ICT and Institutional Transformations in the Global South

A Study of the Rejuvenation of the Guthi Institution in Nepal

Abstract

At a juncture where various streams questioning the role of ICT in democratic governance have joined, this paper explores how a traditional South Asian institution – the Guthi – is rejuvenated, if not resuscitated, by ICT, especially – but not only – by the Communication aspect, prompted by a cataclysmic event, and also propelled towards global normative priorities. The case came to attention after the major earthquake of 2015 in Nepal. The Guthi, the traditional institution of cooperative self-governance prevalent primarily amongst the Newars of Kathmandu Valley, was in serious decline and the earthquake laid bare the void it had left behind. Leveraging on ICT and following their traditions, the communities put forward the case for their participation in rebuilding efforts. Especially this, but also those possibilities in general, “spun off” new iterations of the Guthi: neo-Guthis, sub-Guthis, and quasi-Guthis. We argue that much of the criticism that is levelled against the Guthi today ignores these and solely focuses on the ancient, guthis. As we put forth, it was the reaction to the demand of the time as well as utilizing the tools available, and even adapting the organization(s) to do so, that enabled the rejuvenation of an indigenous institution.