It is relevant to relate an incident from a few weeks ago, as it is fresh. Speaking at a closed session being held in a hall in the capital, political leader and social activist Sagar Dhakal was emphasizing what reforms are needed in higher education in Nepal and why they have not been possible so far.

His presentation was entirely focused on the fundamental reforms we need to make to improve higher education. But the previous generation, in a sense retired figures present there, suddenly became aggressive, saying that Sagar Dhakal had spoken beyond the time and dared to lecture them. He was forcibly stopped from speaking. Sagar handed over the mic without any resistance. He listened to the rest of the discussion and left. It was getting to noon. The remaining participants continued the program by eating lunch served at their seats.

The reason I present this example here is that it reflects the daily behaviors in our society. The ‘older’ generation, which is currently in leadership everywhere in society, does not want to hear new things, new topics, and new and faster ways of doing things. Without further ado, I would like to make an observation – why I say older is that that generation considers all age groups younger than itself and younger than them.

Now, in an environment of such intergenerational conflict and mistrust, how can we chart a path forward? It is clear that the advanced society, developed economy and civilized political system we seek are not possible with the practice of incompetent old people from all sides.

A special generation in this country is working to hinder the country's economic development and nation-building. It cannot accept change and innovation, considering the interest of the past as its current capital. It is stuck in old thinking and practices. It behaves selfishly and insensitively. A vivid example of this is seen in every forum, organization and party in Nepal.

This is pushing our country back in the league of development. This situation brings stability to the social, political and economic system, but affects progress. Therefore, dialogue, cooperation and inclusive thinking should be encouraged among all generations so that long-term development is possible. But to do so, the previous generation must give up the ego that this country is a playground that we have won.

Nepal's lack of economic development, its politics failing to catch up, society moving towards depravity, corruption, unrest and anarchy are not the fault of any particular person, organization, community, party, profession or leader. Is the sovereignty of Nepal, a poor, despised by the world community, beggar, intellectually impoverished and philosophically suffering nation, still intact? If it is, then Nepali society should be able to recognize both those who are intoxicated by the heat of the Gen-G movement and those who are frightened by it. Both of these cannot move the country forward in the right way and will not be able to protect the little sovereignty that remains.

The political aspect is as important as the economic aspect in nation-building. The reason Nepal has not emerged as a strong nation-state is the inability to chart a clear economic path after successive political changes. The inability to prepare that economic strategy is the lack of governance capacity of those in leadership.

Leading a political movement and establishing a governance system that delivers economic results while maintaining good governance are two different things. Therefore, what needs to be explored is what kind of economic system we should establish to institutionalize the political course ahead. And, who will lead it is another key question.

Now the question arises whether we have intergenerational distrust? For example, the older generation does not trust the thinking, skills, use of technology and working style of the new generation or the new generation does not respect the experience, values ​​and traditions of the older generation. Has such distrust led to division, lack of dialogue and a decrease in cooperation in our society?

Cooperation, mutual respect and trust between all generations are essential for nation-building. When distrust increases between different generations, problems arise in policy formulation, implementation and long-term planning. When the older generation rejects new ideas, innovation is hindered, while when the new generation ignores the experience of the older generation, wrong decisions and mistakes may be repeated.

Intergenerational distrust also has a direct impact on economic development. The new generation can bring technology, entrepreneurship and innovative thinking, but if they are not supported by the older generation, their potential cannot be fully utilized. Similarly, if the new generation does not adopt the experience and networks of the older generation, they cannot overcome challenges easily. This hinders productivity, innovation and overall economic growth.

An environment of open dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation must be created to reduce intergenerational distrust. The older generation must accept the ideas, technology and enthusiasm of the new generation, while the new generation must respect the experience, values ​​and traditions of the older generation. Only in this way is sustainable progress in nation building and economic development possible through cooperation between generations.

Now let's turn to the Gen-G movement. In a way, it was an explosion created due to the lack of intergenerational dialogue. But instead of learning from that explosion and improving, efforts are being made to extinguish that movement and voice everywhere.

