KATHMANDU – In one of the most dramatic shifts in Nepal’s political history, a former DJ and his little-known non-profit group leveraged the power of social media to bring down the country’s government and pave the way for Nepal’s first woman prime minister.
Sudan Gurung, 36, founder of the grassroots organisation Hami Nepal (We are Nepal), became an unlikely power broker after mobilising tens of thousands of young people through Discord and Instagram. The protests, which erupted on September 8, forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign amid the bloodiest political unrest the Himalayan nation has seen in decades, leaving at least 72 dead and more than 1,300 injured.
By using VPNs to bypass platform bans, Hami Nepal began issuing calls to action online that went viral among Nepal’s youth. “I was invited to a Discord group with 400 members asking us to march near Parliament,” recalled 18-year-old student Karan Kulung Rai, who joined the demonstrations.
The group’s posts quickly gained national significance, even being cited on television, as members also flagged disinformation and shared critical emergency contacts with protesters. Within days, Gurung and his team were thrust into high-level political negotiations that reshaped Nepal’s interim government.
The Rise of Hami Nepal
On September 11, Gurung’s powerful call resonated from the protest stage to a packed press conference. “I will make sure that the power lies with the people and bring every corrupt politician to justice,” he declared.
Backed by support from Nepal’s President and the army chief, Hami Nepal helped push for the appointment of former chief justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Known for her uncompromising stance against corruption, Karki became Nepal’s first woman leader, entrusted to guide the country toward elections scheduled for March 5.
According to group members, decisions on Cabinet posts are underway, with a strong emphasis on bringing skilled young professionals into governance. “Meetings are ongoing between Karki and members of the group. We will finalise the Cabinet soon,” a Hami Nepal representative confirmed, stressing on Instagram that the process would focus on youth participation.
A New Generation’s Voice
Although often identified with the “Gen Z” protest wave, Sudan Gurung himself is older than many demonstrators. His history of activism dates back to organising relief efforts during the 2015 earthquake and later during the Covid-19 pandemic. His current role, however, marks a sharp escalation: from humanitarian volunteer to pivotal actor in a regime change.
Yet Gurung and his closest aides insist they will not assume official government roles. “We don’t want to be politicians. Sudan Gurung was only helping the Gen Z group. We are the voice of the nation, not its rulers,” said volunteer Ronesh Pradhan, 26.
Leading the digital mobilisation alongside Gurung are 24-year-old café owner Ojaswi Raj Thapa, 25-year-old legal graduate Rehan Raj Dangal, and other young activists who have rapidly become household names. Thapa, who often addressed rallies, told Reuters that ensuring judicial independence is now a central demand of the movement.
Uncertain but Unstoppable
The protests were sparked by public anger over corruption and the government’s ban on social media platforms – a decision swiftly overturned after the crackdown failed to quell dissent. The demonstrations escalated into deadly clashes with security forces, solidifying Hami Nepal’s role as the coordinating force behind the uprising.
Now, with over 160,000 Instagram followers and a loyal base of young supporters, Gurung and his team stand at the forefront of Nepal’s political transition. While they refuse political office, their influence over the interim setup underscores a generational shift: a digitally empowered youth shaping the nation’s direction.
As Gurung said after stepping out of high-pressure negotiations on September 14: “We may not lead from the Cabinet, but we will ensure the next government serves the people, not the politicians.”