It was the wedding of the daughter of a Nepalese politician that first angered Aditya. The 23-year-old activist was scrolling through his social media feed in May when he read about how the high-profile marriage ceremony sparked huge traffic jams in the city of Bhaktapur. Riled by claims that a major road was blocked for VIP guests, including the prime minister, Aditya was compelled to act.
In the following months, he saw more social media posts from politicians and their children flaunting wealth through extravagant vacations and luxury gifts—such as a viral photo of a provincial minister’s son surrounded by expensive brand presents. This triggered Aditya and thousands of other young Nepalis to take to the streets in Kathmandu on September 8, demanding accountability.
The anti-corruption protests escalated quickly, resulting in fatalities and significant political upheaval, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation. Young protesters, fueled by social inequality and corruption, have been mobilizing not just in Nepal but across Asia, with similar sentiments resonating in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Utilizing platforms like TikTok—banned elsewhere in Nepal—Aditya and his friends created videos to raise awareness about the so-called 'nepo kids,' children of influential figures whom many see as symbols of entrenched corruption. Their campaign quickly gained traction, sparking discussions of solidarity across borders as activists from different countries united their efforts.
As protests intensified, the rhetoric and violence escalated. National leaders have condemned the violence but acknowledged the protesters' grievances, leading to some policy changes. Despite the digital sophistication of today's activism, experts suggest the path to sustained social change remains challenging, highlighting the need for a unified and organized movement as the youth continue to learn from past struggles for reform.
In the following months, he saw more social media posts from politicians and their children flaunting wealth through extravagant vacations and luxury gifts—such as a viral photo of a provincial minister’s son surrounded by expensive brand presents. This triggered Aditya and thousands of other young Nepalis to take to the streets in Kathmandu on September 8, demanding accountability.
The anti-corruption protests escalated quickly, resulting in fatalities and significant political upheaval, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation. Young protesters, fueled by social inequality and corruption, have been mobilizing not just in Nepal but across Asia, with similar sentiments resonating in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Utilizing platforms like TikTok—banned elsewhere in Nepal—Aditya and his friends created videos to raise awareness about the so-called 'nepo kids,' children of influential figures whom many see as symbols of entrenched corruption. Their campaign quickly gained traction, sparking discussions of solidarity across borders as activists from different countries united their efforts.
As protests intensified, the rhetoric and violence escalated. National leaders have condemned the violence but acknowledged the protesters' grievances, leading to some policy changes. Despite the digital sophistication of today's activism, experts suggest the path to sustained social change remains challenging, highlighting the need for a unified and organized movement as the youth continue to learn from past struggles for reform.
