Kathmandu: The Gen-Z movement in Nepal, sparked in early September 2025 by widespread outrage over a proposed social media ban, corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation, quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising. What began as online campaigns like the viral “Nepobaby” trend—highlighting elite privilege—turned into street protests on Bhadra 23 (September 9), leading to clashes that claimed over 70 lives, including protesters, police, and bystanders.

The movement forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim PM on September 11, marking Nepal’s first female leader in that role. By late October, the government invited 14 representatives from dozens of Gen-Z groups to tripartite talks at Baluwatar, involving the interim administration, major political parties (like Nepali Congress and CPN-UML), and youth leaders.

These discussions focused on anti-corruption reforms, asset disclosures for officials, timely elections by March 5, 2026, and institutionalizing the movement’s demands for good governance. The talks, described as “productive” by PM Karki, emphasized mindset shifts over constitutional overhauls, with Gen-Z reps rejecting calls from monarchists like Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) to reinstate the monarchy or rewrite the 2015 Constitution.

These 14 were selected for their grassroots roles, diverse regional representation, and non-partisan stances. Below, we expand on their backgrounds with additional insights from recent interviews, social media activity, and event coverage.

Amit Khanal (Urja) Affiliated with the Gen-Z Movement Alliance, Amit, 24, hails from Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-13, Rupandehi, as the only son of Kamal Prasad Khanal (a former CPN Masal activist) and Kamala. He completed SEE at Naya Gaun Secondary School, Plus Two at Cannon Secondary School, and a B.Tech in Engineering from Maharashtra, India (2023).

Family political discussions ignited his interest; he began anti-corruption posts on social media during college. Post-graduation, he founded ‘People are Me’ for social debates, leading to the Bhadra 23 protest idea. He served six months in Dr. Baburam Bhattarai’s (Naya Shakti Party) secretariat, handling Press and IT. Recently, Amit advocated for CIAA chief resignation and urged Gen-Z to control corruption without dismantling the Constitution. He leads “Young Politicians for Change” workshops. 

Uparjun Chamling The 24-year-old from Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, Khotang, holds a bachelor’s in Journalism and Political Science from Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan. A former supporter of Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang, he shifted to critiquing local issues.

For five years, he’s championed Koshi Province’s identity movement, protesting the province’s naming, Pathivara Cable Car delays, and Khuwulung rock demolition. Ex-Bibeksheel Sajha member, he quit over Rabindra Mishra’s “Country above Ideology” slogan, facing police brutality and arrests. In Kathmandu since last year, he coordinated Koshi reps at the Ashoj 3 (September 19) Baluwatar gathering. At tripartite talks, he rejected constitutional rewrites, stressing “mindset change, not state model.” 

Khemraj Saud From Badimalika Municipality-5, Bajura (Sudurpaschim Province), the 24-year-old studied to Grade 8 locally, SEE in Kanchanpur, and earned a Humanities bachelor’s from Pashupati College, Kathmandu.

Motivated by rural hardships—like hours-long walks for basics—he founded ‘Deshbhakta Yuva Nepal’ in 2019 as Vice-President, organizing health camps, traffic volunteering, and farm programs. He’s protested Nirmala Pant’s rape-murder, MCC compact, and social anomalies, facing multiple arrests. Non-partisan (family too), he joined via Discord and secured Maitighar demo permits. At talks, he pushed for election security and martyr justice. 

Purushottam Yadav The 26-year-old from Siraha, a Journalism student in Kathmandu, co-sought Maitighar permits for ‘Independent Nepali Youths’ anti-corruption event.

Credited with sparking the “Nepobaby” trend via his ‘Wake Up Nepal’ page, critiquing elite lifestyles. On Bhadra 24 (September 10), he joined Army HQ talks with Chief Ashokraj Sigdel. A former Maoist student leader in Madhesh, he’s urged youth political involvement and patience with the interim government. Now 27, he emphasizes learning from politics without immediate power grabs. 

Bhoj Bikram Thapa At 62, the eldest, Bhoj represents martyr families after his nephew Ishwar Adhikari was killed by police on Bhadra 23.

President of Gen-Z Martyr Families, he supports Ishwar’s father post-heart attack. An engineer (1998) and LLB holder, he served six years as Joint Secretary in Water Supply Ministry and now teaches at National College. Family legacy: father in civil service, grandfather in military. Martyrs’ families demanded three ministries (e.g., Water Supply for him) in October, citing neglect. He seeks justice probes into Bhadra incidents. 

Monika Niraula Kathmandu-born, Monika (mid-20s) is a social/feminist activist with a bachelor’s in Economics/International Affairs and master’s in International Development. She taught at ICER/Thames College and works with ‘How To Desh Bikash’ on youth political education. Key in diverse gender rights, anti-Nijgadh Airport, and anti-Parliament dissolution (2021 Oli era) movements via Broad Citizen Movement. Joined via “Nepobaby” trend; demands institutionalizing Bhadra protests. At talks with President Paudel and PM Karki, she pushed zero-tolerance corruption policies. Pursuing further studies in UK on gender analysis. 

