Impact of Zen-G Protest in Nepal on Students' Well-being and Higher Education
Bishnu Kumar Khadka （ Mid-West University, Surkhet, Nepal ）
https://doi.org/10.37155/2972-3086-0402-7Abstract
The "Zen-G Protest" of September 2025, a digitally driven youth uprising in Nepal, represents a critical moment for the nation's socio-political and educational systems. This study aims to investigate the multifaceted impacts of these protests on university students' psychological wellbeing and educational experiences. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive design, data from 222 university-level students were analyzed to assess the effects of exposure, participation, and societal disruption. Findings reveal that direct and indirect exposure to violence (witnessing clashes and consuming graphic media content) was significantly associated with heightened psychological distress. Notably, physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., racing heart) were the most statistically significant indicator of distress. While active participation—physical or digital—did not significantly impact wellbeing, the unrest caused significant disruption to daily routines and a notable decline in perceived quality of life. Furthermore, students reported high career-related anxiety and moderate support for educational reforms, including enhanced civic education and mental health services, reflecting a desire for greater systemic accountability. Unlike traditional movements mediated by party-affiliated student unions, the Zen-G protests were characterized by decentralized, online mobilization of Generation Z youths, spurred by a social media ban and deep-seated frustration over corruption and limited civic freedoms. The study emphasizes on the urgent need for universities to implement psychosocial support and flexible academic strategies to boost student resilience and ensure academic continuity amidst political instability in Nepal.
Keywords
Zen-G Protest; Student well-being; Psychological distress; Higher education; Digital activismFull Text
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Copyright © 2025 Bishnu Kumar Khadka
Publishing time:2025-08-13
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
