Civic Sense and the Gen Z Protest

 

An estimated Rs. 100 billion worth of public property was damaged during the Gen Z protest, according to the private sector and the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising. This destruction was caused by none other than our own citizens, Gen Z protestors who were fighting against corruption. Over 300 local unit offices across the country were vandalized or set on fire. Singha Durbar, a historical and administrative hub, was burned; the Parliament building was damaged; hotels were attacked; and several branches of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, along with other businesses in multiple cities, suffered heavy losses. While it is very clear that the protest against corruption was needed and deserved. We as a country and common citizens of Nepal have suffered more than enough by corrupt politicians.  But didn’t we hit hammer in our own leg by damaging public property?

This raises two important questions: Was all this destruction necessary? And did we actually gain freedom from corruption, or merely push for direct election of the prime minister? At the heart of these questions lies another: Do Nepali citizens lack civic sense?

The Oxford dictionary does not offer a precise definition, but generally, civic sense refers to the social ethic and collective responsibility of citizens to contribute to the well-being of their community by following rules, cooperating with others, respecting public property, and upholding the rights of fellow citizens. Unfortunately, during this protest, Nepali people demonstrated the opposite. What was intended to be a peaceful and harmless movement caused far more destruction than anyone had anticipated. By damaging Singha Durbar, we not only lost a vital historical monument but also valuable data. The sight of the Supreme Court, district courts, and numerous government offices reduced to rubble is unbearable.

So why did so many people lack civic sense?

Some may argue that the problem lies in the education system. Every student reads about civic responsibility, duty, and ethics in school textbooks. The real problem, however, is not in learning but in applying these lessons. Students are forced to memorize laws, rules, and morals, but rarely do schools engage them in community service activities such as cleaning public spaces or maintaining libraries and parks. Moreover, if we examine Nepal’s history of protests, we find that destruction has always been a recurring feature, yet rarely has it resulted in long-term reform. Over time, people have developed the mindset that their actions should bring them immediate or eventual benefit. This explains why so much looting took place during the protests: once one person started stealing, others followed, reasoning, “If they are doing it, why can’t I?”

Another factor is the lack of role models. Many politicians and businessmen fail to demonstrate responsibility, integrity, or genuine concern for public welfare. When citizens see those in power acting selfishly, they too develop a careless and opportunistic attitude toward the state. Additionally, Kathmandu’s dense population during the protests created an environment where people thought they could act with impunity. Amidst the chaos, individuals assumed their small acts of vandalism or theft would go unnoticed and unpunished compared to the larger destruction unfolding around them.

Now that we have seen what happens when people lack civic sense, how do we solve this problem?

First, schools should introduce regular community engagement activities — ideally weekly, but at least monthly — where students actively contribute to their surroundings by helping with cleaning, maintenance, or assisting community workers. People only begin to value labor when they experience it themselves. Second, society must work to change mindsets. Harm to public property should not be normalized; it should be condemned. Communities should make individuals feel accountable, guilty, or embarrassed for irresponsible behavior. Third, laws must be strict and consistently enforced. Punishments should be certain and visible so that the general public respects the law and fears the consequences of violating it.

Only then can we grow as a society, foster civic sense, and build a stronger, more responsible community.