From Discord to Disruption: Nepal’s Gen Z Revolution
Special Newsletter Issue | September 2025
🕯️ Commemoration
Today government has been declared a national mourning day, in memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the hope of a better future for the country.
On 8 September, 19 citizens lost their lives when police used brutal force against peaceful protestors. The country was in shock and spent a sleepless night.
9 September, despite curfews, Gen Z—joined by citizens of all ages—flooded the streets demanding accountability and resignation of PM. By afternoon, chaos escalated with looting, vandalisation and arson, and finally the army was deployed at night to restore peace and order. The day marked a turning point in Nepal’s democratic journey. It felt like the government had committed a political suicide just before a day marking World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September.
📅 The Five-Day of unrest and resolution
The youthful frustration transformed into a force that dismantled an authoritarian alliance of Democrats and Communists. The timeline of Nepal’s latest revolution.
📵 Social Media Ban & The Fight Against Corruption and Nepotism
Even with bans on social platforms, protestors refused to back down. Gen Z declared open battle against corruption, nepotism, and waged a cyberwar against the “nepokids” culture on TikTok and other platforms using VPN, demanding dignity and equality in a broken system.
⚠️ Aftermath: Death, Destruction & Targeted Anger
Deaths and injuries mounted beyond the black day.
Attacks on property targeted politicians’ homes and government offices.
Loot and arson spread—psychologists noted classic patterns of mob behavior at play.
🌐 The Fog of Misinformation
Misinformation and conspiracy theories flooded social media feeds, fueling panic. Clickbait content creators exploited the chaos. But fact-checkers stepped in: NepalFactCheck.org has been working to verify stories and rebuild trust.
📝 Reflective Voices:
Raj Karki
In his essay “Factors Undermining Democratic Values” (Sept 11, 2025), researcher Raj Karki identifies three principles weakening democracy and two systemic issues undermining progress.
Raj Karki, a psychologist and sociologist, bridges personal growth and civic responsibility.
Rita Gurung
From Panic to Purpose: A Call for Rational Response
During the height of uncertainty and unrest, Rita Gurung reminded everyone not to panic but to focus on rebuilding with knowledge and education. She urged us to break the cycle of ignorance, discuss openly, accept mistakes, and learn together. Her call was simple yet powerful: let’s be accountable, stay hopeful, and contribute in whatever way we can to build a stronger, more responsible Nepal. Read the full post in Nepali.
💬 Navigating Emotions During Crisis
Psychologists emphasize: it is normal to feel fear, sadness, anger, or even hope during upheaval. These emotions are not pathology—they are human. Many mental health professionals called upon helpers to refrain from pathologizing, as sadness and negative emotions are normal and necessary during such turmoil.
For those grieving the loss of lives or homes, the burden is heavier. For others, acknowledging these emotions and seeking help when needed is the first step toward resilience.
🤝 Healing a National Tragedy
Collective healing is part of human survival. Rituals, conversations, and mutual care are ways we stitch our communities back together. What Dr. Kohrt wrote in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic seems like a relevant reading at this time.
👉 Read more about communal healing
🎭 Creativity Amidst Chaos: Meme Culture
Even in crisis, humor thrived. Gen Z’s meme culture lightened the atmosphere, reducing tension and creating moments of solidarity.
Laughter did not erase the pain—but it reminded us that resilience can wear many faces.
Right now, Nepal stands at a crossroads. True reform demands visionary leadership—bold enough to change broken systems, yet sensitive to the fears that such change brings. Fear is natural in times of uncertainty, but when leaders build trust through transparency, inclusion, and tangible results, that fear can be transformed into collective energy for a stronger democracy. The worst-case scenario is the dictator and authoritarian leader emerging out of this crisis, which could undermine democracy and people's rights. Sujen wrote this in his blog almost a decade ago reflecting upon the work of psychologist Fathali Moghaddam.
✨ This special issue is dedicated to all who marched, mourned, and made history. Nepal has crossed a threshold. The road ahead is uncertain, but one truth stands: a generation has spoken, and the country will never be the same again. We citizens cannot keep on running a political treadmill with many revolutions without significant systemic changes. Let’s hope this will bring some meaningful changes in the way leaders and bureaucrats act and behave with fellow Nepalis.
What struck me most here is how clearly the protests reveal the psychology of collective action. Fear, grief, and anger were not “disorders” to suppress, but energies that fueled a demand for dignity. The resilience shows in how people turned pain into humor, accountability, and solidarity.
Moments like this remind us that democracy is not just a system but an ongoing negotiation between emotion, power, and trust. Thank you for documenting it with both urgency and care.