Nepal's Gen Z protest: Nepali Youngsters In Chennai Anxious, Want To Help

For the past few days, Nakul Neupane has spent more time in class checking minute-to-minute updates on what is happening in Nepal than taking notes for his course on energy systems. “My friend was almost shot when he had gone to donate blood to one of the injured students,” says Nakul, a college student from Nepal studying in Chennai. But seeing his country’s youth out on the streets, protesting corruption does not paint a grim picture for Nakul. “I see it as hopeful,” he says. “Earlier, if you wanted to run a business or even work, it was an unsaid rule that you had to pay different politicians to get work done. If you couldn’t pay up, your business would be shut overnight. There was never transparency. Today, the youngsters make up a large population in Nepal, and after this, I’m certain we can make a better life for ourselves” On Sept 8, youngsters in Nepal led a mass protest in Kathmandu against govt corruption, nepotism and ban on social media sites. Several protesters were killed and hundreds injured. As debates rage back home, Nepalis in Chennai are finding their own ways to respond. Akash B, a Nepali watchman, says, there is a lot of work left for Nepal’s youngsters. He and many other Nepalis, working as daily wagers, domestic workers, cooks, watchmen, nannies and beauticians, have decided to form groups to discuss how they can help Nepal. “We are identifying people in the community. We are trying to organise monetary aid for essentials. Gen Z may have started the protest, but we as the older generation, are here to support them,” says Akash. Some Nepalis in Chennai though are anxious about their families back home. Choden Foning, pastor of Chennai Nepali Christian Fellowship Church, says her congregation is distressed.“Many, especially daily-wage workers who left their families to work here are cut off from news because they cannot reach them. They feel helpless as most only know Nepali and have no one to confide in. The church is offering emotional support by holding special prayer services for their families and for peace in Nepal.”Email your feedback with name and address to southpole.toi@timesofindia.com