While much of the world views the recent Gen Z-led protests in Nepal as a response to government censorship and corruption, the movement runs deeper than it first appears. At the heart of this youth uprising stands one figure who has become its most recognizable face Sudan Gurung, a 36-year-old activist and president of Hami Nepal, a youth-centric NGO that has gradually evolved into a significant civic force. For many, Gurung represents a new generation determined to demand accountability and resist silence.
Who is Sudan Gurung?
Gurung’s background is rooted in personal tragedy and transformation. Formerly an event organizer, his life took a dramatic turn after Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake, during which he lost a child. In an emotional account shared with The Annapurna Express, he recalled how a desperate SOS message he posted online in the aftermath led to the mobilization of 200 volunteers. That moment marked the beginning of his journey into humanitarian and civic activism. Since then, Gurung has overseen relief operations across the country during natural disasters, coordinating emergency aid and donations, and distributing supplies to affected communities.
Under his leadership, Hami Nepal has grown rapidly. The organization describes Gurung as a committed philanthropist with over a decade of experience in disaster response. Using platforms like Instagram and Discord, Hami Nepal has been actively rallying youth participation. For instance, in the lead-up to Nepal’s recent internet blackout, the NGO circulated protest guides online, calling on students to show up in school uniforms carrying their books a symbolic, non-violent show of defiance.
The NGO boasts a growing support base, including prominent figures such as ophthalmologist Dr. Sanduk Ruit, who serves as a mentor, and Miss Universe Nepal 2018, Manita Devkota, who acts as its goodwill ambassador. Nepalese celebrities like Priyanka Karki, Swastima Khadka, and Abhaya Subba have also lent their support during various crises, from setting up a COVID-19 plasma bank to distributing food aid.
Publicly, Hami Nepal maintains that it is politically neutral, often repeating the motto “For the People, By the People.” With over 1,600 active members and partnerships with recognizable names like Al Jazeera, Coca-Cola, Viber, and Goldstar, the NGO projects itself as a grassroots movement for the people of Nepal. Gurung, as its public face, has become a rallying point for Gen Z’s demands for accountability, transparency, and reform.
Who Funds Hami Nepal?
As of now, questions surrounding the organization’s funding raise eyebrows. One of its primary backers is businessman Deepak Bhatta, who, according to My Republica, is alleged to have orchestrated a controversial arms procurement deal involving Nepal Police and an Italian company. Bhatta, known for his arms trading connections, faces corruption charges in this case.
Another key financial supporter is Sulav Agrawal of the Shanker Group, who was reportedly arrested for black-market dealings in thermometer guns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Dr. Sanduk Ruit, a recipient of the Magsaysay Award an honor with historic ties to American geopolitical interests has also contributed to the group.
These associations have led to uncomfortable questions. While Sudan Gurung positions himself as a figurehead of anti-corruption and civic integrity, his movement is, ironically, being funded by individuals facing serious allegations of unethical or illegal activity. Critics argue that this contradiction undercuts the credibility of the protest and raises doubts about whether this movement is as free from vested interests as it claims. Gurung’s partnership with donors connected to arms deals and pandemic profiteering invites scrutiny over the integrity of the cause he leads, challenging the image of an untainted grassroots revolution.
(This article is based on an X Thread By Vijay Patel)
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