Update on the situation in Nepal – September 2025

As many will have learned from the media, Nepal has unfortunately been the scene of tragic events in recent days.

A spontaneous demonstration against corruption and the government’s actions, led by large numbers of young people from “GEN Z” in the streets of the capital Kathmandu, was met with harsh repression, which sadly resulted in the deaths of more than fifty people, most of them youngsters. This was followed by several days of unprecedented devastation of public and private buildings throughout the country, from which the representatives of “GEN Z” totally dissociated themselves: here in the West, we are well aware that such situations unfortunately lend themselves to infiltration of all kinds.

As of today – 14 September – the situation seems to be slowly returning to normal: the curfew has been lifted, schools are gradually reopening, Kathmandu International Airport has resumed operations, and many young volunteers are working alongside the army to clean up the streets and salvage what they can from public and private buildings. The various public bodies are struggling to resume their activities, often having to deal with the aftermath of the devastation caused to their offices.

Following the recommendation of a large majority, including young people from “GEN Z”, a woman has been elected as interim Prime Minister: Sushila Karki, 73, one of the first women to graduate in Nepal and former President of the Supreme Court. She has been tasked with leading the country to new elections within six months. She is particularly loved by young people because Sushila and her husband are ‘Gandhian’ in the sense that they have always led a very simple life based on high moral standards.

There is therefore great hope, which we wholeheartedly share, that these tragic events will give rise to a new dawn for the country.

In recent days, we have been in contact with many of the older students we help: although shocked by recent events, they too have a strong hope in their hearts that all this will lead to a better future for their country.

Our Gangchen School, the Gangchen Drupkhang vocational centre and the monasteries we support are located in the outskirts of the city, which fortunately have remained peaceful. Gangchen School and the Arunima College, attended by the vast majority of the children we support through the long-distance adoption programme, have resumed lessons and mid-year exams will be held shortly: a very important sign of a new beginning and a return to normality for the students and their families. At the moment, we are fortunate to know that all the students we help are well.

Thank you all so much for your support and messages of sympathy: we will keep you updated with news from Nepal.

Together we can – Lama Gangchen Rinpoche