Voices in Discord, Hopes in Unity: Nepal’s Gen Z and the Fight for a New Future

How young Nepalese are challenging corruption, reclaiming streets, and shaping their nation’s future. By Chelsy Bothra, Tashi Lhazom and, TLP Editorial

Nepal youth protests

Nepal is living through one of the most seismic political upheavals since the end of the monarchy in 2008. What began as the “NepoBaby” campaign, a social media critique of the children of Nepal’s elite, quickly spilled into the streets, leading to violent clashes, the killing of 50+ brave souls, and the burning of political offices. In less than a week, protests led by young Nepalese toppled a Prime Minister, set fire to Nepal’s most iconic government complex, and ushered in the country’s first woman leader.

From the outside, much of the coverage has been reduced to viral clips, half-truths, and sensational headlines. On the ground, however, what is unfolding is deeper: Gen Z-ers are shaping political discourse, holding public town halls on Discord, debating potential candidates, and even influenced the formation of an interim government. In this moment, young people are staking their claim on governance and redefining what leadership, accountability, and civic engagement mean for their generation.

This piece is written in solidarity with Nepal’s youth,  to share their voices, their realities, and their hopes beyond the noise of misinformation.

The Spark

The unrest began on September 8, when the government abruptly banned dozens of social platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, under the guise of tax enforcement. The ban came at the height of Dashain, Nepal’s most important religious and commercial holiday.

Chelsy Bothra, who runs a company with offices in Kathmandu and Bangalore, described the blow:

“Dashain is the biggest sales season of the year, and many people had invested heavily in stock, relying on these platforms to sell. When they were suddenly banned, livelihoods were threatened overnight. That’s why so many stood against the decision.”

But the protests were never just about social media. For young Nepalese, the ban was the final spark in a long history of corruption, unemployment, and forced migration.

From Song to Fire

The first demonstrations were filled with music, chanting, and dancing in the streets. But as momentum grew, the movement was infiltrated. Fringe political groups and disinformation networks sought to hijack youth anger, steering the protests toward violence and chaos.

Chelsy emphasizes this nuance:

“Violence escalated not because youth wanted it, but because others infiltrated, provoked, and steered parts of the movement. We hold two truths together: yes, we take responsibility for the chaos, but we also take pride in the discipline and ownership we showed afterward.”

By September 9, crowds had stormed the homes of top politicians, while Singha Durbar — Nepal’s central government complex — and parliament offices were set ablaze. Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned, leaving President Ram Chandra Poudel as the only functioning authority in a paralyzed state apparatus.

By September 10, Kathmandu was under curfew. Tear gas filled the streets, and the killing of 50+ brave souls and nearly 200 injuries marked the worst violence since the civil war.

Tashi Lhazom, a social scientist and climate justice activist based in Kathmandu, underscores the gravity:

“It is critical to research how protests evolved from peaceful mobilizations into violent episodes marked by the killing of more than 50 protesters (a number that continues to rise) and widespread arson targeting both public and private property.”

Burning Buildings, Building Futures

What distinguished this movement was not only the chaos, but what followed. As tear gas cleared, young people returned to the streets with brooms and garbage bags. From Maitighar to Koteshwor, they cleaned the same roads they had occupied, sending a message that they were not here to destroy but to rebuild.

Chelsy explains:

“This was not only a protest; it was an act of ownership. After the chaos, when tear gas cleared and streets were stained with anger, it was the same Gen Z who stepped forward with brooms and garbage bags. We cleaned our own country, from Maitighar to Koteshwor, sending a message that we were not here to destroy but to rebuild. That is the untold story: a generation taking responsibility for both resistance and renewal.”

Parallel to this civic spirit, the political terrain is shifting. A caretaker government is taking shape, and questions of inclusivity loom large. Tashi highlights one of the most important changes:

“As a new caretaker government begins to form, considerable attention has been directed toward questions of inclusivity in the caretaker administration and the political dynamics underlying recent cabinet appointments. Furthermore, there has been an unprecedented surge in voter registration among young people, raising important questions about how this demographic shift may shape the national elections scheduled to take place in six months.”

Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister

On September 14, Nepal’s President swore in Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister. Aged 73, a former Chief Justice known for her independence, Karki is Nepal’s first woman leader. Her appointment came not only after backroom negotiations but also after youth activists themselves put her name forward on Discord.

Karki’s mandate is narrow but historic: oversee a caretaker government and deliver elections within six months.

For Chelsy, her appointment marks possibility:

“I hope this movement becomes a turning point. Corruption may not disappear overnight, but I believe people will feel more patriotic, more willing to stay and build in Nepal. That can create jobs and opportunity. That’s the revolution I want to see in the next six months.”

Tashi cautions that the stakes remain high:

“Nepal stands at a crossroads. Gen Z has shown initiative and courage, but the longer leadership remains fragmented, the more opportunities there are for opportunists and misinformation to derail the process.”

Challenges Ahead

Nepal must rebuild burned public infrastructure, prevent further hijacking of youth protests, and ensure free elections. At the same time, young people are reshaping the political landscape.

Tashi points to a surge in voter registration:

“There has been an unprecedented rise among young people, raising important questions about how this demographic shift may shape the elections scheduled to take place in six months.”

Gen Z’s challenge is clear: not just to topple old elites, but to institutionalize accountability in ways that outlast the chaos of September.

Hope meets Responsibility

For a generation long defined by migration, unemployment and disillusionment, this moment is transformative. Gen Z has reclaimed digital platforms, streets, and a sense of political agency. They are fighting to ensure that this upheaval is remembered not as a riot, but as a turning point.

“History must record both: the hijacking by vested interests, and the unprecedented responsibility shown by Nepal’s youth,” Chelsy insists. “This is a people’s reckoning led by a generation ready to fight, heal, and build.”

Nepal stands at a crossroads. Will Gen Z succeed in institutionalizing accountability, bridging regional divides, and securing a future of opportunity and dignity? The answer will shape the nation for decades to come.

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About the Authors

Tashi Lhazom is a Kathmandu-based social scientist and climate activist who works at the intersection of youth movements, justice, and change in Nepal.

Chelsy Bothra is a Kathmandu-born brand strategist and creative entrepreneur helping shape the future of South Asian brands across India and Nepal.