Abhishek Chaulagain of ward 4 in Shailung Rural Municipality of Dolakha had just completed his Grade 12 studies. Living in ward 1 of Changunarayan Municipality in Bhaktapur, he joined the Gen Z protest on September 8 in his college uniform. He was reportedly shot in the head and collapsed near the Parliament building.

Abhishek was the only son of Dinesh and Rita Chaulagain. His father, Dinesh, is a security officer, while his mother has been in a dazed state since hearing of her son’s death.

According to his uncle Binod, while many of his friends sought opportunities abroad, Abhishek was determined to stay in Nepal. “He used to say today’s leaders have failed; it is up to us to build a new Nepal,” Binod said.

The family relied solely on Dinesh’s income. “We are shattered. There is no one left to give us courage,” Binod said.