On a humid September morning, thousands of Nepalese students answered the call for 'revolution', storming the streets of major cities across Nepal. With fires of discontent already smoldering over rampant corruption, economic disparity, and governance failures, the government exacerbated the mood with a sweeping ban on 26 social media platforms. For a generation weaving dreams on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, the ban was a spark that ignited an uprising.
In an instant, the streets of Nepal’s main cities erupted into battlegrounds. Tragically, police gunfire claimed 20 lives. Behind this unified wave of youthful outrage stood a single organization, Hami Nepal, masterminded by none other than Sudan Gurung. At 36, Gurung astutely read the frustration of Nepalese Gen-Z and provided a rallying platform at precisely the right moment.
Sudan Gurung recognized this discontent in youth, offering them a platform and extensively channeling their voices throughout Nepal's networks. The organization Hami Nepal, with Gurung as its founder and president, catalyzed and directed the movement.
While Sudan Gurung describes himself as an NGO leader, Hami Nepal's origins trace informally to 2015, with official registration achieved in 2020. The NGO’s social media depicts 36-year-old Gurung as an active activist, dedicating over a decade to resource mobilization for disaster relief, social services, and emergency assistance. Its funds and donations, sourced internationally, aid those beset by earthquakes, floods, and landslides in Nepal’s vulnerable geographies.
For the September 8 movement, Sudan Gurung rallied Gen-Z via his Instagram post, urging: "September 8 is not just another day. This is the day we, the youth of Nepal, rise to declare: 'Enough is enough'."
Summoning Gen-Z to protest, Gurung emphasized: "This is our time, our battle, and it begins with us, the youth."
Source: aajtak
With poignant fervor, Sudan Gurung declared on Instagram: "We will raise our voices, tighten our fists, and demonstrate the power of unity to those who claim they do not bend."
Message, Manage, and Momentum
Sudan Gurung framed this September 8 movement as a broad opposition against corruption, beyond mere outrage over social media bans. Utilizing platforms like Instagram, Discord, and VPNs, Gurung united countless young protesters, predominantly students.
The August 27, 2025 post proclaimed, “If we change ourselves, the nation will follow,” summoning a collective stand against privilege and corruption. Gurung targeted the country's elite, calling out "nepo babies" and political aristocrats.
An Activist's Evolution from Event Management
Before emerging as an activist, Sudan Gurung thrived in event management, heavily involved in the party scene. The 2015 Nepal earthquake marked a pivotal shift in his life, redirecting his focus to humanitarian endeavors. Under his leadership, Hami Nepal has spearheaded emergency response initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and social campaigns, including rescue operations, blood donation drives, and advocacy for students and migrants.
20 Lives Lost, Home Minister Resigns, Ban Lifted
The September 8 Gen-Z-led protest spiraled into violence, resulting in the deaths of 20 people by police gunfire and over 300 injuries. Protesters breached Parliament, resorting to vandalism and violence, prompting police to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. In response, the government has lifted the social media ban and instigated an investigative committee. Currently, a curfew remains in effect in Kathmandu and other cities, though the situation is stabilizing. Following the incident, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on moral grounds.
