Manisha Koirala Weighs in on Gen Z Activism: Urges Youth to Pair Passion with Wisdom
KATHMANDU – Acclaimed actor and public figure Manisha Koirala has offered a nuanced take on the surging wave of Gen Z political activism, voicing strong support for the youth’s fight against corruption while cautioning that raw energy alone is insufficient for effective governance.
Speaking at the NDTV World Anvishka Summit in Kathmandu, the Heeramandi star addressed the growing trend of young people taking a stand against political apathy. From the recent political shifts in Nepal—where Gen Z-led movements reportedly played a role in the transition of government—to widespread student-led protests in India regarding examination irregularities like the NEET and JPSC paper leaks, the younger generation is clearly asserting its voice.
Validating the Fight Against Corruption
Koirala expressed her admiration for the courage displayed by Gen Z in challenging the status quo. “I support the younger generation’s energy. I support and I salute the fact that they stood up against corruption, against a political class failing to address corruption,” she stated.
While she maintains that it is premature to pass judgment on these emerging movements, she offered a dose of reality for those aspiring to lead. “Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you’ll be a good leader,” Koirala noted, emphasizing that the primary metrics for any administration should be its tangible delivery of services and its commitment to accountability.
Drawing Lessons from Nepal’s History
During the summit, Koirala contextualized the current youth wave by looking back at Nepal’s own political foundations. She reminded the audience that the concept of “youth in leadership” is far from unprecedented in the region.
She invoked the legacy of her grandfather, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, who became Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister at a young age. She pointed to his contemporaries, such as Krishnaprasad Bhattarai and Ganesh Man Singh, as historical evidence that young people have long been at the forefront of the nation’s political evolution. She encouraged the current generation to study these precedents, suggesting that past wisdom could serve as a roadmap for today’s activists.
A Call for Vision and Mentorship
Reflecting on her own personal journey, Koirala admitted that she once identified as a “rebel without a cause.” However, she stressed that the transition into effective leadership requires a shift from mere rebellion to a structured “vision.”
“My request would be to not discredit the wisdom and experience of older people,” she advised. “Take good guidance and have a vision.”
The actor cautioned that life is rarely “black and white” and warned against the arrogance of youth that might lead individuals to ignore the complexities of governance. By balancing the vigor of youth with the guidance of experienced voices, Koirala believes that the next generation can transform their passion into lasting, positive change.
“Struggles are an inevitable part of life,” she concluded, noting that if approached with sensitivity and clarity, those challenges ultimately serve to sharpen a leader’s ability to serve the public interest.
