Biratnagar, Nov 20: Shreeyam Chaulagain, a resident of Laxmi Marga in Belbari Municipality-11, Morang district, is among the 45 youths officially declared martyrs of the September 8–9 Gen Z movement in Nepal.
His story reflects the hopes, struggles, and sacrifices of a generation demanding good governance, anti-corruption and political accountability.
Promising student whose life was cut short
Shreeyam had recently moved to Kathmandu with his parents for better education opportunities. After completing his Secondary Education Examination (SEE) in Morang, he joined Global College, Kathmandu, as a Grade 11/12 student.
Still dressed in his school uniform, he joined the Gen Z protest on September 8. In New Baneshwor, he was hit by gunfire and collapsed—never to rise again.
Family’s fight for justice
Shreeyam lived with his mother Ganga (44) and father Ganesh Prasad (52) in Pepsicola-32, Kathmandu. His father, a transport entrepreneur, had moved the family to the capital solely to support his son’s education.
Today, Ganesh is deeply involved in the Gen Z Martyrs’ Families Struggle Committee, which has submitted a 14-point demand including free education, healthcare, and pensions for martyrs’ families.
Although some demands are being fulfilled, he said Koshi Province government and Belbari Municipality in Morang have not shown adequate concern. “We want to feel that justice has been served,” Ganesh said.
Community’s grief and call for change
Shreeyam’s uncle, Rajan Chaulagain, said the nation must honor the sacrifice of its young martyrs, “We lost our children, and the nation lost promising youths. We must fulfill their dreams.”
His maternal uncle, Keshab Karki, described Shreeyam as academically gifted and not politically inclined. Two days before the protests, Shreeyam had encouraged his sister abroad to join the movement as well.
Karki vividly recalled the tragic moment he found Shreeyam’s name on the hospital list after the shooting. “It felt like my head would burst. I couldn’t bring myself to share the news with the family.”
According to Principal Thaneswor Dhakal of his former school, Shreeyam was “diligent, honest, and loved by all.” The school is planning memorial activities in his honor.
National recognition
The Government of Nepal has officially recognized 45 youths who died during the Gen Z uprising as martyrs.
Shreeyam’s story stands as a symbol of hope, courage, and the urgent call for systemic reform that defined the Gen Z movement. #nepal
A report by Bibek Mishra
