Sudan Gurung
Sudan Gurung | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Died | Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepalese |
| Occupation |
|
| Organization | Hami Nepal |
| Known for | Founder of Hami Nepal; Leading Nepal’s Gen-Z protests against social media ban |
Sudan Gurung (born 1988 or 1989) is a Nepalese civic activist and grassroots organiser.[1] He is the president and founder of Hami Nepal, a youth-led non-governmental organization (NGO) that evolved from disaster relief efforts into a broader civic movement. Gurung gained national prominence as a key figure behind Nepal’s Gen-Z-led protests against the government’s social media ban in September 2025.[2]
Early Life and Catalyst for Activism
Sudan Gurung initially worked as an event organiser and DJ, even owning a nightclub named OMG, before the 2015 Nepal earthquake dramatically changed his life. During the disaster, he lost his child a moment that he has cited as a turning point: “A child died in my arms. I’ll never forget that moment.”
In the quake’s aftermath, he used social media to rally nearly 200 volunteers for relief work. This grassroots mobilisation laid the foundation for the creation of Hami Nepal.
Hami Nepal
In September 2025, the Nepalese government imposed a sweeping ban on 26 major social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X among them triggering widespread youth unrest.
As president of Hami Nepal, Gurung became the face of the Gen-Z uprising. His organisation mobilised youth using Instagram and Discord to disseminate protest routes and safety advice. Demonstrators were asked to wear school uniforms and carry books symbolising peaceful resistance and the voices of students and youths.The protests rapidly escalated, leading to violent clashes, at least 19–20 deaths, and hundreds of injuries. The political fallout included resignations of prominent leaders, among them Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and several cabinet members.[3]
Gurung became emblematic of a new wave of civic engagement representing youth-driven demands for transparency, justice, and systemic reform.
Public Image and Ideology
Sudan Gurung is recognised for his political independence and youth-centric approach to social mobilisation. Hami Nepal operates under the slogan, “For the People, By the People,” striving for non-partisan, grassroots impact.[4]
The organisation has drawn support from high-profile figures: Dr. Sanduk Ruit acts as a mentor, and Miss Universe Nepal 2018 Manita Devkota is its goodwill ambassador. Public personalities like Priyanka Karki, Swastima Khadka, and Abhaya Subba have also contributed to relief and advocacy efforts.[5]
References
- ↑ "Sudan Gurung: Face of Hami Nepal Gen-Z protest". Firstpost. 5 September 2025. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
- ↑ "Who is Sudan Gurung, driving Nepal's youth-led movement for digital freedom". News18. 2 September 2025. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
- ↑ "Who is Sudan Gurung, the face of Gen-Z protests in Nepal". NDTV. 3 September 2025. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
- ↑ "Nepal unrest: Meet Sudan Gurung, the face behind violent Gen-Z protests over social media ban, corruption". LiveMint. 3 September 2025. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
- ↑ "Meet Sudan Gurung, Nepal protest Gen-Z DJ who rocked the govt". The Economic Times. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 9 September 2025.