From July 2025, Nepal’s government abruptly banned popular social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube. This was a severe blow for many, especially younger people who rely on these platforms not just for entertainment but also for study, work, activism, and connections with family abroad.
The ban was widely seen as a way to silence criticism rather than a mere administrative action. What followed was almost immediate: massive protests led by youth, fuelled by outrage at the shrinking spaces for free expression.
But the ban was merely the trigger. Underneath lay deep-seated frustration with a political and economic system many young Nepalese see as rigged against them. The hashtag #NepoKids went viral, highlighting how children of powerful figures flaunt wealth and status, while most of the population struggles to find work or are forced to leave Nepal to survive financially. Foreign remittances make up a large part of Nepal’s economy, underscoring the reality that many young people view migration as their only option.
What sets Nepal’s protests apart is how they embraced technology and creativity while remaining deeply localised. The movement spread not through one leader or political party but through social networks, where memes, jokes, and viral laughter intertwined with genuine anger and sorrow. This blend made it hard for traditional power holders to control or co-opt the protests.
Young protesters organised through encrypted messaging apps and word of mouth. Their slogans mixed sarcasm with sincerity. Even in moments of confrontation, humour helped unify and sustain morale. This digital-native approach combined global styles of activism with the very Nepali realities of caste, ethnicity, family ties, and regional divides.
The government’s response was harsh. Peaceful demonstrations turned violent as security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and live bullets. Nineteen young protestors died in what is now known as Bloody Monday, marking the deadliest day Nepal has seen since its decade-long civil conflict. Despite this, the protesters remained undeterred, demanding not just the end of the social media ban but sweeping reforms to end corruption, nepotism, and unemployment.
Soon after, the country’s prime minister and allied ministers resigned, a powerful milestone. Yet, the movement continues, with youth insisting that real, lasting change must follow, not just political reshuffles.
Nepal’s uprising mirrors a larger wave of youth activism seen over the last decade: from Russia’s uprising ‘uprooting’ the Czars, to the recent Hong Kong fight for democracy, Sri Lanka’s economic protests, the global climate strikes, and the Arab Spring, all reveal how young people are reshaping political protest. These movements share themes of digital organisation, horizontal leadership, and a refusal to accept “business as usual” from older generations.
The difference with Nepal lies in the intensity of local circumstances; deep economic reliance on overseas work, visible nepotism in governance, and the struggle for voice in a society that still holds traditional values strong. In this way, Nepal’s Gen Z is not just echoing global calls for justice but rewriting them through their own lens.
Even if it’s not often stated explicitly, the movement reflects a simple truth: young Nepalis feel they’ve been left out of the system’s rewards despite paying its costs. They see few options for stable jobs, fair treatment, or a voice in how their country is run. The ban on social media was the final straw, blocking their most immediate tool for connection and expression.
Their effectiveness partly comes from how they support one another emotionally and practically. Through stories, shared jokes, and mutual encouragement online and offline, they maintain resilience amid setbacks. This solidarity, along with an open acknowledgement of stress and fear, has been crucial for sustaining momentum.
The Nepali youth offer critical leadership lessons for today and tomorrow. It offers powerful insights about leadership and organisations in our digital age. The traditional top-down leadership is increasingly replaced by networks where anyone with credibility and passion can inspire and mobilise. Secondly, communication must be authentic, participatory, and fast-moving to engage a generation accustomed to instant connection and transparency. Thirdly, the use of humour and creativity can be just as important for building community and sustaining movements as speeches or official declarations. What we have often neglected in the past, mental health and emotional safety are central to keeping any group cohesive through prolonged challenges. And finally, the values must query what has been taken for granted: fairness, inclusion, and accountability take precedence over loyalty or power.
The resignation of Nepal’s leaders is historic, but the true challenge lies ahead. Can this fractured youth energy shape policies, build institutions, and ensure opportunities for all? History warns that revolutions often falter when they come face to face with the messy realities of governance. Yet, there is cause for cautious hope. Nepal’s Gen Z shows flexibility, willingness to learn, and an insistence on grassroots involvement. Their digital skills and networks may prove invaluable in holding new leaders accountable and shaping a future that feels fairer and more open.
The Nepali youth is a generation writing its own story. Their protests are about more than political change, they are about reclaiming voice, dignity, and hope for a generation often dismissed or ignored. From memes in Kathmandu’s cafés to massive street demonstrations, these young people have shown how laughter and outrage can fuse into a powerful call for justice.
For countries and companies everywhere, Nepal’s story is a reminder: values, communication styles, and leadership expectations of this generation demand attention. To listen, adapt, and include them is not just wise; it is essential for a future where all can belong to and thrive. The Gen Z is a generation that won’t wait their turn, #NepoKids has now taught them, how to make history.
(Prof (Dr) Manoj S Kamat is Post Doctoral Fellow (Economic Policy) and PhD (Finance) from IIT Bombay, and serves as Professor and Principal of SS Dempo College of Commerce & Economics at Cujira-Bambolim.)
