Kathmandu: Varun Chaudhary, Managing Director of CG Corp Global and a leading industrialist, has said that the growing political dissatisfaction in Nepal is largely driven by frustration among the Gen Z generation and its strong focus on results rather than rhetoric.
Speaking at a closed-door strategic roundtable jointly organized by the Synergia Foundation and the Harvard Club of India, Chaudhary noted that the past 25 years have profoundly shaped the mindset of Nepal’s youth. He pointed out that nearly 20 changes of government, a decade-long civil war, the abolition of the monarchy, constitution-making processes, a devastating earthquake, and recurring violent movements have deeply affected the younger generation.
According to Chaudhary, the recent movement in Bangladesh was entirely led by Gen Z, and similar sentiments are now being reflected in Nepal as well.
“Gen Z is not tied to ideology or slogans; they are outcome-driven and want tangible results,” he said.
Introducing the concept of the “Open Border Generation,” Chaudhary explained that information, geographical, economic, cultural, and digital boundaries are no longer traditionally confined. Social media, he said, has become the primary source of information for Gen Z. Recalling Nepal’s experience, he noted that attempts to restrict social media had previously triggered political turbulence.
Highlighting migration trends, Chaudhary stated that around 2,000 to 3,000 Nepalis are leaving the country daily, indicating that economic and labor borders have effectively become open. He warned that Nepal’s biggest long-term risk is permanent brain drain. As second-generation migrants settle abroad, he said, ancestral properties are being sold, the likelihood of return diminishes, and the risk of declining remittance inflows increases. He added that Nepal’s economy currently depends on nearly USD 20 billion in remittances.
Chaudhary emphasized that today’s youth are demanding merit-based opportunities, leadership with a clear understanding of the economy, digital transparency, and political stability. Referring to Nepal as a “sandwich” between India and China, he stressed the need for the country to strategically leverage its geopolitical position for national benefit.
The roundtable featured prominent speakers including Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army; former Deputy Chairman of India’s Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia; former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran; former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran; former intelligence chief Rajiv Jain; former National Security Council Secretariat advisor A. B. Mathur; former Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor; and former Indian Ambassador to France and Monaco Javed Ashraf, among others.
The event was chaired by Toby Simon, Founder and Chairman of the Synergia Foundation.
