By Anuj Ghimire

Social Media and Advertising Manager

Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, always was and remains my homeland. I was born there and raised in a nuclear family where I learned the value of community and its people. There has always been a unity among the people, despite cultural and religious differences, which inspired me a lot.

As a developing country, it has its own setbacks, limitations, and restrictions. The limited career pathways, cultural backgrounds, and structural challenges—such as corruption, a weak job market, and nepotism—make it hard for youth like me to dream of their future in Nepal.

I had always read that America was leading in education, innovation, and technology. When I grew up, I saw it for myself. It has the largest economy in the world, global connections, and advanced technology. When I got a chance to study here, I took it, with the dream of developing my skills in business, technology, marketing, and innovation. The U.S. offered me access to new technology and a market structure far bigger than I imagined.

Studying in America doesn’t mean I have left my country or forgotten it. In fact, I love it even more after coming to the U.S. Now, things are getting tougher, and everything is starting to change.

Recently, the Gen-Z movement that unfolded in Nepal on Sept. 8, 2025, was an expression of the citizens’ voice. The government was already in the hands of 70-year-old politicians and rife with corruption. When it suddenly decided to impose a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp, the new generation took to the streets.

However, the government reacted harshly. The police tried to stop the movement and even opened fire on protestors. By 6 p.m. that evening, 19 people were dead, over 300 were injured, and hundreds were missing. Many of the victims were students wearing school and college uniforms. The sight of families crying for their lost children shook the entire nation.

In response, the Home Minister and Prime Minister resigned, and the government lifted the ban on social media. But it was already too late—the people had awakened. The movement had become so bad that a curfew was imposed all over Nepal for two days. Reuters reported, “At least 19 people in two cities died … on Monday in Nepal’s worst unrest in decades … the government’s decision to shut down several social-media platforms … fueled anger among the young.”

What made the Gen-Z movement unique was its spirit of unity and self-awareness. The protest was not driven by any political party or ideology; it was led by the people themselves. After the destruction, the same youth who had protested went back to clean the streets, showing responsibility and love for their country.

I feel emotional and proud at the same time. The country is rising with new hope, and people are aware and standing up for themselves. On the other hand, many lives were lost, there was heavy destruction of public property, the economic system is shaken, and there is uncertainty.

But there is real hope for what’s happening. Watching the youth stand up and say “enough is enough” gives me strength. A quote from an article in Nepal News stays with me: “The demands articulated by the Gen Z…were indeed the concerns of the majority of Nepalis…But opportunity does not automatically turn into results.”

I came to America to learn, explore, and grow. It doesn’t mean I’m not returning home. I aim to master skills like production and management so I can establish and contribute something meaningful to my people, like launching my own new business or stepping into a production manager role. Living here can help me build networks, but I’ll always keep my country in my heart. I want to go back when the time is right and be part of the transformation.

I’ve talked to many of my friends, both national and international, and have gotten mixed reactions. Some of them were furious with the government and expressed extreme frustration with politicians. Others expressed hope, as if new seeds of revolution were being planted. They look at the Gen-Z movement and say, “We are the change.” International students from other countries observe, “Nepal has amazing potential, but why is the talent leaving?” These conversations reinforce the dual truth: the talent is there and the love for the country is in our hearts but the system lags.

Democracy is the system of governance where the voice of the people is considered the greatest power. Whether it is the right to form a government or the freedom to express opinions, these are the foundations of democracy. But when the voices of citizens are ignored and the government stops listening, such revolutions become part of democracy. The Gen-Z movement of September 2025 in Nepal is one such moment: a generation saying, “We deserve better.”

For me, studying abroad is part of the answer. I am gaining tools, confidence, and a global perspective. But I also realize the most meaningful change happens when I go home and apply what I’ve learned. My path is not just about personal success; it’s about responsibility. Nepal is not perfect, but it is filled with hope and potential, even in a moment of crisis. I want to be part of that hope.