Amid the chaos, Sudan Gurung, a Nepali social activist, has emerged as the face of the movement.
Who is Sudan Gurung?Sudan Gurung, the 36-year-old president of Hami Nepal, a youth-driven NGO, is at the forefront of the ‘Gen Z revolt’ in Nepal.
The NGO describes him on social media as a philanthropist who coordinated disaster relief efforts for more than a decade. His work includes mobilising foreign funds and donations, as well as sending emergency supplies to areas affected by earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
Before the blackout, Hami Nepal called for protests at Maitighar Mandala on September 8 via its Instagram and Discord sites. It posted videos labelled “how to protest,” encouraging students to show up in uniform with their books and bags as a non-violent symbol of dissent.
The former event organiser turned activist became extensively involved in civic activity after losing his child in the 2015 earthquake. He has spearheaded various movements seeking transparency and accountability over the years, establishing himself as a leader who channelled Generation Z’s frustrations into organised, non-violent action.
Apart from him, multiple other activists have also been leading the call for a change.
Who is Balen Shah?
As Nepal stands in the midst of a generational shift, Balendra Shah, known as Balen, is also at the centre of this protest. In a post on Facebook, Shah, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, called for restraint from the protesters, adding that their “murderer has resigned”.
“We had said it clearly. This is the movement of Gen Z. Dear Gen Z, your murderer has resigned. Be restrained now!! The loss of the country’s money is the loss of you and our property. You and I need to be restrained now. Now, your generation will have to lead the country,” the rapper-turned-engineer-turned-mayor said.
Born in 1990 in Kathmandu, Shah was a rapper and songwriter in Nepal’s underground hip-hop culture, where he frequently addressed topics such as corruption and inequality.
In 2022, he ran for mayor of Kathmandu as an independent and won with more than 61,000 votes, defeating established political party candidates.
Who is Nepal’s King Gyanendra Shah?
As Nepal faces its worst political unrest, former King Gyanendra Shah issued a rare public statement on Tuesday. The former monarch, who was dethroned in 2008, offered condolences to the families of those killed in the protests.
“It is extremely tragic and condemnable that, instead of addressing the legitimate demands of the younger generation, lives were lost and many were injured. I condemn the violence, which is against the norm of the peaceful Nepalese society,” the statement read.
King Gyanendra ascended the throne in 2001 after the death of King Birendra. He ruled for a period before abolishing parliamentary power, and then was removed by mass street protests.
In 2008, Nepal officially abolished its monarchy, ending the 239-year-old institution and transforming into a federal democratic republic. Despite stepping down, the former King remains a relevant figure in the country.
