History has subtle ways of dissolving the revolutionary contributions into the regularities of everyday life. As poet Shrawan Mukarung said, “Revolution emerges not just through one face or one sacrifice but through the collective effort of thousands and millions of different fingerprints.” As we revert back to our daily lives from the season of festivities, we must reflect on the changing hues of the black and yellow roads, blue and grey uniforms, white shoes, dark skies and evergreen dreams that were bargained for a better tomorrow.

Amidst the grief of losing a part of self, the families of the martyrs of the Gen Z movement have merely asked for their children’s contributions to count. They have spoken for transparency. It is just as important to deliver justice to the 19 people martyred on the first day of the protest, to the relentless and brutal state action.

The protest was a palpable reality of how corruption has tangible effects on each individual’s life. Each soul understood how necessary it was for corruption to be eradicated. However much the people, especially the youths, knew about the political system, they were aware enough of its flaws as the effects pricked the most in the corners of their houses and neighbourhoods. They knew how much the monotony invited frustration in each mind, and therefore marched for a change.

The protest amplified the voices of the repressed citizens, who barely made a living for themselves. Rebellion ignited in each soul. However, horror took no moment to follow. Hopes and dreams were shattered in the remnants of bullets. As many as 72 martyred till date and hundreds hospitalised breathing in the thin lines of uncertainties. Each sacrifice remains at the core of the revolution. And all must count.

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki and her cabinet have sparked a flicker of hope in the country. And this time, we are equally responsible for developing opinions, being sceptical and gathering legitimate knowledge and information. Eligible citizens are responsible for voting for the right candidates who can distinctly represent our collective voices and demands.

Authorities are to be questioned. If we find flaws, then we rebel and we rebuild rather than blindly getting swayed by promising commitments, deindividuating in the currents of the crowd and worshipping leaders.

Not a single martyr’s life should go to vain. May each voice be heard. And every time the triangles of the national flag follow the curves of the wind, may each martyr’s name be chanted with pride over and over and over again.

To the families of the martyrs, we will remember them. They are with us, ever living in our memories and in the heart of the remarkable history of the Gen Z movement.