Paras Khadka’s Heartfelt Despair: A Nation Stalls on Personal Interests
8th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a powerful and deeply emotional message that has resonated across social media and the nation, Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka has expressed profound disappointment and despair over the current state of the country.
Paras Khadka Despair
His heartfelt tribute, posted on his official Facebook page, was a direct reference to the tragic loss of young lives during the recent Gen Z protest movement that has gripped Kathmandu.
The former captain of the national cricket team, widely revered for his leadership on and off the field, used his platform to speak out against a system he believes is broken by personal interests and a lack of accountability.
His words struck a chord with a public that is mourning the loss of dozens of youths who were protesting against a social media ban and widespread government corruption.
Khadka’s post, a rare and direct commentary on a highly sensitive political issue, reads:
“Our country, a country in name only.
Everywhere I look, only despair – more speeches than action.
A social mindset with no fair evaluation of right and wrong.
Heartfelt tribute to my country that has not been able to rise above personal interests in any field.
Some have truly become martyrs, while many have been made so.
Perhaps, if dying means becoming a martyr,
then we all have already become martyrs long ago.
Speechless.”
This poignant message from one of Nepal’s most respected public figures is more than just a lament; it is a scathing critique of the political and social landscape.
Khadka, who has long been a vocal advocate for systemic change within Nepali cricket, is now applying the same critical lens to the nation as a whole.
His reference to “personal interests” is a thinly veiled accusation against those in power who, in the eyes of the public, are prioritizing their own gains over the well-being and future of the country’s youth.
The phrase, “A social mindset with no fair evaluation of right and wrong,” speaks to a broader cultural malaise. It suggests a society where ethical lines are blurred and justice is not served, a sentiment that has been echoed by the protesters demanding accountability for the violence they faced.
The tragedy of the Gen Z movement, which saw police use excessive force against young people, has become a symbol of this systemic failure.
Khadka’s commentary on martyrdom is particularly powerful. By stating that some have “truly become martyrs,” he acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice of those who died for their cause.
However, his follow-up, “while many have been made so,” points to the possibility of manipulation and political opportunism surrounding the deaths.
The line, “if dying means becoming a martyr, then we all have already become martyrs long ago,” expresses a deep sense of national hopelessness, suggesting that the country has been in a state of decay and sacrifice for an extended period, long before this recent tragedy.
For a figure like Khadka, who has successfully navigated the often-turbulent world of Nepali sports politics, his words carry significant weight.
He has consistently fought for professionalism and transparency in the Cricket Association of Nepal, often facing resistance and political interference. His decision to speak out on this national tragedy is a clear indication of his belief that the nation’s problems extend far beyond the cricket pitch.
The protests, initially sparked by the government’s controversial decision to ban 26 social media platforms, have evolved into a broader movement against corruption and political mismanagement.
The youth, often referred to as “Gen Z,” have taken to the streets to demand a better future, free from the institutionalized corruption that has plagued the nation for decades. The police crackdown and the subsequent loss of life have only fueled their resolve and strengthened public support for their cause.
Paras Khadka’s message is a powerful endorsement of this youth-led movement. It is a voice of reason and despair from a person who has dedicated his life to national pride through sport, only to witness the nation he loves falter under the weight of self-serving interests.
His post is a testament to the fact that the crisis in Nepal is not just political, but moral and existential. It calls for introspection from every citizen and a fundamental shift in the way the nation is governed, a shift that prioritizes the collective good over personal gain.
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