The University hosted an engaging interaction on “Gen Z Unrest in South Asia” featuring distinguished Nepali journalist Shri Yubaraj Ghimire as the keynote speaker. The session brought together faculty members, research scholars, Chanakya Fellows, and visiting professors from Southern New Hampshire University (USA) — Prof. Benjamin R. Cole and Prof. Paul A. Barresi — who offered global perspectives on the discussion.
Opening the event, Dr. Saurav Sarmah contextualized the theme within the growing wave of youth-led movements across South Asia. In his address, Shri Ghimire traced Nepal’s political trajectory since the 2001 royal massacre, reflecting on the Maoist insurgency, monarchy’s downfall, and the contentious abolition executed without public consent. He highlighted widespread corruption among political elites and institutions, which, he argued, has fueled Gen Z’s spontaneous and leaderless protests against systemic decay.
Shri Ghimire also warned of external interference affecting Nepal’s sovereignty and questioned the feasibility of elections planned for March 2026. Concluding the session, he emphasized that while political parties remain organized, Gen Z lacks the structure to transform its dissent into enduring political reform.
