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Mary Martin, 1915 - 1973
Mary Martin, 1915 - 1973
Mary Martin was born in Adelaide in 1915, and educated at Girton School and the University of Adelaide. Her family was left-leaning in political sentiment, and following a long family tradition attended the Unitarian Church.
In 1945 Mary opened the Mary Martin Bookshop, which rapidly became a well known Adelaide institution, popular with students and a wide range of progressive thinkers. As the business expanded during the 1950s Mary grew increasingly interested in India, and in 1952 made her first visit there. In the early 1960s she sold her interest in the bookshop to her partner, Australian journalist Max Harris. Over the next 40 years the business changed hands several times and expanded to other Australian cities, before contracting to Melbourne where it continues.
In 1963 Mary moved permanently to India where she established a new business in academic books. At the same time she became involved in aiding the development of the displaced and impoverished indigenous peoples of the Nilgiris Hills, known as the Adivasi.
Mary Martin and Dr Narasimhan
Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA)
Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA)
In particular Mary dedicated much of her time to the Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA) based in the hill town of Kotagiri where she lived. NAWA’s programs include a range of development assistance, including hospital and medical services, education and training. As well as practical work assisting NAWA, especially in its medical work, Mary was a substantial benefactor, and became known to the tribal people as Mishiama, meaning white mother.
Mary adopted Indian dress, and dedicated herself to the work of Dr Narasimhan (above right) in support of NAWA. She also helped fund and create a clinic for indigenous children.
Sadly Mary died suddenly in India in 1973 at the age of 58. She was cremated there and her ashes interred near her home.
A fund in Mary's name
A fund in Mary's name
Those who knew Mary Martin and admired her dedication have long wanted to see her work recognised and continue. Contact was re-established with the management of NAWA in 2014 to see what assistance could be provided from Australia in Mary’s name. In discussions held at NAWA it was suggested that if a charity could be established in Australia, NAWA would use the funds to support the employment of a social worker to coordinate the provision of services to local indigenous families. An initial target of AUD $25000 was set, to establish a local fund that would generate approximately AUD $3000 per year indefinitely, an amount that would cover much of the salary needed.
The Fund has formed an Adelaide-based committee, and is incorporated under SA legislation. It has secured an ABN and in 2019 was awarded charity status so that donations are tax deductible. Already several thousand dollars in donations are being held in an account in Australia.
With the launch of this web site in September 2019 the fund was declared officially open, and donations can be made via this web site. Read more about partners and rules of operation.
Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu
Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu
Further reading on Mary Martin
Further reading on Mary Martin
1. Lewis, J. (1997), ‘Mary Martin – A Double Life’, University of Queensland Press, St Lucia, Qld, Australia
2. Martin, D. M. (1992), ‘The Mary Martin Story’, Overland, vol.128
3.‘The Hatbox Letters – the story of two migrant families’, published by the Martin/Clark Book Committee, printed by Optcom Multimedia, Adelaide, SA, 1999.
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