Nepali GenZ: The OG Rizzer

 

By Angela Mahapatra 

The term Gen Z captures a dynamic group of young individuals who are tech-savvy, entrepreneurial, and committed to genuine values. While often labelled as lazy, entitled, or overly sensitive, Nepal’s youth are breaking those stereotypes. They are stepping up as responsible citizens—politically aware, thought-provoking, and fearless in holding leaders accountable. This generation is not just scrolling through life; they’re actively engaging with the world and demanding change!

Stressy depressy

The drama kicked off on September 4, 2025, when the government decided to pull the plug on 26 major social media platforms, including heavy-hitters like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Twitter/X. Their reason? They claimed it was all about making sure these platforms registered with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology for some supposed regulatory compliance and to shield us from the menace of fake accounts spreading misleading info. But honestly, this feels like a major ‘delulu’ moment for Gen Z in Nepal.

 

The real story behind this social media ban isn’t about protecting the mass; it’s a smokescreen for the rampant corruption, nepotism, and political frustrations simmering beneath the surface due to the lack of accountability. Lately, the “Nepo kid” trend has been lighting up TikTok, showcasing the lavish lifestyles of the children of powerful political figures. It raises the question: how are they living so large on government salaries? This spotlight on deep-rooted corruption resonates with the masses, especially when they’re juggling unemployment, poor governance, and a stagnant system. It's a wake-up call that can't be ignored!

Democracy isn’t democracying

Democracy is often celebrated as a governance system where power lies with the people, enabling them to engage in political matters directly or through chosen representatives. This model champions transparency and encourages public involvement, ensuring that the government reflects the will and interests of its citizens.

The post-World War era marked a significant victory for democracy, particularly after the defeat of Nazism and Fascism. The establishment of the United Nations helped solidify democratic principles globally. Following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, liberal democracy gained traction around the world. As we moved into the 21st century, democracy emerged as the dominant ideology, embraced by many established powers, with notable exceptions being Russia and China.

In South Asia, countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (2022 & 2024) have grappled with the decline of democratic governance, plagued by civil liberties issues and rampant human rights violations, often exacerbated by military and bureaucratic influence, particularly in Pakistan. Deep-seated corruption and cronyism continue to undermine government transparency, along with challenges such as population pressures and majoritarianism.

Post-2008, democracy played a crucial role in shaping Nepal, but by 2015, authoritarian tendencies began to emerge, leading to the politicisation of institutions, a fragile rule of law, and parliamentary dissolutions that hindered press freedom. This erosion of trust in political entities sparked public discontent and civil unrest, culminating in the dissolution of parliament amid frustrations over corruption and unemployment.

India, the world’s largest democracy, now finds itself amidst neighbouring nations experiencing democratic declines, raising concerns for border security. The potential shift towards authoritarianism in Nepal, particularly if it leans towards Chinese influence, could disrupt diplomatic relations and create regional instability. This shift poses risks to India’s projects in Nepal, especially those focused on infrastructure, threatening bilateral agreements and trade.

The shared historical, religious, and cultural ties between India and Nepal are at risk, as the decline of democracy in Nepal could portray India as an intrusive neighbour. This narrative may empower Hindu nationalist sentiments within Nepal, complicating their relationship with India, despite their common heritage. Furthermore, regional collaborations through initiatives like SAARC and BBIN might falter in the face of this civic instability, hindering cooperation on critical issues such as climate, trade, and security. Hence, the trajectory of democracy in South Asia, especially in Nepal, holds significant implications not only for the countries involved but also for regional dynamics on a broader scale.

Rebel kids

Social movements have evolved significantly over time, adapting to the context and technology of their eras. In the pre and mid-20th century, movements like the abolition, suffrage, labour, and anti-colonial movements were often spearheaded by charismatic leaders, relying on traditional methods such as petitions, marches, strikes, and boycotts. Communication was primarily through radio, newspapers, and pamphlets, which served to promote their causes, albeit in a more understated manner.

Today’s movements, such as #BlackLivesMatter, the #MeToo movement, Climate Strikes (Fridays for Future), and the Arab Spring, take on a different nature. They often lack a central leadership, feature decentralised structures, and employ horizontal decision-making processes. This allows such movements to emerge spontaneously, spreading rapidly across networks.

A striking example is the Gen Z uprising in Nepal, characterised by its digital activism and youthful mobilisation. This generation, often labelled as “reel addicts,” not only scrolls through social media but also critically analyses content, calling out issues like nepotism. During protests, Gen Z members voiced their concerns over the stark disparities among the youth within their nation, driven by corruption, negligence, and a lack of accountability in their government. This reluctance to accept the status quo transformed them from feeling “saddie” to becoming “baddies” who fight for change.

The movement is notably documented on social media, which fuels its momentum and spreads awareness of the underlying truths. Unlike earlier protests that relied on traditional media—which sometimes distorted information—today’s activism benefits from an opportunity to reveal authentic narratives directly to the masses. The fearless spirit of Gen Z is so potent that it compelled the resignation of the prime minister and led the finance minister to flee. Even in the wake of tragic events, such as the military's killing of 19 protesters, their determination remains unshaken as they stand resolutely for their beliefs.

Vibe Check

The Nepali Gen Z is stepping up as a powerful force, making waves not just in Nepal but resonating with youth around the globe. They're blending their rich Nepali cultural values with global ideals like equality, justice, innovation, and freedom. This generation's heightened social awareness is captivating attention worldwide, as movements like #enoughisenough and other digital protests across South Asia highlight that issues such as gender equality, mental health stigma, corruption, and poor governance resonate universally.

People are eager for leaders who reflect diverse backgrounds. Sushila Karki, the former chief justice of Nepal's Supreme Court, could potentially become the first female prime minister. Then there's Balendra “Balen” Shah, the young mayor of Kathmandu, who transitioned from being an engineer and rapper to a politician. His rise signifies a refreshing move away from traditional political elites, advocating for principles and visibility in local governance. Kulman Ghising, the former managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, is well-known for his role in ending long power outages and is celebrated as a popular technocrat.

The diverse leadership emerging in Nepal emphasises a shift away from monarchical or elite dominance. Thus, Nepal stands out as a democratic hero among South Asian nations, except for India, already recognised as the world's largest democracy.

@ The author is an independent scholar.