Who is Sudan Gurung, the 36-year-old Face Behind Nepal's Youth Uprising?

The fiery protests erupting on the streets of Nepal are not just a response to one government decision—they are the culmination of years of frustration over corruption, nepotism, and a declining economy. The recent social media ban acted as the final spark that ignited widespread unrest.

At the heart of this movement is 36-year-old Sudan Gurung, the head of the youth-led organization Hami Nepal. Today, Gurung has emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance and hope for Nepal’s Generation Z.

The Messiah of Students and Gen Z

Sudan Gurung’s biggest strength lies in the student community. Unlike traditional leaders, his movement thrives on digital platforms. Through Instagram, Discord, and YouTube, Gurung guided the protests—announcing routes, sharing safety instructions, and even encouraging students to join in their uniforms with books in hand. This unique approach not only mobilized thousands of young people but also gave the agitation a distinct identity.

From Party Planner to People’s Leader

Interestingly, Gurung’s journey began far away from activism. Once an event planner, he redirected his life after Nepal’s devastating earthquake. Since then, he has been at the forefront of relief efforts—delivering food, medicines, and clothes to victims of floods, landslides, and epidemics. Under Hami Nepal, his motto has remained clear: “For the People, By the People.”

When protests turned violent recently—leaving 20 dead and hundreds injured—the Oli government was forced to withdraw the social media ban, a move widely seen as a victory for Gurung and his supporters.

A History of Mass Movements

This is not Gurung’s first brush with public agitation. From the Ghopa Camp protest in Dharan to campaigns demanding transparency in healthcare, he has consistently been at the forefront of youth-led movements. His track record of standing with ordinary people has made him one of the most trusted voices in Nepal today.

The New Voice of Change

Sudan Gurung is no longer just an NGO activist. For Nepal’s restless youth, he has become the face of change—a leader who understands their anger, speaks their language, and channels their energy into collective action. Whether this movement reshapes Nepal’s politics remains to be seen, but for now, Sudan Gurung has firmly established himself as the voice of Generation Z.