Who is Sudan Gurung, the face of Nepal’s powerful Gen-Z protests?

Nepal has been rocked by one of its most deadly youth uprisings in years. What began as anger over a sweeping government ban on social media platforms has spiralled into deadly clashes on the streets of Kathmandu.

The violent crackdown has triggered resignation from Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and a string of cabinet ministers, including the home, agriculture, youth and sports, and water ministers. Oli, earlier, blamed “unwanted elements” for infiltrating the protests, insisting the ban was never about censorship but about “regulation.”

At least 20 people have lost their lives and more than 300 have been injured in two days of violent demonstrations, where protesters stormed Parliament and security forces retaliated with water cannons, tear gas and even live rounds, according to eyewitness accounts reported by PTI.

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Under mounting pressure, the Cabinet reversed the ban later on Monday. However, this has failed to calm the angry protestors.

Amid the chaos, one name has emerged as the face of the movement: Sudan Gurung, an activist and president of the youth-driven NGO Hami Nepal. For many, Gurung has come to symbolise a generation unwilling to be silenced.

So, who is Sudan Gurung? How did his NGO become central to this unrest? And why could this uprising be a turning point for Nepal? Let’s take a closer look.

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Who is Sudan Gurung?

At the forefront of Nepal’s protests is 36-year-old Sudan Gurung, president of Hami Nepal, a youth-driven NGO that has steadily grown into a full-fledged civic movement.

On social media, the NGO describes Gurung as a philanthropist who has spent more than a decade coordinating relief efforts during disasters.

His work has ranged from mobilising international funding and donations to distributing emergency supplies in communities hit by earthquakes, floods and landslides.

Ahead of the blackout, Hami Nepal used its Instagram and Discord pages to call for protests at Maitighar Mandala on September 8. It shared videos titled “how to protest”, urging students to turn up in uniforms with their books and bags as a peaceful symbol of dissent.

Gurung’s journey into activism is deeply personal. A former event organiser, he turned to civic work after the 2015 earthquake, when he lost his own child. “A child died in my arms. I’ll never forget that moment,” he told The Annapurna Express, recalling how an SOS post he made online drew 200 volunteers. That moment, he said, changed his life.

Over the years, Hami Nepal has attracted strong support. Renowned ophthalmologist Dr Sanduk Ruit serves as a mentor, while Manita Devkota, Miss Universe Nepal 2018, is its goodwill ambassador.

Its backers also include celebrities like actress Priyanka Karki, who helped launch a COVID-19 plasma bank; Swastima Khadka, who contributed food aid to disabled households; and singer Abhaya Subba, who raised funds for the cause.

Importantly, the group stresses its independence from political parties. On Instagram, it declares its motto as “For the People, By the People.” Today, the NGO has over 1,600 members and has even received support from brands such as Al Jazeera, Coca-Cola, Viber, Goldstar and Mulberry Hotels.

Gurung’s leadership has now become a rallying point for Nepal’s Gen-Z, who see him as a voice for their demand for transparency and change.

“It’s time the new generation steps up and challenges the old ways of running the country,” he had said. “You can do anything as long as you have the willpower."

‘Nepo kid’ campaign takes over Nepal

Amid the massive protests, a viral campaign called "Nepo Kid" gained traction online and spilled onto the streets.

Protesters carried placards with slogans including “Shut down corruption and not social media”, “Unban social media”, and “Youths against corruption” as they marched through Kathmandu.

Videos with hashtags such as #NepoKid, #NepoBabies and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal flooded social media, raising questions over whether politicians’ children succeed because of privilege rather than hard work.

This frustration comes against the backdrop of widespread poverty and a bleak job market. Youth unemployment stands at nearly 19.2 per cent among those aged 15–29, pushing many young Nepalis to take dangerous overseas jobs, including, in some cases, fighting as mercenaries in the Ukraine-Russia war.

Nepal PM resigns, country on the edge

What began as a youth-led demonstration over social media bans quickly spiralled into some of Nepal’s worst unrest in years.

By Tuesday, the anger spread beyond the capital, Kathmandu, to cities like Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari and Damak, forcing authorities to impose curfews in several areas.

Amid the unrest, PM KP Sharma Oli resigned, saying he was stepping down “to facilitate a solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically.”

Earlier, demonstrators also marched towards Oli’s residence in Balkot, and the situation turned explosive when protesters pushed past barricades and, despite police resistance, set fire to houses inside the compound, According to The Kathmandu Post.

The crisis has also caught the attention of India. In a statement on Tuesday, New Delhi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and urged its citizens in Nepal to stay alert.

“We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with families of deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured,” the Indian government said.

It added that Indian nationals should exercise caution and follow local guidelines, given the imposition of curfews across Kathmandu and other cities.

With input from agencies