There is a voice that a large part of the policy-making level of Nepal has not produced any results despite being in continuous positions and leadership for the past three decades. But if we think about it institutionally, it is not justified to demand resignation or removal from office from the street. For this reason, we need to make a policy arrangement that can ruthlessly say goodbye to the opaque, incompetent, and lack of accountability. 

The current party leaders who have been advancing political movements in various periods of Nepal's history and everyone around them embraced corruption and disorder in this country. Due to which the country's economic and social development was pushed back a lot. Whoever was able to follow this corrupt group and get involved in flattery and flattery became a participant in opportunities and resources. Therefore, there is a strong understanding in Nepal that the state, parties, and leaders dug a ditch of social discrimination in the last three decades. In whose swamp they themselves are now trapped.

What kind of society, nation, and governance system do we want in these days? What reforms should be made to achieve that and what kind of new thinking should we promote? Who can lead it? Why should we engage in discussions? The new generation needs to focus on these fundamental questions. The new generation's discussion should focus on how to achieve the reforms we seek economically, socially, and politically, and how to build the basic structures we need to institutionalize them.

The most difficult aspect of the post-Gen-G movement is the discussion on our priorities. It seems that the same leaders of the politically and socially fragmented political parties themselves do not have the confidence to identify the country's priorities again and lead it on the path of reform. Therefore, the first responsibility that has come to the shoulders of the new generation is to patiently start discussing and debating the country's priorities.

Let's try to take a few examples from world history. The Second World War deeply wounded human civilization. Millions of people lost their lives, cities were destroyed, the world economy collapsed, and despair reigned in society. In such difficult times, the role of the youth of that time was extremely important in resurrecting nations, instilling hope in society, and building a new future. Their enthusiasm, courage, and innovative thinking infused new energy into society.

In Europe, Japan and other affected countries after World War II, young people played a historic role in the reconstruction of the nation. The war had a profound impact not only on the physical structure, but also on the social structure. Homes, schools, hospitals, and industries were all destroyed. In such a situation, young people, realizing their sense of duty, joined the campaign for nation building. They put forward new thinking.

In Europe, young people actively participated in the reconstruction work under the 'Marshall Plan'. They did everything from carrying bricks to bringing new thinking in the fields of science, technology, and education. The contribution of young people to making Germany's economic miracle possible was unparalleled. In Japan, young people joined the campaign to make the nation a major economic power in the world with a spirit of discipline, hard work, and innovation.

The thinking, enthusiasm, and leadership skills of young people determine the future of the nation. They not only build physical structures, but also instill a sense of hope, trust, and cooperation in society. Looking at today's context, the world is once again facing new challenges. Problems such as climate change, unemployment, rapid development of technology, social inequality and political instability are challenging society.

Today's youth must also identify their role in solving such problems. But in this article, I will focus only on Nepal. Therefore, it is necessary for the Nepali youth to identify their priorities and join in nation-building and move forward with new slogans.

Taking society forward by focusing on responsibility, social accountability and leadership requires courage, not fear. Therefore, while paving the country's new path, those who can move forward with courage should be in leadership rather than those who are afraid. In order for the new generation at all levels and stages to bring positive change in society, they should invest their skills, knowledge and energy in nation-building.

It is no longer enough to focus only on physical reconstruction. At the same time, we must also pay attention to the social, economic and environmental sectors. Youth activism is necessary to bring about improvements in the fields of education, health, technology and social justice. But it is not clear what impact and impact the current Gen-G rebellion will have on these aspects in the long term. What are the current Gen-G generation's views on social justice, gender equality, racial inclusion, and human rights? They have fought against corruption, discrimination, and injustice, but what strategy are they adopting to institutionalize their achievements? 

It is necessary for youth to move forward with strong political ideas, not just limited to the use of technology, social campaigns, and entrepreneurship. Ultimately, it is ideas that guide society. Therefore, the Gen-G rebellion has put forward the objective of eradicating the existing injustice and corruption in society, but it should also be clear what the new generation's economic and political ideology is. 

The future of the nation is in the hands of the youth. They can bring new energy, hope, and change to society through their thinking, enthusiasm, and commitment. Just like in the days after World War II, today's youth must also play a leading role in nation-building. To bring positive change in society, the youth should focus on their sense of responsibility, social accountability, and leadership abilities.