“For someone who believed that change in Nepal was impossible, this moment feels like a victory,” says 22-year-old Anish Maharjan, reflecting on the recent GenZ-led protests.
Despite all the destruction and devastation, he is optimistic about the future. There was a time when Maharjan had lost all hope for the country. That all changed when the youth-led protests on Sept 8–9 brought the old political parties to their knees.
The movement gained momentum with the appointment of Sushila Karki as the 42nd Prime Minister, sparking fresh hope for progress. “We are hoping for a country where merit is prioritized over nepotism, where living feels like a blessing, not a forced choice”, adds 20-year-old Seejal Rai from Kathmandu.
She explains that youth frustration stems from a corrupt system that has failed to meet even basic needs. “From corruption to unemployment to political instability, there are many problems in this country. No wonder young people are concerned about their future.”
On Sept 8, thousands of youths took to the streets across Nepal against the corrupt system. The demonstration escalated after security personnel gunned down dozens of protesters. “We want to make Nepal better,” says 18-year-old Uttam Pariyar, who joined the protests on Sept 8 and 9.
The wave of protest even reached abroad. Amar Lama, who is currently in Australia, describes his conflicting emotions. “The news about young people dying in protests shattered my heart. Now with the new government in place, I hope things will get better.” If opportunities existed at home, Lama says many youths like him would be in their own country.
Psychologist Gopal Dhakal at MARC Nepal says the GenZ protests were the culmination of pent-up frustration and resentment against the corrupt political leaders. “Most people today seek fairness, equal opportunities, and a society free of corruption. When these things are denied, they will protest,” he adds.
The two-day protests were marked by violence, vandalism, and arson. Government buildings, police stations and private homes of politicians across the country were set alight; there were prison riots and lootings; and security personnel were overrun by angry mobs, forcing them to run for cover.
“On the afternoon of Sept 9, all I could hear was the sound of gunfire, with black columns of smoke rising in the sky,” says 23-year-old Sima Maharjan, who lives in the Baneshwar area. For others the horror of the protests came online. Asmita Bhujel recalls being shocked at the images and videos of young protesters who were shot by police. “It was too much to bear. I couldn’t find peace,” she says.
Psychologist Dhakal says such a situation can intensify anxiety and stress. “The barrage of misinformation on social media made matters worse.”
Meanwhile, widespread destruction of businesses and office buildings have left many people jobless. Dhakal warns this could lead to further hopelessness and mental health issues.
While social movements can indeed be transformative and bring the masses together, Dhakal says it is crucial to keep this unity intact for realizing the much-needed reforms and changes. “The protests have lit the spark, now everybody must channel their energy toward building a better country.”
Shiva Raj Shrestha, who was part of the GenZ protests, says every honest, hard-working Nepali wanted this change. “I believe every generation aspired to see this change, and it was made possible through the collective effort of youth.”
