Gen-G Resistance and Political Transition: A Historical Analysis and Discussion

Thames International College hosted an insightful presentation by Mr. Damodar Tripathi, faculty of Social Sciences, on “Gen-Z Resistance and Political Transition: A Historical Analysis.” The session delved into the rise of the recent Gen-Z movement in Nepal as both a historical necessity and a new form of civic resistance emerging in the digital era.

Drawing upon his decade-long research on Nepal’s democratic transition and his personal involvement in political activism, Mr. Tripathi offered a rich, critical perspective on the evolution of Nepali politics. He traced the continuity of civic resistance. Starting from the anti-Rana uprisings to the People’s Movements of 1990 and 2006, arguing that today’s Gen-Z protests signify a qualitative shift in democratic culture.

Highlighting the defining features of this shift, Mr. Tripathi noted that the Gen-Z movement is characterized by:

• Youth-led and decentralized mobilization beyond partisan boundaries.
  
• Digital and transnational activism, with strong diaspora participation.
  
• Widespread disillusionment with formal party politics and state institutions.
  
• A renewed civic demand for transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
  

He emphasized that this movement is not a transient outburst, but a structural expression of Nepal’s ongoing socio-political transformation, reflecting the emergence of a new kind of politics shaped by social media, global awareness, and generational consciousness. Mr. Tripathi concluded by underscoring the need for continued dialogue between state institutions and young citizens to translate this civic energy into constructive reform.

The session ended with a vibrant interaction among students and faculty of social sciences, who reflected on the future of youth participation, human security, and democratic accountability in Nepal.

Why should students engage with this topic?
For today’s students, understanding the Gen-Z movement is more than studying a protest, it’s about grasping how digital citizenship, critical thinking, and collective action can reshape the nation’s democratic future. Engaging with Mr. Tripathi’s work encourages students to reflect on their own roles as agents of change, fostering a deeper appreciation of how civic responsibility, historical awareness, and activism intersect in shaping a more accountable society.