After Gen Z-led protests toppled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government in September 2025, Nepal mourns 72 lives lost and hundreds injured. Fueled by anger over corruption, wealth gaps, and nepotism, these protests exposed deep societal fractures. Now, an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust, combating corruption, and preparing for elections by March 2026. To heal and unite, Nepal needs leaders who represent its marginalized, especially the over six million Dalits, comprising 14% of the population, long sidelined by those in power. Khagendra Sunar, a 32-year-old Dalit activist, journalist, and former TV anchor, emerges as the clear choice for a ministerial role. Known for his protest under “Dalit Lai Khai” (Where are Dalit rights?), Sunar enjoys nearly 80% support among Dalits. His leadership is Nepal’s best hope to deliver fairness and prevent further unrest.

A Life Shaped by Struggle and Transformation

Khagendra Sunar knows the pain of being Dalit in Nepal. Growing up in a community labeled “untouchable” in western Nepal, he faced barred temples, restricted water sources, and limited access to education and jobs. Nearly half of Nepal’s Dalits live in extreme poverty, with low literacy and high dropout rates due to discrimination. Sunar’s early life was marked by these hardships, but he found solace and strength at Osho Tapoban, a meditation retreat near Kathmandu. For over a decade, he immersed himself in Osho’s teachings of peace, self-awareness, and non-violent societal change. Videos of him dancing freely at Tapoban reveal a man breaking free from caste’s chains in spirit, embodying resilience and hope.

Before becoming a full-time activist, Sunar built a career as a journalist and TV anchor, where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and public communication. His work focused on exposing social inequalities, corruption, and human rights abuses, giving him a platform to amplify marginalized voices. However, the 2020 Soti Massacre, where Nabaraj BK and five friends were killed over an inter-caste romance marked a turning point. Covering the tragedy as a journalist, Sunar was deeply shaken by the brutal caste violence and authorities’ initial inaction. This pivotal moment led him to abandon his media career and dedicate himself to activism, founding the “Dalit Campaign for Dalits” to fight systemic oppression. His transition from journalism to activism was driven by a conviction that reporting alone was insufficient to dismantle centuries-old caste barriers.

A Fighter for Justice

Sunar’s activism gained prominence in the early 2020s, addressing brutal caste crimes. In 2020, he led protests for Nabaraj BK, whose murder in Rukum West sparked nationwide outrage. His six-day hunger strike pressured authorities, resulting in convictions for 24 culprits in 2023. Sunar also demanded justice for 12-year-old Angira Pasi, raped and murdered in 2020, and Ajit Mizar, whose 2016 death remains unsolved due to police negligence. These cases highlight his commitment to exposing systemic failures.

Leading the independent “Dalit Campaign for Dalits,” unaffiliated with political parties, Sunar pushes for the 2015 Constitution’s anti-discrimination provisions and affirmative action for Dalits. His protests are bold and symbolic. In August 2024, he sat for 45 days at Maitighar Mandala, chained in 3 kg of iron to symbolize caste’s weight, chanting “Dalit Lai Khai?” Thousands joined, including activist Dr. Govinda KC, with protests reaching the Election Commission and the President’s house. In September 2024, he led a shirtless march to New Baneshwor against Dalit exclusion. In 2025, he planned province-wide sit-ins and faced two arrests in February, once for seeking Parliament access and again for demanding Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation over a mishandled inter-caste marriage case. Released amid public outcry, Sunar vowed to return “like a hungry tiger.”

His protests echo historical struggles, drawing parallels to Shambuka, a Shudra killed by Lord Ram in the Ramayan for defying caste norms by performing penance. Just as Shambuka’s death upheld a rigid social order, Sunar’s arrests reflect modern attempts to silence Dalit dissent. Yet, his swift releases, driven by public support, underscore his growing influence. Unlike the romanticized tale of Sabri, a Dalit woman whose devotion Ram accepted, Sunar rejects token gestures of inclusion. He demands systemic change, challenging narratives that normalize caste hierarchies.

Why Sunar Must Lead Now

The Gen Z protests, organized on platforms like Discord, exposed corruption and privilege, mirroring Sunar’s fight against Dalit exclusion. Past cabinets under Oli had negligible Dalit representation, deepening inequality. Sunar could lead in social justice, home affairs, or Dalit welfare, addressing poverty, uniting castes, and ensuring opportunities for Dalits. His peaceful approach, rooted in Osho’s teachings, can heal a nation scarred by burnt buildings and disrupted tourism and healthcare. Free from scandals and political ties, he stands apart from the corrupt elites who sparked the protests.

Critics may question his lack of office experience, but leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. proved activists can shape policy. Sunar’s ability to rally thousands evident in the 10,000-strong Constitution Day rally in 2024 can bridge divides and prevent Dalit-led unrest. His inclusion would honor the sacrifices of over 1,500 Dalits who died for constitutional rights and align with Karki’s promise of fair governance within six months.

Ignoring Sunar risks alienating Dalits, who face ongoing discrimination despite the 2015 Constitution and the 2011 Caste-Based Discrimination Act. From urban housing denials to rural temple exclusions, Dalits remain marginalized. The absence of Dalit voices in the Cabinet is a form of systemic violence, akin to the metaphorical “killing” of rights Sunar protests. His chained sit-in at Maitighar Mandala, enduring physical scars, symbolizes this struggle, drawing global attention to Nepal’s caste issues.

A Modern Shambuka and Dalit Panther

Sunar’s fight mirrors Shambuka’s defiance, challenging a status quo that sidelines Dalits. His arrests reflect the state’s attempts to suppress dissent, much like Ram’s act against Shambuka. Yet, Sunar’s resilience bolstered by his media savvy and spiritual grounding makes him a modern Dalit Panther, advocating direct action for justice. His slogans, “Dalit Lai Khai” and “Dalit Ko Lagi Dalit,” resonate as calls for dignity and representation.

Nepal, home to 4.5 million Dalits, must heed Sunar’s voice. His leadership offers a path to inclusive democracy, fulfilling constitutional promises and preventing further unrest. Elevating him to a ministerial role would signal Nepal’s commitment to equality, honoring the sacrifices of Dalit fighters and building a united future. How long must Dalits wait for justice? With Sunar leading, the answer could be now.

The author is a Sociologist and a PhD. Scholar can be reached at: girithezorba@gmail.com