Diwakar Dangal (Rohanraj Dangal) The 26-year-old Kathmandu native studies Law at ‘School of Law.’ From movement’s start, he provided legal advice on social media (dos/don’ts for protesters) and unites groups like Rakshya Bam’s and Purushottam Yadav’s. Continues advising on legal hurdles and coalition-building. At September pressers, he stressed Gen-Z’s unreadiness for leadership but demanded Parliament dissolution and Constitution amendments for direct executive. 

Rakshya Bam The 25-year-old from Janaki Rural Municipality-1, Kailali, holds a master’s in Gender Studies (Tribhuvan University).

A long-time activist, she led ‘Enough is Enough’ against COVID vaccine corruption, anti-loan shark protests, Nirmala Kurmi justice marches with Ruby Khan, anti-street vendor crackdowns, and Lumbini-Kathmandu foot marches. At Gen-Z forefront, she negotiated at Army HQ. Resigned from Ujwal Thapa Foundation post-movement; coordinates ‘Nepal Gen-Z Front’ (38 members, including women/LGBTQI+), demanding Bhadra probes, asset disclosures, and election safety. Urges Gen-Z to vote and question power persistently. 

Rijen Rana Magar Gen-Z Movement Alliance member from Gorkha Municipality-5; studied in Hetauda, Kathmandu, Pokhara.

Led Ashoj 21 (October 7) CIAA office protest for chief resignation. Long-time social justice advocate: marched with Terai loan shark victims and Ruby Khan for Nirmala Kurmi. Helped form Alliance post-Bhadra observations. Signed demands for CIAA overhaul. 

Vivek Dhakal The 28-year-old from Boudha, Kathmandu (master’s undisclosed), is founding secretary of ‘100 Group’ (chair Bablu Gupta, now Youth Minister).

For eight years, he’s managed COVID aid (medicines, food, clothes), Ncell tax protests, and foreign job scam rescues. With ‘Hami Nepal’ (Sudan Gurung-led), he fights corruption for justice. Joined to amplify social equity. Writes on post-protest economic recovery. 

Samana Lawati Born in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West, Lumbini), she moved to Kathmandu at 12, studying at Gyanodaya Bal Batika, Lalitpur.

Since 2017, she’s advocated gender equality and indigenous rights, joining orgs in 2020 for women’s empowerment via ‘How Much More to Bear.’ Focuses on marginalized voices to prevent further exclusion. Signed CIAA resignation demands; at talks, emphasized inclusive reforms.

Miraj Dhungana TikTok-famous for direct executive advocacy, Miraj coordinates ‘Garikhaan Deu’ (Let Us Earn a Living).

Announced a new party in October, boycotting elections until reforms; demands no Gen-Z protests on Oct 9 rumors. Vowed “no more burning the country,” focusing on peaceful change. Keeps low profile per group decision. 

Abhishek Shrestha From Sindhupalchok, the 22-year-old represents injured protesters; shot in the leg on Bhadra 23, still treating at Trauma Center.

From hospital bed, he called Dashain 2025 a “curse” but vowed fulfilling martyrs’ dreams, slamming interim govt for unmet changes. Demands justice over personal aid; 75+ deaths noted. GoFundMe raised for mobility recovery. 

James Karki Wished anonymity but emerged as Gen-Z Revolution spokesperson. At September pressers, said, “We seek change—we spoke for it.” Backed lawful governance with Bina Maharjan; at talks, pushed regular govt-party-youth dialogues. Supports Sushila Karki’s interim role for calm post-protests. 

These activists embody Gen-Z’s digital-savvy, inclusive rebellion—from TikTok virality to negotiation tables—pushing Nepal toward accountability amid divisions (e.g., ideological splits, monarchist fringes).

As elections loom, their role in sustaining momentum remains pivotal

The government selected 14 individuals from these Gen-Z groups to facilitate dialogue with political parties.

Balen Shah (35, Kathmandu Mayor)

“Icon of Hope” Rapper-turned-independent mayor who became Gen-Z’s #1 PM pick.

• Posted “full sympathy” for the protests but skipped the streets (organisers set a 28-year age cap).
• Topped Discord polls for interim PM; quietly backed Sushila Karki when he didn’t answer the army’s call.
• Urged calm after Oli fell: “No more burning—let’s build.” Now the face youth want for the March 5 elections.

Sudan Gurung (36, Hami Nepal Founder)

Discord General Ex-DJ who turned 1,600 volunteers into a protest machine.

• Used Instagram + Discord to rally thousands in school uniforms & books—symbol of peaceful defiance.
• Liaised with the army, hand-picked the 14 Baluwatar reps, and spoke for the leaderless revolt.
• Post-victory: split Hami Nepal from Gen-Z label to focus purely on anti-corruption raids. Hinted he’ll run in 2026 for a “people’s government.