Nepal Unrest: Meet Sudan Gurung, the face behind violent Gen Z protests over social media ban, corruption
The protests are reportedly led by Sudan Gurung, president of Hami Nepal, a youth-led NGO advocating for civic movements and relief efforts in Nepal. The violent protests over a social media ban resulted in at least 19 deaths.
After Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday over violent protests against 'corruption' and a social media ban that claimed 19 lives, a 36-year-old activist emerged as the key figure amid political turmoil in the Himalayan nation. Sudan Gurung, the face behind the massive demonstrations, is reportedly the president of Hami Nepal, a youth-led NGO that has evolved into a significant civic movement.
The social media ban, which was revoked yesterday, was imposed last week on 26 social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X and YouTube, that did not comply with a deadline to register with Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
Who is Sudan Gurung?
Leading Nepal's protests is 36-year-old Sudan Gurung. According to its social media platforms, Hami Nepal describes Gurung as a dedicated philanthropist with over a decade of experience in disaster relief efforts. His work spans organising international donations, coordinating funding, and distributing emergency supplies to areas affected by earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
Prior to the recent internet blackout, Hami Nepal used Instagram and Discord to rally support for protests at Maitighar Mandala on September 8. The group posted videos titled “how to protest", encouraging students to show up in their school uniforms, carrying books and bags as a peaceful symbol of resistance.
Over time, Hami Nepal has built a wide base of support. Esteemed eye surgeon Dr. Sanduk Ruit mentors the organization, while Miss Universe Nepal 2018, Manita Devkota, serves as its goodwill ambassador.
It focuses on its independence from political parties. As read on Instagram, its motto is “For the People, By the People". It has more than 1,600 members and reportedly enjoys the support of brands like Al Jazeera, Coca-Cola, Viber, Goldstar, and Mulberry Hotels.
Several well-known figures also back the group. Actress Priyanka Karki helped establish a COVID-19 plasma bank, Swastima Khadka provided food aid to households with disabled members, and singer Abhaya Subba contributed by raising funds for the initiative.
Gurung's path to activism is rooted in personal tragedy. Once an event organiser, his life shifted dramatically after the devastating 2015 earthquake, during which he lost his own child. “A child died in my arms. I’ll never forget that moment,” he told The Annapurna Express, recalling how an SOS message he posted online led to 200 volunteers showing up. That experience, he said, marked a turning point in his life.