Hami Nepal – The Protest Paradox: Nepal’s Youth Rise Against Corruption- But Who’s Funding the Movement?

Hami Nepal- The Protest Paradox: Nepal’s Youth Rise Against Corruption – Nepal’s streets have been roaring with the voices of Gen Z protesters demanding justice, transparency, and an end to corruption. The movement, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and triggered military intervention, is being hailed as a youth-led revolution. But beneath the surface of this civic awakening lies a troubling contradiction: the NGO at the heart of the protests- Hami Nepal, founded by Sudan Gurung-is reportedly funded by businessmen with corruption allegations of their own.

Let us explore the rise of the protest, the role of Hami Nepal and the complex web of donors that raises questions about the integrity of the movement.

Gen Z’s Awakening: A Protest Fuelled by Frustration

The unrest began when the Nepal government banned 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For Gen Z, who rely on these platforms for communication, activism, and creativity, the ban felt like a direct attack on their freedom.

Within days, thousands of young Nepalis took to the streets. Their demands were clear:

• End corruption in government
• Restore digital freedom
• Hold politicians accountable for misuse of public funds
• Create opportunities for youth employment and education

The protests quickly escalated. Government buildings were stormed, prisons breached, and public property damaged. The Nepal Army stepped in, enforcing curfews and demanding protesters return looted weapons.

At the centre of this movement was Hami Nepal, a youth-led NGO that coordinated relief efforts, mobilized volunteers, and amplified the protest’s message. Its founder, Sudan Gurung, became a symbol of civic action and youth leadership.

But as the movement gained momentum, questions began to surface: Who funds Hami Nepal? And can a protest against corruption be truly clean if its backers are not?

The Money Trail: Who’s Supporting Hami Nepal?

Hami Nepal claims to be a grassroots organization, funded by public donations and corporate sponsors. It has published financial reports showing how funds are received and spent. But deeper investigation reveals a list of high-profile donors, some of whom have controversial reputations.

Deepak Bhatta – Arms Dealer & Political Middleman

One of Hami Nepal’s main supporters is Deepak Bhatta, a businessman linked to Infinity Holdings. Bhatta has been accused of acting as a middleman in a corrupt arms procurement deal involving Nepal Police and the Italian company Beretta.

• The deal involved purchasing weapons at inflated prices—up to four times the market rate.
• Bhatta allegedly lobbied top politicians, including former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, to approve the budget.
• He was caught on video claiming he could “make deals with governments and opposition leaders.”

Despite these allegations, Bhatta’s company has reportedly provided financial and logistical support to Hami Nepal.

Sulav Agrawal – COVID-Era Black Market Scandal

Another major donor is Sulav (Sahil) Agrawal, vice-chairperson of the Shanker Group. In 2020, Agrawal was arrested for black marketing thermal guns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• He imported over 20,000 thermal guns and sold them at Rs 15,000 each—nearly triple the market price.
• Police seized dozens of units and confirmed the inflated pricing through undercover operations.
• The scandal sparked public outrage, especially during a national health crisis.

Agrawal and the Shanker Group have since supported Hami Nepal’s campaigns, raising eyebrows about the NGO’s funding ethics.

Dr. Sanduk Ruit – Humanitarian Icon with Mixed Reactions

Dr. Sanduk Ruit, a globally respected ophthalmologist and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, is also listed as a mentor and goodwill ambassador for Hami Nepal. While his contributions are largely humanitarian, critics have questioned the Magsaysay Award’s historical ties to U.S. institutions, though there’s no evidence linking Dr. Ruit to any wrongdoing.

His association lends credibility to Hami Nepal, but also adds complexity to the narrative-especially when paired with donors facing corruption charges.

The Credibility Crisis: Can a Movement Be Clean with Tainted Money?

This is the heart of the paradox. Hami Nepal has mobilized thousands of youth, delivered disaster relief, and led civic campaigns. But its funding network includes individuals accused of arms dealing, black marketing, and political manipulation.

So, what does this mean for the movement?

• Public Trust: Many protesters are unaware of the NGO’s donor list. As these connections come to light, trust may erode.
• Moral Contradiction: Fighting corruption with money from alleged corrupt figures creates a credibility gap.
• Political Exploitation: Some analysts fear the movement could be co-opted by elites seeking to redirect public anger for their own gain.

Sudan Gurung has denied any political affiliation and insists Hami Nepal is “for the people, by the people.” But transparency alone may not be enough if the funding sources undermine the movement’s moral foundation.

What’s Next for Nepal’s Youth Movement?

Nepal’s Gen Z uprising is a powerful force. It has already reshaped the political landscape, forced leadership changes, and sparked global attention. But its future depends on how it handles internal contradictions.

Here’s what could happen next:

• Demand for Transparency: Protesters may call for full disclosure of NGO funding and donor backgrounds.
• Leadership Shift: Sudan Gurung may face pressure to distance Hami Nepal from controversial backers or restructure its funding model.
• New Movements: Decentralized youth groups may emerge, rejecting NGO-led activism in favour of independent civic action.
• Government Response: The Nepal Army and interim government may use donor controversies to discredit the movement and justify crackdowns.

For now, the streets remain tense, and the youth remain determined. But the movement’s moral clarity will depend on whether it can walk the talk not just demand accountability from politicians, but also from itself.

Nepal’s Gen Z protest is a historic moment-a bold stand against corruption, censorship, and inequality. But as the layers unfold, it’s clear that even the most passionate movements are vulnerable to compromise.

Hami Nepal’s role in mobilizing youth is undeniable. Its founder, Sudan Gurung, has become a symbol of civic courage. Yet the presence of donors like Deepak Bhatta and Sulav Agrawal raises uncomfortable questions.

Can a movement against corruption be funded by those accused of it? Can youth-led change remain pure in a system built on influence and money?

These are questions Nepal must now face not just in the streets, but in its conscience.

Also read: Gen-Z Uprising in Nepal: Tear Gas, Curfew and the Fight for Digital Freedom

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