Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday in the face of protests. Youth have been protesting in different areas of the country’s capital Kathmandu since morning, ignoring the curfew. School and college students are seen at the forefront of the movement. However, there is speculation about who is leading the movement. According to reports from several Nepali media outlets, the main driving force of this anti-government movement is a young man named Sudan Gurung, 36. He is a youth leader, social worker and DJ. According to India Today and Economic Times.
Who is Sudan Gurung
Sudan Gurung runs a voluntary organization called ‘Hami Nepal’. This organization, mainly run by students and youth, has been working to spread education in the marginalized areas of Nepal for a long time. Sudan gained popularity as a ‘disco jockey’ or ‘DJ’ in Nepal. According to a report by The Annapurna Express, the terrible earthquake of 2015 changed his life. He lost his child in that disaster. After that, he became deeply involved in social service. He started working to spread education among the younger generation of Nepal. Gradually, Sudan became popular among the students and youth of Nepal.
What is his role in the movement?
This Sudan Gurung is considered to be the main driving force of the Gen-G movement in Nepal. He was the one who brought together thousands of students to protest against government corruption and nepotism. Last week, the government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli banned 26 social media platforms and messaging apps, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp, X. Before the platforms were closed, Sudan Gurung had posted a post on Instagram. There, he requested students to join the procession in school uniform and with books in hand. So that the protest would be a symbol of peaceful resistance. However, the movement did not remain peaceful in the end. Police and security forces opened fire on the protesters. 19 people lost their lives. More than 300 were injured.
From social service to leader of Gen-Z
Along with social service, Sudan started a movement demanding transparency and accountability in government work. He led several movements in this regard. These include the anti-corruption ‘Ghopa Camp’ movement at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. This movement made Sudan a familiar face across the country. Gradually, he turned Hami Nepal into a platform that transformed the frustration of Gen-Z into an organized, non-violent movement. Sudan Gurung has become the voice of a restless generation. The Kathmandu Post said, ‘For Gen-Z, digital freedom is personal freedom. And for thousands of people on the streets, Sudan Gurung is now a symbol of the fight to snatch that freedom.’
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