– Raju Bhattarai
The path of Nepal is a tale of bravery, selflessness, and tenacity, but it also contains lost chances. When Prithvi Narayan Shah united minor kingdoms in 1769, reminding us that Nepal is a yam between two boulders, our history gave us identity and solidarity. Nepal was never completely colonized, in contrast to many South Asian countries; yet, we were compelled to give up a third of our territory in 1816 as part of the Sugauli Treaty. After that, the Rana government held Nepal in the dark for 104 years till democracy was brought back in 1951 by the people’s movement. People took to the streets once more in 1990 and 2006 to demand reform, and Nepal was proclaimed a federal republic in 2008. However, despite these sacrifices, the goal of stability, prosperity, and peace has not been achieved.
Today, Nepal stands at a crossroads. Politically, the country has seen more than 28 prime ministers since 1990, a clear sign of instability. Corruption scandals dominate the news, public trust in leadership is at its lowest, and coalition governments collapse as quickly as they are formed. Economically, Nepal’s GDP per capita is around $1,400 in 2024, which is far below the world average of $13,000, placing us among the least developed nations. More than 25% of our GDP comes from remittances sent by millions of Nepalis working abroad, which shows how dependent the economy is on foreign labour instead of domestic innovation. Every year, over 500,000 Nepali youth leave the country for jobs or education, and more than 1,500 people board planes daily in search of better futures. This brain drain is silently weakening Nepal because the same generation that could rebuild the nation is being lost. Yet, hope is not absent. Internet penetration has crossed 85%, digital startups are rising, young Nepalis are making their voices louder through social media, and in times of crisis — from the 2015 earthquake to the COVID-19 pandemic — it has been youth-led efforts that saved and supported the nation when politics failed.
The choices made during the next ten to fifteen years will determine Nepal’s destiny. If nothing changes, the nation will continue to rely on remittances, corruption will worsen, and political instability will persist. Villages will become deserted, and young annoyance may escalate into anarchy. Nepal runs the risk of being seen as a country of dependents rather than innovators. But if Gen-Z and the coming generations rise with vision, the possibilities are powerful. Nepal has more than 83,000 megawatts of hydropower potential, yet we use less than 3,000 MW today. With proper investment, Nepal can become a clean energy exporter to India, China, and even Bangladesh. Tourism, which now brings about 1 million visitors yearly, could grow to 5–7 million annually by 2035 if stability, infrastructure, and branding are improved. Education reform, shifting from rote memorisation to innovation and research, could turn our youth into job creators instead of job seekers. The digital economy is another key: freelancing, artificial intelligence, and IT services could provide millions of jobs inside Nepal, reducing the need for migration. If these opportunities are used wisely, Nepal can leap forward like South Korea, which in the 1960s was poorer than Nepal but became a global economic power in just 40 years.
Predictions for Nepal are clear. By 2035, if we follow the same broken political cycle, our GDP per capita may only reach $2,500, and brain drain will continue at record levels. But if youth-driven reforms, energy exports, and digital industries are prioritised, Nepal’s GDP per capita could cross $5,000–$6,000, poverty could be reduced by half, and the country could become a regional energy and tourism hub. By 2040, Nepal could either be known as a country of endless protests and migration, or as a nation that turned its weaknesses into strengths. The deciding factor will not be foreign aid or political slogans — it will be the courage, unity, and responsibility of its young citizens.
The Gen-Z generation from Nepal is now in leadership. They are the most articulate, well-educated, and connected generation in the history of the nation. They now have a voice thanks to social media, but genuine change necessitates more than just hashtags. Patriotism is about creating something, whether it is in communities, startups, art, or classrooms, not just putting slogans online. Nepal will find its way if the frustration of today is turned into creativity. Since separation is the biggest obstacle to success, youth from all castes, regions, and political backgrounds must work together. Making a difference where you are, little by little, is what it means to be a leader.
Nepal has a history of sacrifice, a present full of difficulties, and a future full of decisions. Another generation will be wasted if corruption and inept politics persist. However, Nepal may become a green, digital, and internationally renowned country in 20 years if Gen-Z and the youth take bold, visionary action. History demonstrates that Nepal is capable of change, thus the question is not whether it can. Whether we will accept the duty today is the question.
