The BRICS TimesLeading Nepal’s Gen-Z protests, Sudan Gurung mobilized students against a government serving ‘Nepo babies’ and the political elite.
Nepal’s Youth Take to the Streets
On a humid September morning, thousands of Nepali students flooded major city streets responding to a call for ‘revolution.’ The young population had long been frustrated with corruption, inequality, and poor governance. When the government imposed a total ban on 26 social media platforms, these youth, once weaving dreams on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, erupted onto the streets like wildfire.
Within hours, streets of Nepal’s main cities transformed into battlegrounds. Police firing claimed 20 lives, marking the protests as historic and tragic. Coordinating this massive mobilization was an NGO called Hami Nepal, founded by Sudan Gurung. The 36-year-old, now the face of Nepal’s Gen-Z revolution, understood the youth’s anger and directed it at the right moment.
Sudan Gurung: Channeling Anger into Action
Sudan Gurung identified the frustration among young Nepalis, created a platform, and spread the movement across the nation via networks. As founder and president of Hami Nepal, he gave direction and energy to the protests.
Gurung describes himself as leading a non-profit organization. Though the initiative informally began in 2015, official registration occurred in 2020. On social media, Gurung is recognized as an activist who has spent over a decade mobilizing resources for disaster relief, social services, and emergency aid. The NGO receives international funding and donations, supporting communities in Nepal affected by earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
Mobilizing Gen-Z for September 8 Protest
For the September 8 rally, Gurung called on Gen-Z via Instagram, writing, “Brothers and sisters, September 8 is not just another day. It is the day Nepali youth will rise and say, ‘Enough is enough.’” He added, “This is our time, our fight, and it begins with us, the youth.”
In a passionate post, he declared, “We will raise our voices, clench our fists, demonstrate unity, and show our strength to those who act arrogantly.”
Message, Management, and Momentum
Gurung framed the movement beyond mere anger against social media bans, presenting it as a protest against corruption. Using Instagram, then platforms like Discord and VPNs, he united thousands of young demonstrators, mostly students. In his August 27 post, he urged collective action against privilege and corruption, stating, “If we change ourselves, the country will change.” The movement targeted Nepal’s elite, labeled as ‘Nepo babies’ and the political aristocracy.
From Event Management to Activism
Before becoming an activist, Gurung worked in event management, living a life surrounded by parties. The 2015 Nepal earthquake marked a turning point, inspiring him to focus on humanitarian work. Under his leadership, Hami Nepal conducted emergency response operations, disaster relief campaigns, blood donation drives, and projects advocating for students and migrant workers.
Protests Turn Violent: 20 Dead, Minister Resigns, Ban Lifted
The September 8 protests led by Gen-Z escalated violently. Police firing resulted in 20 deaths and over 300 injuries. Students stormed the parliament, causing vandalism and unrest. Authorities responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and gunfire. Following the events, the government lifted social media restrictions and formed an inquiry committee. Curfews remain in Kathmandu and other cities, but order is being restored. In the aftermath, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on moral grounds.
