Kathmandu, Nepal: In a bold and unprecedented move, Nepal’s Gen Z activists are sending a powerful message to the world—especially India: invest in Nepal’s future or risk being left behind.
As a youth-led revolution gains momentum across the Himalayan nation, two prominent leaders, Tanaka Dhami and Arjun Shahi, are calling for urgent foreign investment to spur economic progress and eliminate the corruption that has long hindered Nepal’s development.
Confident and determined, these young leaders are not only challenging outdated political structures but are also praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a global visionary whose leadership they believe can inspire a new era of prosperity.
“We want India and other countries to invest in Nepal’s future,” Dhami told India Today, emphasizing the need for a transparent, corruption-free political system to help ordinary Nepalis access basic services.
Arjun Shahi added, “Our movement stands firmly against corruption. The common citizen lacks fundamental amenities. We are committed to establishing a new economic framework free from graft and mismanagement.”
The protests initially targeted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned just two days after mass demonstrations began. However, the leaders clarified that their movement aimed at the entire political and bureaucratic establishment responsible for Nepal’s stagnation.
“We are ushering in a new era of governance. What the Gen Z revolution achieved is unprecedented and will not be reversed,” Shahi remarked.
In a significant gesture, the young leaders lauded India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “PM Modi ranks among the world’s most influential leaders. His efforts have elevated India’s economy into one of the world’s top three. We welcome his visionary approach.”
Meanwhile, Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, a former chief justice aged 73, pledged to address the protesters’ demands and combat corruption. Assuming office amid political turmoil, Karki aims to stabilize the nation and pave the way for elections within six months.
“The voice of Gen Z must guide our actions,” Karki stated in her first public address since taking office.
The protests erupted last week after the government imposed a controversial social media ban, rapidly transforming into a nationwide movement against entrenched corruption and widespread economic hardship. The unrest saw parliament and several government buildings set ablaze.
Nepal faces acute economic challenges, with the World Bank reporting that 1 in 5 Nepali youths aged 15 to 24 is unemployed, and GDP per capita remains a modest $1,447.
