benjamin Linder, Publisher: Martin Chautari) last week was no exception.

Once a semi-academic event is over, participants usually form small groups in the front yard of Martin Chautari to discuss whatever interests them. Students are keen about exploring the possibilities of pursuing graduate studies at foreign universities. W...